Common Types of Garage Door Openers for Homes

Automatic door openers allow for the easy opening and closing of heavy garage doors. But with constant use and abuse, these openers will eventually need repair or, worse, a replacement. Therefore, deciding what type of opener you choose is crucial in maximizing your investment. 

Garage door openers come in different drive types, each offering a unique set of benefits. In this blog by Omaha Garage Door Repair, we will discuss the benefits of belt, chain, and screw drive garage door openers to help you select the best type that suits your needs and lifestyle. 

Common Types of Garage Door Openers

Standard garage door openers come in three different varieties, and they all operate similarly: a motor propels a trolley or carriage down a rail. But what sets them apart?

Chain-Driven Openers

For operation, chain-driven garage door openers use metal chains. Despite being a more economical choice, these can be noisier. Before you decide on a chain-driven opener, you need to consider where the garage is located in the house to minimize potential noise disruptions.

How does it work?

The chain drive device is the “classic” garage door opener. It uses a roller chain that looks a lot like the one on a bicycle. The door attaches to the trolley by a draw-bar, moving back and forth along a track. Due to its durability, most heavy-duty openers still use the chain drive. Because a chain drive operator tends to be noisy, they are suitable for detached garages. On the other hand, a noisy door gives you a warning every time it operates, which you might view as a benefit. 

Belt-Driven Openers

The only difference between belt-driven openers and chain-driven is the employment of a rubber belt in place of the chain. Today’s high-strength drive belts can withstand the weight loads of most single or double residential garage doors. Therefore, belt-drive garage door openers are the high-end option for people who demand silent performance in their doors. 

How does it work?

A belt rather than a chain moves the trolley in belt-drive garage door openers. It results in quieter operation and makes them a better option for garages under or close to living spaces. A sprocket wraps around the top of the opener by a driving system that travels along the rail. The drive trolley joins the belt ends with a threaded clip that can rotate to maintain a tight fit.

Fiberglass, steel-reinforced rubber, or polyurethane materials results in low-vibration belts. The most silent openers are belt drives, which are slightly more expensive than chain drives.

Screw-Driven Openers

Screw drives are the most expensive type of opener and noisier than belt drives. Nevertheless, you should give it a shot if you seek a less loud approach to your garage.

How does it work?

A screw-drive garage door opener steel uses threaded rod on which the trolley is mounted. A trolley and its attached door are moved by turning the rod, which is powered by an electric motor. This opener’s simplicity is what makes it appealing. A screw-drive opener has the fewest moving parts and is the easiest to maintain for the do-it-yourselfer. However, this type requires more regular maintenance for applications that experience seasonal temperature changes due to the temperature sensitivity of screw drives.

Garage Door Opener Installation Near Me

Ready for a new garage door opener? Whether you have a newly-installed garage door or want to upgrade your door’s opener, Omaha Garage Door Repair is here to assist you in making the right choice. With a wide selection of top-grade brands, such as Liftmaster garage door opener, we ensure to provide residents and business owners in Omaha, NE, with the best service possible.

At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we guarantee to use only the premium-quality garage door parts for every garage door service we perform. Call us today to learn more about our latest garage door opener, garage door springs, and more! In all inquiries, we provide free estimates.