Are you trying to decide between installing a belt-driven or a chain-driven garage door? The right garage door can complete the look of your home. However, you’ll need to decide on more than just the color and size. What is the difference between a belt-driven and a chain-driven garage door?
Belt-drive garage door openers are a good choice because they are smooth and easy to operate. Homeowners have minimal issues with belt-drive openers because they don’t require maintenance. Chain-belt garage door openers are a more affordable option that’s easy to find. They are also compatible with most types of garage doors.
There’s a lot to think about when choosing a door for your garage. In order to make the best decision, you should become familiar with the pros and cons of both types of doors. Today, we’re going to go into detail about belt-driven and chain-driven doors. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is A Belt-Driven Garage Door Opener?
As the name suggests, a belt-driven garage door opener uses a rubber belt to open. The belt slides the trolley, making it lift up and down to open and close. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of using a belt-driven garage door opener.
Reliability
Belt-driven garage door openers are very reliable because of their durability. One of the best advantages of this type of door opener is how strong it is. However, belt openers aren’t a good choice for double-door systems or extra-heavy doors.
Another advantage of the belt-driven door is how easy it is to install. You don’t have to be an expert or call a professional to successfully install one. It also requires very minimal maintenance throughout the years.
Cost
The average cost to install a belt-driven garage door is $480. However, this will depend on which brand you buy. Most belt-driven garage door openers range between $300 to $600.
Keep in mind, the prices listed above are for regular good-quality openers. There are lower-end belt-driven openers that you can find for around $200. On the other hand, if you want a more advanced garage door system, high-end belt doors can go for over $1000.
Compatibility
One of the disadvantages of choosing a belt-driven garage door is limited compatibility. Belt-driven garage door openers are only good for single-car garage doors. Even though there are some high-quality belt-driven openers available, they can’t handle more than a single door.
It should also be mentioned that they aren’t a good choice for industrial garages. This is because belt-driven openers aren’t designed for extra-heavy doors. They are compatible with single-door residential garages.
Noise
Belt-driven garage doors are very quiet. You won’t be getting complaints from your neighbors about the sound of your garage door opening and closing. This is one of the quietest options for garage door openers.
Rubber is very soft and flexible, allowing the door to slide up and down without any sound effects. The rubber fits snugly into the sprocket of the garage door opener, creating a smooth path for the door to slide along.
Efficiency/Convenience
Belt-driven garage doors are a great choice if you want a garage door that opens up fast. They are generally faster than chain-driven garage doors. This is because the smooth rubber belt is easier to move.
One thing to keep in mind is that the speed can be adjusted. If you are worried that it’s moving too quickly, you can slow it down to be safe. On the other hand, if you want to get inside your garage quicker, you can increase the speed.
What Is A Chain-Drive Garage Door Opener?
Chain-drive garage door openers are the most common choice among homeowners. The door is lifted by a system using a metal chain and tension springs. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of this type of garage door opener.
Reliability
Chain-drive door openers are reliable in any climate. Many homeowners prefer them because they last for many years without any problems. They can even withstand extreme temperature changes without warping.
This is a great type of garage door opener for homeowners when it comes to reliability. However, in order to make sure you get the maximum amount of years from your garage door opener, maintenance is required. You will need to keep the chain lubricated to keep it working properly.
Cost
Chain-drive garage door openers are more affordable than belt-drive door openers. One of the great things about chain-drive openers is that they don’t rely on advanced technology. This is why they remain affordable despite being very good quality.
So, how much will a chain-drive door opener cost? The average price range is between $150 to $250. This includes the chain, tension springs, and assembly system.
Compatibility
They are capable of lifting very heavy weighted doors with ease. Chain-drive openers are also able to manage lighter doors. This is great news for homeowners that are looking for a more affordable option.
Chain-drive garage door openers are compatible with many types of garage doors. This is the type of system you should consider for double doors, heavy-duty doors, and industrial settings.
Noise
One disadvantage of chain-drive door openers is how loud they are. If the garage is below someone’s bedroom, there’s a good chance it could disrupt their sleep. This isn’t a great option for garages that are attached to the house.
However, if the garage isn’t attached to the house, the noise generally isn’t a problem. While it’s loud, it’s not loud enough to disrupt your neighborhood.
Efficiency/Convenience
Another disadvantage of chain-drive doors is their efficiency. You will need to be more patient with these openers, as they don’t move up and down at the same speed as belt-drives. Similar to belt-drives, you will be able to adjust the speed to your preference.
Chain-drive door openers don’t move as smoothly as belt-drives either. You may notice that they are shakier and sometimes rumbles. This is why it’s important to make sure they are lubricated. If you don’t keep it lubricated, it may become uneven or malfunction.
Belt-drive and chain-drive garage door openers are both great choices. There are many advantages to using both types of systems. Ultimately, your decision should come down to what type of garage you have.
Belt-drive garage door openers are the best option if the garage is attached to your house. This is because you won’t disturb anyone’s sleep if you need to open the garage door early morning or late at night.
Model Comparison
Chain-drive door openers are noisier, so they are a better choice for detached garages. This is the preferred option for industrial settings because they can handle more weight.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Belt-Drive Openers | No maintenance, quiet, efficient | Expensive, only compatible with single doors |
| Chain-Drive Openers | Affordable, widely available, compatible with most garage doors, longer lifespan | Noisiers, need maintenance |
Consider A Professional Installer
If you’re not experienced with installations, you should hire a professional installer. This is because there are very specific steps that need to be followed. A professional will be familiar with the steps and the best tools to use on the job.
There are a few things you should consider about hiring a professional. One of the most essential things is that they will be able to install the garage door opener correctly so it lasts longer without any issues. A professional will also provide a warranty on their work, which is something you can’t get if you install it yourself.
Another thing to consider is safety. When working with appliances, there is a high chance of injury. A professional knows how to properly work with these parts to ensure their safety isn’t at risk.
The Screw Drive Door Opener
There’s one more type of garage door opener that we should mention before you go. The screw drive door opener is a more complex system. It uses a threaded rod that’s attached to a track. There is a trolley that’s attached to this rod that the door is attached to.
When the door opener is turned on, the trolley will travel along the rod to lift the door up or down. Despite being a more complicated system, it is relatively easy to install. It’s a good option to consider if you’re dealing with a large or wide garage door.
This is the least common type of garage door opener for homeowners in the US. Only 5% of people choose this type. A lot of people believe that screw-drive door openers require more maintenance. While this is true, they only require the homeowner to lubricate the rods twice a year.
Out of all the garage door openers we mentioned today, this one is the slowest. The speed of a garage door typically isn’t a big deal to most homeowners. However, a lot of people feel that the decreased speed of this garage door opener adds more safety.
Conclusion
Both belt-drive and chain-drive garage door openers are reliable. If you prefer a quiet door opener that operates smoothly, you should install a belt-drive opener. However, if you want an opener that is affordable and long-lasting, chain-drive openers are a better choice. Chain-drive garage door openers should be used for heavy-duty doors.
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Ruben has a diverse background in the home services industry, with experience running a construction company, a kitchen and bath showroom, and a moving and relocation company. This breadth of experience has provided him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas of home improvement in general and specifically in the heating and plumbing niche.