Belt vs Chain Garage Door Opener: The Best Choice for Your Home

Nowadays, the garage door opener is an essential thing in almost every house. However, with the options available, it might be challenging to choose which one to go for. The most in use are the belt drive and chain drive openers. Both of these have pros and cons; therefore, a good weighing has to be done before making a decision.

Pros and Cons of Belt Drive vs Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

Below are the pros and cons of belt drive and chain drive garage door openers to keep you guided on which better serves your needs in reliability:

Pros and Cons of Belt Drive Garage Door Openers

Durability

Usually manufactured from reinforced rubber or Kevlar, belt drive openers are more resistant to wear and tear compared to chain drive openers.

They are also less likely to stretch or break over time, meaning they tend to last longer than chain drive openers.

Maintenance

Belt drive openers require very little maintenance. You will not need to oil them as frequently as you would chain drive openers, and they are also less likely to have problems associated with rust or corrosion. This is because the belt itself is made of weather-resistant materials. 

Cons

1. Generally speaking, belt-driven openers tend to be a bit more expensive compared to chain-driven ones because of the high-quality material used and more sophisticated engineering. 

2. They may also not be as rigid as chain drive openers, and hence will not fit well in very heavy garage doors.

Pros and Cons of Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

Affordability

Chain drive openers are the cheapest in the market. They are ideal for those homeowners operating on a tight budget.

Strength

Chain drive openers are super strong, and for this reason, they can handle even the heaviest of garage doors. This makes them a good choice for homes with large or heavy garage doors, like those with multiple cars or trucks. 

Cons

1. Chain drive openers are no doubt the worst of all garage door operators in terms of noise. When driving, the metal chain can give out a lot of screeching noises. It has the potential to be a bother if your garage is near your room or living area. 

2. They also require more maintenance than belt drive openers since they need to be oiled regularly. Besides that, they are more prone to rust and corrosion, especially when it comes to humid weather conditions.

Choosing the Right Opener for You

The best type of garage door opener for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. Here’s a table summarizing the key factors to consider:

Here are some additional factors to consider:

1. Size and weight of your garage door: For heavy garage doors, a chain drive opener may be best.

2. Your budget: a more expensive option will be the belt drive opener; therefore, if you have a tight budget, a chain drive opener may be a better option.

3. How much noise is a factor to you: If you are looking for a quiet garage door opener, then a belt drive opener is the obvious choice.

4. Your DIY skills: Chain drive openers are generally easier to install than belt drive openers. However, if you are uncomfortable working with electrical wiring, it is always best to hire a qualified professional to install your garage door opener.

Let Professionals Handle Your Garage Door Installation

Thinking of replacing an old garage door opener with a new one? Let Rainbow Garage Door Service help you through the selection process and professionally install the right one for your requirements. We carry a huge selection of belt drive and chain drive openers from top brands that our experienced technicians can quickly and efficiently install for your new opener.

Final Thoughts

Which model of garage door opener is used, a good brand name should be selected and it must be installed by a skilled expert to ensure that it works appropriately. If taken good care of, the garage door opener will serve you for many years.

All in all, while both the belt and chain drive garage door openers have their vices and virtues, generally speaking, the belt drive openers are more reliable for a longer period. They can put up with wear and tear without much fuss and require lesser maintenance too. However, they do come at a higher cost. Chain drive openers are cheaper but not quite as long-lasting, as much as one would wish. The best for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.

FAQs

1. Can I convert my chain drive garage door opener to a belt drive?

While it is technically possible, it is not advisable to convert a chain drive opener to a belt drive. This will involve major modifications and may not be cost-effective. It often is easier and more reliable to replace the whole opener with a belt drive model.

2. How much does it cost to replace a garage door opener?

Replacing a garage door opener probably incurs different costs with varied factors: brand, model, type-belt, chain drive, and add-ons, possibly smart ones. You should expect to find a somewhat entry-level garage door opener anywhere between an average of 200 to 500 dollars, while high models may cost way higher.

Note that this is just the cost of the opener itself. You may need to add another $100-$200 to your total expense for professional installation.

3. What are screw drive garage door openers?

Screw drive garage door openers are a less common but highly durable option. They use a threaded steel rod to lift and lower the garage door. This mechanism offers several advantages, including quiet operation, smooth performance, and excellent lifting power. However, they tend to be more expensive than belt or chain drive openers.