Most garage door openers fall under one of two different categories – belt openers, or chain openers. When choosing a new garage door, it’s really important to understand the differences between these opening mechanisms, and which is going to be best for your home. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you get to know the differences, and decide between a belt vs chain garage door opener.
What’s The Difference Between Belt And Chain Garage Doors?
First up, understanding the key difference between belt and chain openers is a must.
Belt Door Openers
A belt opener for a garage door uses a reinforced rubber belt to lift and lower the door. These openers are often able to operate smoothly and quietly, thanks to the use of rubber. This makes them a great choice for homes where the garage might be close to bedrooms or living rooms. There are also fewer moving parts in a belt opener than a chain opener, meaning less maintenance over time. They are, however, a little more expensive overall.
Chain Door Openers
Chain openers are more frequently used, thanks to being more cost-effective. This mechanism uses a metal chain to raise and lower the door, and is generally durable and reliable. It’s usually recommended that a chain opener is used for garage doors made from heavier materials, such as timber or larger metal doors. Chain openers are louder though, and are known to require more regular maintenance.
So Which Opener Is Better, Belt Or Chain?
The answer to this question really depends on your preferences and the requirements of your garage door. We’ll take a look at each main consideration below.
Price
It’s always important to take price into account when choosing the right opener for your garage door. If you do want to save money up front, a chain garage door opener is generally more affordable. However, in the long run, a belt opener can save you money, as these openers usually require less maintenance over the long run. However, it’s important to make sure you don’t use pricing as your only criteria.
Noise
Belt drives are the clear winner when it comes to noise levels. Comparing a belt drive vs chain drive garage door opener shows that belt systems are almost silent, while chain openers will produce noise every time they operate. If you have an attached garage, a belt opener may be the best choice… especially if you’re trying not to wake up the kids when coming home from work late.
Durability
Both systems are durable, but chain openers are generally better for heavier garage doors, such as timber doors, or double garages. They’re also a better option for doors that are seeing a lot of regular use. On the other hand, belt systems don’t handle extreme weight as well. They do offer better longevity though, and as we mentioned earlier, generally cost less over the long run when it comes to maintenance. In essence, chain openers are stronger, but belt openers are more durable.
Convenience
Belt garage door openers come out ahead when we’re talking convenience. They offer a much smoother mechanism and operation, meaning less noise and less problems over time. As a homeowner, you should take into consideration the noise levels (depending on where your garage is located), as well as the benefits of low maintenance reliability.
And if you’d like to speak to an expert about your garage door opener, we’re always here to help.
Looking For Garage Door Maintenance And Repairs In Brisbane?
At Lightning Garage Door Solutions, we provide expert maintenance and repairs for garage doors and openers across Brisbane. It doesn’t matter whether you have a belt garage door opener or a chain drive opener, regular maintenance and repairs are essential for improving longevity and making sure your door is always operating safely and efficiently.
