The chain and belt-driven door openers are the two most commonly available drive mechanism types used in garage doors.
As the names suggest, the chain drive openers use metal chain links to move the gears that cause the door to open and close. Similarly, with the belt drive openers, the opening and closing mechanism is enabled by using a high tension belt rather than a chain.
Chain drives are more common because they have been in the market longer, are easy to maintain and are relatively cheaper than belt openers.This device uses a metal chain to connect the motor to the garage door. Because this drive system is very strong, it needs a safety reversing system as those found on belt-drive opener doors. It also makes noise while opening and closing, a disadvantage if you work out at home or have children who nap during the day. Finally, there's reason to believe that the chain garage door opener models will eventually need more maintenance than other types of openers. However, chain drives require less money to install than other openers. Chain drive opener doors have more muscle power and are thus better enabled to lift heavy doors. The chain opener is able to achieve such results because of the combined strength of the tension springs and the metal parts that make up the chain drive openers. Chain openers are recommended for double residential garage doors, three car garages, and massive doors such as heavy wood garage doors.
A rubber belt connects the motor to the door. It opens and closes doors by an up and downward action. A threaded clip is placed at the belt ends and is used to adjust the tightness of the belt. Because belt drives have more moving parts than other types, they have safety reversing systems that automatically stop and reverse the door if an obstruction is encountered or if there is an unusual amount of resistance when opening. This prevents people from being crushed by the belt garage door. It's especially important for homes with children or active pets and reduces noise. A belt-drive model costs somewhere in between chain-drive and screw-drive models ($300 to $500). It can be quieter than a chain model but not as quiet as its screw-drive counterpart. Although chain openers are agile best for heaviest doors, advances in technology enable drive openers to be installed in heavy door lifting situations.
The screw drive is similar to the chain model, except it uses a threaded steel rod instead of a chain. Like the belt drive, it has safety reversing systems and tends to be quieter than other openers. However, some models require lubrication or oil on the threads as part of the manufacturer's maintenance requirements which can be inconvenient for those who forget or don't know about this requirement. These openers are more expensive than chain drives and belt models, typically $500 to $800, but they tend to last longer and need less maintenance than either belt or chain drive types. Since they use calibrated screw threads and gears, they are better at opening heavier doors than the belt drive models, especially for homeowners that do not have separate garages.
Belt drive units typically have a longer lifespan Most manufacturers of these units offer lifetime warranties on the motor itself, but they only put the warranty in place if you use name-brand belts and keep up with all proper maintenance they recommend.
It has all of the benefits of a screw-drive opener but with less vibration and noise. Belt drives are also much safer than other types because they include an automatic reversing system that will stop and close the door if something comes into the path while open, preventing potentially dangerous accidents. Belt drive openers are easier to maintain because they do not need lubrication, as with chain drive openers and some screw openers. Belt openers often have a battery backup that kicks in during power supply outages.
This type needs the same types of regular maintenance as a chain drive model, but it doesn't require as much lubrication. Instead, check all hardware every six months and use your owner's manual to determine what type of maintenance is recommended. You should also inspect belts for wear and replace them when they show signs of deterioration. Some makers of belt drive openers offer a lifetime warranty on components such as motors as long as the belt drive openers are operated within the recommended weight and the required maintenance is strictly followed.
The best opener when comparing belt vs chain drive doors depends on door weight loads, personal preferences, and other factors like your budget and the weather in your area. If you have a detached garage separate from the main property, noise may not be a significant issue. The most common complaints about screw-drive openers are that they're too noisy or don't work well in cold, high humidity conditions, or hot weather (if you live in an area where temperature extremes are common). The latter problem results from the fact that this type works by expanding and contracting its parts with changes in temperature, which can cause it not to open or close properly. Chain drive openers are noisy due to the grinding action of the metal parts and the chain. The belt drive is the quietest type.
It will take about an hour or two to install a new garage door opener (including cleanup and repairs if necessary). If you aren't very handy, you may want to hire someone who is, especially for any model that requires electrical work. These units can be wired to allow remote control of your garage door from inside the house with no separate outside switch needed, and you can add lighting in the garage using one of these units as well. Typically, installing a two or three-car garage door will take much longer than a single screw, belt, or chain garage door.
Some garage door openers can easily be upgraded for you to use remote control. This is handy if you often forget to close the door behind you or if someone in your family regularly goes out into the cold, snowy weather with the garage open.
To add this feature, simply buy a remote and plug it into an electrical outlet near the opener motor (one outlet for each remote). The unit is pre-programmed to work with most brands of remotes and can usually do so even if they weren't initially manufactured for that particular opener. Once you program the remote, it will work from inside the house to open and close your garage door. If you don't lose it that is.