Is a Belt or Chain Better for Garage Door Openers

When thinking about the garage doors, most people may not consider how the doors open or close. In particular, they may not know that when considering garage door openers, there are two main types of drive mechanisms to choose from: the belt drive or the chain drive. Depending on the requirements and needs, one might be an obvious winner, but it might be good to know a bit more about both to make an informed decision.

These are general guidelines. Some models deviate from the standard and may have fewer drawbacks for their respective types.

CHAIN OPENERS

Chain-drive garage door openers use a metal chain to open and close the garage doors. Chains are widely used due to their relative strength and affordability. A set of gears is responsible for running the chain, while tension springs keep the doors in place.

BELT OPENERS

Belt-driven openers work in a similar manner. Rubber belts connect the motor to the trolley, which pulls the doors up and down. Rubber belts are quieter than metal chains, and they don’t do the actual pulling, so they last longer.

BELT VS. CHAIN COMPARISON GUIDE

Both types of garage openers have their pros and cons, so the homeowners will need to consider all of the factors.

PRICE

On average, a good chain-driven garage door opener will be considerably cheaper than the belt-driven alternative. Chains can also be replaced much easier and are found everywhere on the market.

MAINTENANCE AND COSTS

While a chain opener is cheaper to purchase and install initially, the belt option can be easier on the wallet in the long run. Metal chains wear out much faster, especially if the garage doors receive high traffic. The friction of the metal parts, including the chain and gears, will also mean other parts might need to be replaced sooner.

STRENGTH

While both types of door openers function the same, chains are simply stronger. The metal chain will lift heavier doors more easily, and some belt opener models won’t work with two-car doors at all. Although it is possible to find a belt drive strong enough to open larger doors made from heavy material, it will cost significantly more than a chain-drive opener of similar strength.

NOISE

Belt-drive openers are quieter when compared to chain openers of similar size and when used on the same doors. If the garage doors are below a bedroom, a garage door that makes less noise will probably be the most important requirement. In that case, we’d recommend a solid belt-drive system.

SPEED

Belt-drive openers are generally faster than chain-drive openers. However, the speed can be adjusted slightly on both types.

CONVENIENCE

The chain might need to be readjusted a few times in its lifetime and will probably need to be replaced sooner than the belt in a belt-drive model. On the other hand, the rubber belt might slip out in particularly humid, hot, or wet environments.

Have you made a decision on which garage doors and opener to use? Contact a professional garage door service for accurate quotes, quick and professional installations, and speedy repairs on any model.

Call Quick Response Garage Door Service: we are your Arizona garage door service specialists.
602-274-3667 (Phoenix) or 520-219-3667 (Tucson)