Choosing the Right Garage Door Opener
The garage and garage door not only provide shelter for your car but convenience as well. Having a quality garage door protects your vehicle and any other valuables in the garage from theft and inclement weather. Many homeowners with attached garages also tend to use the garage for entry into the home more than they do the front door. With such frequent use, it’s essential for homeowners to consider their options to be sure they are choosing the right garage door opener to suit their needs.
Chain-Drive Garage Door Opener
Chain-drive openers are one of the older models of garage door openers. Though the technology might be considered antiquated, they are still readily available and a popular choice because of their reliability and affordable price point. As the name suggests, this type of opener operates via a metal chain. Similar to the way a chain on a bicycle works to move the wheels, the chain on a garage door opener runs along a trolley that moves the door up and down.
Pros of Chain-Drive Openers
Even though the mechanics of chain-drives aren’t as technologically advanced as newer models, they still tend to be the most reliable. They are also much more affordable than more recent garage door opener designs. If you don’t have a big budget and are happy with something simple and reliable, chain-drive openers are an excellent choice.
Cons of Chain-Drive Openers
The biggest downfall of chain-drive openers is the noise level. The chain does not move as smoothly as other drive styles. When operating, the chain will rattle and shake, causing loud sounds to vibrate throughout the garage. If you have a detached garage, this might not be much of an issue. However, if your garage is attached, the sounds can easily travel into the home and be quite distracting.
Belt-Drive Garage Door Opener
With belt-drives, the mechanics work similarly to chain-drives, but with a rubber belt used in place of the chain. Because the belts are flat and smooth, belt-drives tend to be much quieter than chain-drives and overall result in more seamless door operations. The newer technology found in belt-drives also requires less moving parts, which means the chances of something breaking are much lower, resulting in less maintenance and repairs needed over time.
Pros of Belt-Drive Openers
The belt-drive pros and cons are the opposite of the chain-drive. With it’s updated technology and smooth belt operation, the belt-drive opener is much quieter than the chain-drive. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners with an attached garage. With less moving parts, the belt-drive is also a great low maintenance option.
Cons of Belt-Drive Openers
Unfortunately, with newer gadgets and better technology comes a higher price tag. Belt-drives can be significantly more money than the older chain-drive models. However, even though the upfront investment is higher, it can be a more cost-effective option in the long run. With less moving parts meaning less maintenance, you will potentially spend less over time on repairs than you would with older opener models.
Screw-Drive Garage Openers
Screw-drive garage door openers operate using a steel rod. The rod rotates, moving the trolley, which then lifts or lowers the garage door. Like belt-drives, screw-drive openers have fewer moving parts and are quieter when operating. The vibration-free movement of these openers makes them ideal for attached garages, especially in homes with a living space that sits above or next to the garage.
Pros of Screw-Drive Openers
Because of the rod-style mechanics, screw-drive openers run more smoothly than chain-drives. They also have fewer moving parts than both the belt and chain-drive openers, making them even easier to repair when needed.
Cons of Screw-Drive Openers
Screw-drives are known to be temperature sensitive. If you live in an area with extreme temperature changes, you might end up having to perform maintenance on the opener more often. Like belt-drives, screw-drives also tend to be more expensive because of the newer technology used. However, if you don’t live in an area with extreme weather, you will likely not have to do repairs on the opener as often, which will offset the high upfront cost.
Direct-Drive Garage Door Openers
Direct-drive openers are not readily available but are becoming increasingly popular. They are considered to be the quietest and most reliable opener on the market today. Instead of a belt or a chain doing the work, the motor itself runs along the track to lift and lower the door.
Pros of Direct-Drive Openers
Because the motor is the only moving part on a direct-drive opener, it is very quiet. The chain or belt movement in other drive styles is what often creates so much noise. So with the motor being the only component moving in this design, there is little noise. Direct-drives are also very low-maintenance for this same reason. With few moving parts, there are fewer things that will need repairs over time.
Cons of Direct-Drive Openers
With direct-drive openers being one of the newest models on the market, they are not readily available in the United States yet. The updated technology used also means it is the priciest option. However, if you can get your hands on one, their quiet operation and low maintenance needs make them worth the initial cost.
All About Doors
All About Doors has been servicing the Hilsboro, OR, and surrounding areas for over 32 years. As a family-owned business, we genuinely care about our customers, delivering them quality service and products. Our technicians receive comprehensive training and commit to quality, providing an unrivaled customer service experience. For the best garage door service and products in the northwest, contact All About Doors today!