Belt Vs. Chain Garage Door Opener Pros and Cons
You’re busy renovating your home, and the garage door needs replacing.
But what type of garage door should you choose? Should you choose one with a chain or belt drive? You’re not alone, as many homeowners face this common problem.
Luckily, we are here to help make your choice easy.
How Chain and Belt Drive Openers Work
Choosing between a belt-drive or chain-drive garage door opener depends on preference.
Both models have different uses, pros, and cons.
To help you understand these differences better, we’ve prepared a comparison table outlining each type’s key features.
Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
The garage door opener uses a metal chain to help open the door.
A chain-running assembly attached to the tension spring helps lift the garage door.
This style is recommended for most residential properties, offering an affordable price point and easy availability, providing homeowners with a sense of financial security.
Pros of Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
- When properly maintained, the chain drive is a durable and dependable option that will last years, reassuring homeowners.
This model usually is not subject to performance issues like humidity or temperature. - This garage door opener is available at various retailers, from box stores to local hardware stores and large establishments.
- The chain drive you find is constructed from inexpensive steel, making it an affordable option. Replacing parts is also less expensive.
Cons of Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
- The main concern with a chain-drive opener is the noise when used, and you need to be mindful if your home is attached to the garage.
- Due to the chain mechanism, a chain-driven opener can open the door shakily and lift the door slower than a belt-driven opener.
- The opener is made of steel and needs regular maintenance every six months. The chain mechanism must be free from dirt and moisture, which can lead to rust.
Belt Driven Garage Door Opener
The opener uses a rubber belt to open and close the garage door.
The belt slides along a trolley when you trigger it to open or close.
Pros of Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
- The garage door opener works with minimal noise, as the rubber belt works quieter than the chain-drive model, providing homeowners with a peaceful living environment.
- Thanks to recent innovations that have significantly improved its strength and durability, the belt-drive opener can handle substantial lifts.
These changes have made it a reliable and robust option for most residential properties. - Replacing a broken or worn belt is more accessible than a chain model, and the same applies to the installation.
- As with the chain model, the belt drive model is also readily available.
- You need not lubricate a belt drive regularly or need not apply regular rust-prevention methods.
Cons of Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
- The biggest con of investing in a belt-drive garage door opener is the price, as the up-front costs are higher because of the construction.
Comparison of Pros and Cons
Feature | Chain Drive | Belt Drive |
Noise Level | Louder | Quieter |
Durability | Robust | Durable |
Maintenance | Requires regular lubrication and cleaning | Minimal maintenance |
Cost | Generally more affordable | Typically more expensive |
Speed | Slower | Faster |
Do You Need The Right Garage Door Opener?
If you are still deciding on the right garage door opener, our professional team of technicians at Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers is available to help.
Contact us today to find the chain or belt drive opener that best suits your needs.