Do Belts or Chains Work Better For Garage Door Openers?

If you are in the market for a new garage door opener, you might be wondering which option is the best. While most people will probably choose a belt-driven opener for its smooth operation, some will choose the cheaper chain-driven alternative. The question then becomes which is better — a belt or a chain? Stripped down to their most basic components, both types of openers are very similar in design and function. Each consists of the same parts: an electric motor to power the opener, a chain or belt to move the door, and a safety beam to prevent the door from closing on an object.

Belt-Drive Garage Door Opener

A belt-driven garage door opener has fewer moving components than its chain-driven cousin. The belt, which is usually made of fiberglass, is looped around a large wheel at the bottom of the door and around an electric motor in the garage ceiling. When the opener button is pushed, or when you flip on the light switch in your car so that it’s triggered by one of the wireless transmitters, a signal is sent through a wired connection in the garage wall to the door opener. The motor turns on, which causes the belt to move and lift or lower your door as needed.

Chain Drive Garage Door Opener

Chain-driven openers are typically cheaper than their belt counterparts, though they may offer faster speeds. Chain-drive openers have fewer moving parts than belt models, which means they are typically less expensive models. Also, because of their fewer moving parts, chain-driven openers tend to be able to operate at slightly faster speeds than belt-drive openers, but that is based on the type of door and garage frame construction.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for convenience, belt drive is probably your best bet. Both types of openers have electric motors to power them, so neither one will cause any increase in your electricity bill. However, a belt-driven opener typically has a smoother operation and will not shake your garage door as much when in use, meaning your garage frame may need fewer repairs over time. You can also consult with a garage door opener repair Suffolk company to get the best piece of advice.

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