Learn the Pros & Cons of Belt Drive and Chain Drive Openers

Automated garage door openers are a convenience that make going in and out of your garage a breeze. They do all the heavy lifting when it comes to opening and closing your garage door.

Among all of the factors to consider when shopping for a garage door opener, the type of drive mechanism is probably not something you hear about very often. Garage door openers generally come with belt drive openers or chain drive openers. Keep reading to learn more about each and to find out which garage door opener is best for your needs.

Belt Drive

A belt drive garage door opener uses a rubber belt instead of a metal chain to open your garage door. Today’s high-strength drive belts can handle the weight loads of most single or double residential garage doors. These systems do tend to cost a bit more than the alternative but they also have a longer lifespan. Belt drive openers last 15 years to 20 years depending on use.

Pros:

• Belt drive openers are a great option if you prefer whisper-quiet door opening
• Technology has significantly improved the performance of belt drives making them strong enough for nearly every home garage door application
• Belt drive openers are typically a little faster than chain drives but the distinction between both is negligible
• Replacing a belt is an easier process for garage door specialists versus changing out a chain
• Belt drives are a popular option and their components are readily available
• Maintenance is very easy as belts do not need lubrication as a chain drive opener does

Cons:

• Belt drives are not constructed to take care of huge or heavy garage doors
• Belt drive openers can struggle in extreme conditions like excessive heat or moisture
• Belts break a lot faster than chains do (but are simple to change)
• Belt drive openers tend to cost more upfront when compared to chain drives

Chain Drive

Chain drive garage openers are the most common type of garage door openers in the U.S. Chain drive door openers use a metal chain, similar to a bicycle chain, to open the garage door. The chains used on residential garage door openers typically have higher tensile strength and greater lifting capacity than belts. They also may last longer in certain applications.

Pros:

• Chain drives can do the really heavy lifting when it comes to big, heavy, or wooden doors
• When maintained properly chain drives can outlast belt drives by a fair degree
• Chain drives will operate no matter the temperature, weather, or humidity level
• Chain drives are by far the least expensive type of garage door opener on the market making them a cost-effective choice

Cons:

• Chain drive garage door openers make more noise which can be an issue if your garage door is close to any social areas of your home or is under a second-floor bedroom
• Chain drive doors will sometimes lift in a slightly shaky manner due to the nature of the chain mechanism
• Chain drives may lift the garage door a bit slower than a belt drive opener might
• If you do not have your chain drive lubricated at regular intervals it can begin to corrode, work unevenly and eventually fail

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