Understanding Garage Door Opener Types

In this blog entry, the professional Charleston garage door installation and Charleston garage door repair service team here at Promaster Garage Charleston will detail the main types of garage door openers so you can better understand how to choose the best one for your garage’s needs.

Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

These are the most affordable type of garage door openers on the market. They are strong and durable, and ideal for heavy garage doors. Chain drive mechanisms are noisier than other types of garage openers, which makes chain drive garage door openers a better choice for detached garages, or garages in areas where noise isn’t an issue.

Belt Drive Garage Openers

These work with a rubber belt instead of a chain. They are much quieter than chain drive garage door openers, and are ideal for homes with attached garages. They work with minimal vibration, and are the quietest option for garage door openers available, but are more expensive than chain drive garage doors.

Screw Drive Garage Openers

These garage door openers work differently than those operated by chain or belt drivers. A trolley will operate with a threaded steel rod, like a screw, to rotate the motor and move the garage door. Screw drive garage doors have somewhat easier maintenance, as they have less moving parts. They won’t need to be adjusted like chain drive openers, and are quiet even with long term usage. However, they are more sensitive to temperature changes, and need more maintenance with extreme seasonal changes. They are often installed on the wall beside the garage door, which frees up ceiling space. They are best for homes with limited or high ceiling clearances, but are more expensive than the previous two garage door openers.

Smart Garage Door Openers

These garage door openers can be operated remotely via smartphone applications. They are highly convenient, and often have extra security features like automatic alerts and remote access. Smart garage openers are also often compatible with home automation systems, allowing you to integrate it with other smart devices that you use to automate processes in your home for convenience.

What are the most important things to consider when purchasing a garage door?

  • How much noise would be alright for you
  • How much horsepower you need for your garage door
  • Whether you want nay special features like remote control, keyless entry, and battery backups