Advantages and Disadvantages of Chain, Belt, and Screw Operated Garage Door Mechanisms
The two most popular types of garage door openers are belt and chain driven, but screw driven openers are gaining speed in the market. All three have their pros and cons, and there are many individuals who will swear by one over the other, but is one really better than the other? Explore the different styles of garage door openers and their pros and cons here.
Belt Driven Garage Door Openers Pros and Cons
Perhaps one of the most well-known benefits of a belt operated garage door opener is the noise level. Belt drives are much quieter than chain driven garage door openers. In addition, belt driven garage door openers are just as strong a chain drive garage door opener, and they will be able to lift any type of garage door, from wood to steel to aluminum, swiftly. Lastly, this type of garage door opener is easy to install and easy to maintain. They do not need to be lubricated like the chain driven garage door openers.
However, belt operated garage door openers are not as strong as a chain operated or screw operated door opener when it comes to lifting a two-car garage door. In addition, they are not good for areas with extreme humidity or very hot conditions as they can slip, which means slipping onto a vehicle or another object as it is going through the door. Belts tend not to last as long as the other two, either.
Chain Drive Pros and Cons
Chain drive garage door openers have many benefits compared to the other two styles of garage door openers. They are strong and able to lift up two-car garage doors made out of any material without slipping during the process. This type of garage door opener is highly available just about anywhere, and they are a lot less expensive than the other two options.
When it comes to cons, there is one in particular that makes purchasers shy away from a chain drive opener – noise. Chain driven garage door openers are much noisier than belt operated and screw operated garage door openers. Another aspect that makes them noisier is the fact that the door will jimmy back and forth as it is being opened because the chain is not as smooth as a belt drive or screw drive opener.
Screw Drive Garage Door Opener Pros and Cons
Screw operated garage door mechanisms can be a little more costly than the other two options; however, they come with some pretty good benefits. This type of a garage door opener will last a very long time because there is not a chain or a belt to break in the mechanism. In addition, they do not need to be adjusted. Chain driven openers tend to slacken over time and need adjustment. The only con to the screw drive garage door opener is the cost. Otherwise, maintenance and replacement of parts is very minimal.
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