Door Opener Types

When it comes to a new garage door opener, there are many things you might want to look at, including horsepower and brand name. But perhaps the most important consideration is in the type, as there are three very distinct types and picking the right one will make a tremendous difference in the quality and pleasure you derive from your door. The three types are the belt drive garage door opener, the screw drive garage door opener, and the chain drive garage door opener.

Chain drive garage door openers are one of the two most common types, belt drives being the other. In this model, a chain runs along a track and guides a trolley arm while lifting or lowering the door. It is the same concept as the ancient pulley technique. Its simplicity makes it cheap, and it is very reliable as long as it is also properly maintained. The main drawback is that the chain does not move silently along the track, but makes a noise whenever the door is opened or closed. This does, however, make it possible to know exactly when somebody has come home. They tend to cost around 140-175 dollars, depending on horsepower.

The belt drive garage door opener tends to be the most expensive but is also fast, strong and silent. The typical horsepower is ½-3/4 horsepower, which is more than capable of lifting the standard weighted garage door. A quiet yet durable rubber belt pulls the door up and down along the track, giving it a smooth operation often favored by noise-conscious consumers. They are prized mostly for being a quieter alternative to the chain drive models, but are otherwise very similar in technique. The average price for these models tends to be in the 250-300 dollar range although some Genie models are nearer to 200 dollars.

The third option for homeowners is the screw drive garage door opener. It is compact yet powerful. The lifting mechanism is threaded along a rod, and as the rod twists, the motion pulls the door up or down accordingly. The operation is usually very smooth and has fewer parts than some other types, so maintenance is very easy to do. Just clean the rod a few times per year.  The price range is in-between the other two models, generally around 200 dollars.

These three options each bring certain advantages and disadvantages to the buyer. However, the right choice will be a solid product for years to come.