Chain vs Belt: Which Garage Door Opener Is Best?

You're replacing your garage door to bring your home together. Maybe you’re matching your new windows or doing an update before you put in on the market. You’re making lots of decisions right now but there’s the one you didn’t expect: how do you choose between chain and belt drives?



Read on to find out which garage door opener is best for you.

How Chain and Belt Drives Work

Chain drive garage door opener uses a metal chain to open the garage door. These are widely used since they are affordable and easily available. This garage door opener works by moving gears and metal parts together. It uses a chain running assembly unit attached to tension springs that lift the garage door up and down. Belt drive garage openers use a rubber belt to open the garage door. Like a chain drive, the belt drive operates by moving the rubber belt. The rubber belt is used to slide the trolley when the door is triggered to open or close the door.

Chain vs Belt: Price

When it comes to affordability, you will not be disappointed with a good chain drive garage opener. They are inexpensive and time-tested. Oftentimes, your garage door comes with a common chain drive because they are easily available on the market. On the other hand, belt drives are more expensive, but they are an economical option for the long term. Belt drives have a long-lasting shelf life since it’s the trolley is used to move the rubber belt up and down. Chain drives are not long-lasting because the friction of metal on metal wears the parts down quicker.

Chain vs Belt: Strength

As previously mentioned, these two styles function the same. One difference is that chain drives are simply stronger: they can lift more than a belt drive. This makes them the choice for moving heavier doors, so consider them if you’re going with a steel carriage. But this won’t be a factor with lighter door models. Go with a chain drive if you have a 2-car garage door. Chain drives have the strength to lift a two car and three car garages without any trouble. On the other hand, a belt drive will have trouble lifting garage doors made from heavy wood, two or three car garage doors and anything that’s heavier for the recommended weight. If you have a one car garage door then going with a belt drive will get the job done. Nevertheless, belt drives have made long strides in construction and finding a belt drive that’s capable of operating on any door is available. However, they are not easily available, and you’ll end up spending more money on one.

Chain vs Belt: Noise

Do you ever make it all the way home, the baby finally asleep, only to ruin it all with a thunderous garage door? Many people like belt drive because they're the quietest of the garage door openers. However, you’d miss the sound to alert you of teen drivers coming and going. Also, if you have a detached garage, you may be able to tolerate more noise from the door since it’s not abutting your main property. Belt drive are less noisy than chain drives. Therefore, it’s not recommended to invest in chain drive openers if you have an attached garage that has a bedroom right above it. All that noise that comes with metal on metal friction will wake up your kids and the neighbors right across from you. You simply want to go with a rubber belt that pulls the belt on a trolley instead of an assembly metal line.

Chain vs Belt: Convenience

Belt drives are slightly faster than other models. This is an added convenience, but it probably won’t make a big difference in your day to day. Similarly, one disadvantage of chain drives is sometimes the chain needs readjustment, but this will only come up once or twice in their lifetime.

Always Go With Professionals for Garage Door Installation

Whatever your garage needs, always come to the professionals. Our garage doors come in a variety of styles and colors to match your home’s facade. Trust Danley's to deliver the best in garage door opener quality on your new garage, whether it's a chain or belt garage door. Start with a free quote today to begin your new garage project.