Chain Drive Openers vs. Belt Drive Openers

Your garage door is the largest point of entry to your home and is used on average, six to seven times a day. Since it’s such an important part of your home, you want to be sure you’re getting the most out of your garage door! If you’re upgrading your door, a point may come where you must decide between a chain drive opener and a belt drive opener. Here are some of the differences between the two to help you make a more educated decision. 

Chain Drive Opener

Chain Drive openers are the most common type of garage door openers in the United States. They have been around for decades and are widely available at any home improvement store. These openers use a metal chain, similar to a bike chain, to open the garage door. 

Belt Drive Garage Door Opener

Instead of the metal chain that chain drive openers use, a belt drive garage door opener uses a rubber belt. These types of openers have grown more and more common as the years have gone on. Just like chain drive openers, you can typically find these openers at home improvement stores. 

The Differences

Now that you better understand how each of the garage door opener’s function, it’s time to focus on the differences between the two. The differences between the two will, by and large, be the reason why you choose one over the other. 

Noise

How much the noise level of your garage door opener matters to you is going to depend on the location of your garage. If your garage is a separate part of your house, it might not make a noticeable difference. If your garage is built directly underneath a room or is next to a room, it can be annoying to the other members of your house. 

Since a chain drive opener uses a chain, it is naturally going to be louder. A belt drive opener uses a rubber belt to open and close your door, making it much quieter than a chain drive opener. If noise is important, a belt drive opener is the way to go. 

Strength

Both openers serve their purpose when it comes to opening one-car garages. If you have a two-car garage or bigger, a chain drive opener is your best option. This is because chain drive openers are stronger than belt drive openers. 

Speed

For the most part, garage door openers open garage doors at a slower speed than they’re capable of to ensure the safety of the user. However, belt drive openers do lift an average weight door slightly quicker than belt drive openers. If you value the extra couple of seconds that a belt drive opener provides you with, a belt drive opener might be your best option. 

Price

Price is more often than not the number one factor that goes into choosing a garage door opener for most homeowners. Belt drive openers are usually more pricy than chain drive openers. However, belt drive openers often come with better warranties, which could help save you money in the long run. 

Garage Door Opener Installation

Rather you choose a chain drive or a belt drive opener, our team here at Sevanlocks can help install your new garage door opener in the Seattle area. We can also help you choose the perfect door for you if you can’t make the decision! Give us a call today to find out how we can help you.