October 27, 2022

There are a few things to consider when you’re in the market for a garage door opener. First and foremost, it is imperative that your garage door opener is professionally installed. Garage door openers are not just a plug and play product. Each garage door opener needs to be configured for each specific garage door that they are lifting, as well for the specific environment in which they are operating in. 

If installed and configured correctly by a certified technician, even the most basic chain-driven garage door opener can last around 10-15 years. Incorrectly installed garage door openers pose a major safety hazard. Not only can an improperly installed garage door opener damage your home and your property but there is also a risk of personal injury due to its faults. A properly installed garage door opener will have several different safety mechanisms in place in order to ensure that no one gets injured while using the garage door – the largest door in your home. 

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of professional installation and safety, we can go over the two main types of garage door openers: Chain Driven and Belt Driven

A LiftMaster technician adjusts garage door opener camera

Chain Driven

Chain driven garage door openers, as you may have guessed, operate through the use of a metal chain that the garage door opener moves in order to close and open the garage door.

The advantages of a chain driven garage door opener are its cost, lifespan and availability.

Cost: Compared to belt drives, Chain driven garage door openers are less expensive. 

Lifespan: If properly maintained, chain driven garage door openers can last for years. 

Availability: Chain driven garage door openers are widely available. They can be purchased not only at your local garage door company, but also at your nearby hardware store. 

Disadvantages of Chain Driven Garage Door Openers: 

Noise: Chain driven garage door openers operate audibly. If, for example, the garage is attached to a bedroom or any other regularly populated areas of the house, this could result in some inconveniences for occupants of that area. 

Required maintenance: If not properly maintained, the chains will be at risk of rusting. Eventually, a rusted chain will fail and potentially cause damage to your property, or worse, personal harm. 

Belt-Driven

Belt-driven garage doors openers are the quietest option, and are built to last. We always recommend a belt-driven garage door opener if you are interested in a quality product. 

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of a belt-driven garage door opener.

Advantages: 

Low noise level: Choosing a belt-driven garage door opener will provide a low level of noise during the operation of the garage door opener. 

Durability: Similar to chain-driven openers, belt-driven openers are known for their durability and longevity. 

Ease of Maintenance: Since belt-driven openers don’t rust, they don’t require periodic lubrication as chain-driven openers do. 

Disadvantages:

Cost: Belt-driven garage door openers are the premium choice. This is especially due to the reduced noise level compared to chain driven garage openers. 

Still need some more input as to what kind of garage door opener is best for your home? At Canadoor Garage Doors, we offer a comprehensive range of innovative garage doors, accessories and openers. This is made possible by the lasting relationships we have formed with some of the industry’s largest garage door suppliers. Contact us today to get started!