Standard garage door openers come in three common types – screw drive, chain and belt driven. Texas Overhead Door has chosen not to sell screw drive openers because the lack of quality performance.
Whether you’re upgrading, replacing a broken unit, or adding an opener to a new garage door, this handy guide will help you sort out the differences. When you’re ready to decide, call Texas Overhead Door and we’ll be happy to install a new Liftmaster unit for your garage.
Garage Door Types
- Chain-Driven
- 4 year Warranty on Motor & 1 yr on Parts (LiftMaster 1/2hp 3255 unit)
- Reliable, Safe, Durable & Easy to Maintain
- “The Protector System” reverses door if something gets in the way of sensors
- Earned the “Good Housekeeping” Seal of Approval
- Belt-Driven
- Quietest Opener Made
- Smoother Operation- which prolongs the life of your opener
- Lifetime Warranty on Belt and Motor (LiftMaster 83551/2 hp)
- Connectivity with MyQ Technology with the LiftMaster 8550 (3/4hp motor)
- Battery Back Optional–never be locked in or out of your garage!
- Come see the LiftMaster 8500 a Wall-Mounted Unit (in our showroom, now)
Basic Performance
Choosing the best opener type begins with the basic performance of each model.
Chain-driven openers use a bicycle-like chain to operate the pulley that pulls the garage door up and down. The chain goes over a metal bar, which results in some noise and vibration. Chain driven openers are the most common variety used in most homes.
Belt-driven openers use a belt to move the garage door carriage. The type of belt varies depending on the model, but they are generally made of fiberglass or polyurethane, although steel-reinforced belts are available if durability is a concern.
Price Comparison
Chain driven models are the least expensive and belt driven openers tend to cost the most. Cost goes beyond just the initial investment, though. Chain driven openers are more prone to maintenance issues because of vibration wearing on the moving parts. Belt-drive models have the Lifetime warranty on Motor and Belt– best value if you are staying in your home for years to come.
The motor also impacts the final cost of the unit. Generally, you can get away with a 1/2-horsepower motor on most single and double garage doors. Only upgrade to the larger 3/4-horsepower motor if your doors are heavier than most standard double doors.
Noise and Vibration
When shopping for a garage door opener, think about daily usage. On a detached garage, noise and vibration may not be much of an issue, but it can be a deal breaker on an attached garage. If a bedroom sits near the garage, or if you tend to get home after everyone is in bed, a quiet garage door opener is a must!
Chain driven openers are usually the noisiest because of the metal-on-metal issues mentioned previously. Belt-drive is the quietest, with the a smooth start-stop action.
Don’t Overlook the Features
Safety is the number one concern no matter which opener you choose. All garage door openers must have a sensor that stops and reverses the door in the event that something – or someone – is under it.
If power outages are common in your area, or if the garage is the main entrance into your home, consider adding a battery backup feature so your door still works even if the power doesn’t. Even if you don’t need battery backup, make sure the opener has a manual release so you can open it from the inside without power.
Determine what’s most important to you in an opener, whether it’s cost, quietness, or easy maintenance. From there, it’s simple to find the perfect opener with all the desired features to fit your needs.
Order Your New Garage Door Opener Today!
If you’re ready to upgrade your garage door, call Texas Overhead Door today at 800-715-8781, or fill out our contact form. We are a factory authorized dealer of Liftmaster brand garage door openers, the best openers on the market. Proudly serving Fort Worth and surrounding areas.
