Whether you’re looking to replace your old garage opener, or you’re shopping around for a new one, it’s important to know what differentiates a belt driven garage door opener from other types. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the features that make belt driven garage door openers special.
What is a Belt Driven Garage Door Opener?
When it comes to garage door openers, there are two types that are the most popular: chain drive and belt drive. A belt drive garage door opener is unique in that rather than using the traditional metal chain, they instead use a rubber belt to lift and close your garage door.
If you have an older garage door opener, chances are you are using a chain drive opener. Belt drive garage door openers are relatively new compared to the classic chain drive opener, so many homeowners replacing their garage door opener may want to consider going with a belt drive garage door opener.
Advantages of Belt Drive Garage Door Openers
Belt driven garage door openers are popular due to a few major advantages over chain drive openers.
Belt Drive Garage Door Openers are Ultra Quiet
The garage door opener was certainly a convenient invention. However, one complaint that people often had about early garage door openers was the loud noise they made when opening or closing.
A belt driven garage door opener eliminates that problem entirely since they do not have the metal gears and chains that create the loud noise when in operation – resulting in a smoother garage door opener that creates minimal noise.
Since they lack a metal chain, belt driven garage door openers produce minimal noise during operation.Belt Drive Garage Door Openers are More Convenient and Require Less Maintenance
Yet another benefit of choosing a garage door opener that operates via a belt drive is that it’s easier for you to maintain. Since they do not have metal parts creating friction, belt drive garage door openers last longer and require less maintenance. It also reduces the everyday wear and tear on your garage door due to its soft starting and stopping capabilities.
You don’t have to lubricate it like you need to do with a chain drive. However, we do recommend scheduling regular preventive maintenance to keep it operating as efficiently as possible for as long as possible.
Due to their lack of metal chains and gears, belt driven garage door openers are easier to maintain and last much longer than chain drive openers.Belt Drive Garage Door Openers are Safer
We understand how much you love your family and want to keep them safe. After all, it’s not worth trading the convenience of being able to open your garage door from the inside of your vehicle if it puts your loved ones at risk in any way.
Our belt drive opener, along with every other type of garage door opener that we sell, comes with a monitoring system called DoorDetect. The garage door will automatically stop if anything enters its path while in motion, such as a person, animal, or bicycle.
Tragic accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, but DoorDetect stops them from before they happen.
Battery backups are essential for safety, having one allows you to operate your garage door in the event of a power outage.Be sure to fit your garage door opener with a battery backup in the event of a power outage! Otherwise, you will not be able to open or close your garage door if there isn’t any power feeding the opener.
Disadvantages of Belt Driven Garage Door Openers
While an excellent choice for most homeowners, there are a few cases in which a belt driven garage door opener may not be the best option. Here are the bigger disadvantages when it comes to belt drive garage door openers.
Cost
Due to their inexpensive components and time-tested reliability, chain drive openers are more affordable upfront than belt drive openers.
However, belt drive garage door openers last much longer than chain drive garage door openers since they do not have metal parts creating friction that lead to wear and tear over a shorter period of time.
If homeowner can afford it, spending the extra upfront cost on a belt drive garage door opener will save on repairs & maintenance in the long run.
Chain drive garage door openers are more affordable upfront and life heaver garage doors more efficiently than belt drive openers.Strength
When it comes to the pound-for-pound strength of their material, metal is tougher than rubber can therefore have better lift power. While belt drives can lift heavier garage doors, chain drives do not have to work as hard which reduces stress on the garage door opener’s motor.
Since most homes have a single car garage door, a belt drive will be the best choice for their garage door opener. If your home has a 2-car garage door made of a heavier material such as wood, go with the traditional chain drive. For most other cases, a belt drive will not have any trouble lifting your garage door.
Would You Like to Know More?
We, at Overhead Door of Oklahoma City™, realize that you must consider several factors when choosing a new garage door opener. If we can answer additional questions or demonstrate a product, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.
