Types of Garage Door Openers Homeowners Should Know
September 06, 2024
You may want to install a new garage door opener for various reasons. Maybe the current one is old and you want a new one to increase the door’s functionality, or you just need a modern opener with enhanced security features. Whatever the reason, you have several options to choose from. Let’s explore the main types of garage door openers commonly used by homeowners.
Call Us (713) 224-3667 Request Estimate
Garage Door Types
Although all types of garage door openers perform the same core function, they have different methods of achieving their goal.
1. Chain Drive Garage Door Openers
Chain drives are some of the most common types of garage door openers. As the name suggests, their operating mechanism involves using a chain to push or pull a trolley that moves your garage door up and down. Chain drives are the oldest types of openers and are also reliable. While they might not be the flashiest openers, they get the job done. Modern chain drives can connect to the internet.
These openers are best suited for wooden, insulated or heavier garage doors.
Pros:
- Highly reliable with less chances of breaking compared with other openers
- Most affordable openers in the market
- Have superior lifting capacity
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Noisy, although modern chain drives tend to be less so
- The chain will rust if there is no maintenance. Regular lubrication is also required to ensure smooth operation
Choose this type of opener when looking for a strong and durable solution on a budget and noise is not a major concern. You can reduce the noise by adding sound insulation to the garage ceiling and walls. You can also install a vibration isolation kit.
2. Jackshaft Garage Door Openers
These garage door openers are mounted on the wall next to the garage door. They operate the torsion bar to open and close the door.
These openers work best with sectional garage doors.
Pros:
- Quieter operation because there are no belts or chains
- Works quickly
- Space-saving design
- Have advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity
- Have numerous built-in security features
- Requires little maintenance
Cons:
- Are the most expensive openers in the market
- Is not compatible with many types of garage doors
Jackshaft garage door openers are ideal for garages with high and unusually shaped ceilings. The openers are mounted on the side and free up ceiling space. However, this garage door opener is rare.
3. Belt Drive Garage Door Openers
These garage door openers have a similar working mechanism as chain drives but use a wide rubber belt instead of a metal chain. This opener is considered an improvement over the chain drive. A switch activates the belt for operation, and the activated belt pushes and pulls the trolley up and down the track to lift or lower the door. The opener has fewer moving parts when operating, and there are fewer chances of something breaking up.
Belt drive garage doors can be used for both one-piece and multipanel doors.
Pros:
- Long-lasting and requires less maintenance
- Less noisy and faster than chain drives
- Smooth opening and closing performance
Cons:
- More expensive than chain drives
- Lifting capacity is not as great as that of a chain drive
Use the belt drive if you’re looking for a quiet garage door opener with a similar opening mechanism to the chain drive.
4. Screw Drive Garage Door Openers
These garage door openers have a threaded steel rod that rotates to raise and lower the garage door. They are some of the preferred openers for homeowners seeking a fast and efficient opener.
This is the ideal choice for expansive garage doors.
Pros:
- Have quieter operations than chain drives
- Operate faster than chain or belt drive openers
- Require minimal maintenance
- Have fewer moving parts than chain and belt drive openers
Cons:
- Are more expensive than chain drives
- May struggle in extreme temperatures due to the expansion and contraction of the metal screw
- Threaded steel rods may need replacement over time due to wear
Homeowners looking for quiet but not too expensive garage door openers should consider screw-drive garage door openers.
5. Direct Drive Garage Door Openers
Direct-drive openers have a unique operating mechanism compared to the other openers in this list. They use a gear wheel to move the trolley on a fixed train, and a motor inside the trolley propels the movement.
This garage door opener is ideal for tall doors.
Pros:
- Quiet operation
- Durable and reliable
- Require minimal maintenance
Cons:
- Are more expensive than chain drives
- Motor may wear out
- Can be slower than traditional door openers
Although they’re typically priced higher than other garage door openers, its minimal maintenance requirement and durability make it a cost-effective option in the long run.
6. Smart Garage Door Openers
Smart openers are the latest addition to the garage door openers market. These openers have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and allow you to control your garage door from your tablet or smartphone. You can also receive alerts on your phone when someone opens your garage door.
Pros:
- Offer convenience because they can be operated remotely
- Have additional safety features such as antilocking and automatic closing systems
- They can be integrated with smart home systems and virtual assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
Cons:
- Are more expensive than traditional openers
- Can be impacted by cyberattacks or technical glitches
Smart garage door openers are ideal for homeowners who value the convenience of remote operations and are seeking openers that integrate with smart home systems.
What to Consider When Buying a Garage Door Opener
No type of opener is better than the other — it all depends on your priorities. Consider the following factors when buying a new garage door opener:
- Speed: Note how quickly it opens and closes the door.
- Noise level: Some openers are quieter than others.
- Smart features: They offer convenience by enabling remote operation and may integrate with other smart home systems.
- Lifting capacity: Heavy garage doors need openers with motors that can handle the weight.
- Budget: Balance your desired features with what you’re willing to spend. Don’t forget to factor in ongoing maintenance.
Buy Garage Door Openers From Halo Overhead Doors
When looking for a new garage door, the type you choose depends on factors such as the weight of your garage door, the levels of noise you’re willing to tolerate and your budget. Halo Overhead Doors offers all types of garage door openers. We are a family-owned, full-service garage door company. Some of our services include garage door installation, repair and maintenance. Choose Halo Overhead Doors for your garage door needs, and contact us for more information.
