Buying a garage door opener isn’t something you do every day, nor is it something people usually know a lot about. Knowing how different types work and what their advantages are will make it much easier to decide which one to get.
Generally there are three types and all of them have their good and bad points. Choosing one will depend largely on your preference and your home conditions.
Screw drive garage door opener
Screw drive openers have a trolley that rides on a threaded-steel rod, which is motor-rotated. The type of pushing and pulling force is not the same as with traditional opener types such as belt and chain.
The advantage is that with a screw drive opener there are fewer parts that move, which is good for homeowners who don’t want heavy maintenance. This type of opener is also sensitive to harsh seasonal temperature swings, so they are not recommended for areas where there’s a big temperature difference between seasons. And they also tend to be noisier, but also more expensive than the other two types.
Chain drive garage door opener
This is the most traditional opener, the classic type where a bicycle-like chain pushes the trolley which is connected to the J-arm attached to the door.
The upside with the classic chain drive openers is that they are economical and very reliable. They are also given to making noise, because there are metal-to-metal connections that slightly vibrate. They are certainly best for detached garages. However, some people prefer the fact they make some noise as that signals the door is being opened.
Belt drive garage door opener
This type is generally considered the most luxurious one because they produce the least amount of noise. The mechanism involved is the same like with a chain drive, but instead of a chain, belts are used. This largely eliminates friction and vibrations. The belts are commonly made from fiberglass, steel-reinforced rubber and polyurethane.
Their biggest advantage is that they are the quietest option of all, which is very convenient if your bedroom is above your garage.
Additional safety tips
Getting the right garage door for you gets you half the way there. The other half is to have it properly and safely installed.
The door sensor should be tested. It will cast an invisible beam across the doorway, which will make sure the door doesn’t close on anything in its way.
The manual release and battery back-up should also be tested, because these will allow you to open the garage in the case of motor malfunction or power outage.
It would be best to have an expert install your garage door opener. Proper installation will ensure maximum amount of efficiency and safety. If you live in San Diego County, Rockstar Garage Door Services is at your disposal. We do garage door repair, maintenance, installation and selling. Don’t hesitate to call us whenever you need a trusted local garage door service.