Garage door openers are just one more device that we take for granted. If you have had one, you know how convenient they are. But if they are not working right or not at all, it becomes one more aggravation in daily living. Should you be in the market for one, it will be helpful for you to be aware of the choices available.
To complicate matters, there is no one type of garage door opener that is better than the rest. There are several types that will do the job. You must choose between several very serviceable types. Which one you should choose depends on your priorities.
Chain Drives
Chain drive garage door openers are an old technology that has the potential to outlast more modern belt drives. However, if you do not conduct routine maintenance, the chain will rust and leave you out in the cold. Chain drives are constructed with many metal parts. This gives them a superior lifting capacity. Thus, they are the only choice should you have a very heavy garage door.
Chain garage door openers are typically your cheapest option. However, this comes with the inconvenience of being the noisiest. So, you should carefully consider if the noise will be a nuisance for family members who do not wake up early or come home late. Designers have worked on this problem and have managed to design quieter generations. But because there are many metal parts, the noise remains an issue.
Belt Drives
Should there be any bedrooms within earshot of the garage, belt drive garage door openers may be your best choice. They are the quietest of all your options, but not the cheapest. Because they are limited in lifting capacity, it is important that you double check the weight of your garage doors before choosing a model.
Belt drive garage door openers are reasonably reliable, as there aren’t as many moving parts. The likelihood of requiring fewer service calls may balance out the high initial cost.
Screw Drives
Another garage door option is the screw drive. They are not as loud as a chain drive and have fewer moving parts than a belt drive. The screw drive design is both different and simpler than both above options. They are generally reliable but do require periodic maintenance. Screw drives are not as quiet as belt drives, but still not as quiet as a belt drive. They will open your garage door very quickly and are suitable in places where space is at a premium.
The downside is that they are very expensive and not suitable for tight budgets. Routine maintenance cannot be missed because the repair costs run high.
Jackshaft Drive
A jackshaft garage door opener is pricey but may be your best option if routine maintenance is a problem. Although they are among the priciest choices, they are worth the cost.
The noise level is slightly louder than a belt opener and the savings on vertical space in your garage is almost as much as the belt. Similar to a screw drive mechanism, the design is fairly simple, does not require regular maintenance and has fewer parts to be affected by wear and tear.
Jackshaft drive garage door openers have the best aesthetic appeal. Because they are the newest technology, you have the option to choose a model that will allow you to operate them with your smartphone from a considerable distance. These additional features are reflected in their prices.
Which Type is Best for You?
The sheer number of garage door models on the market is intimidating for any first-time buyer. You are not asking for much, just a mechanism to open and shut a door for you. Take your time in choosing what is best for you. Hasty decisions do not tend to end well.
It is unlikely that every type of garage door opener would be suitable for your unique setup. Whether it is lifting capacity, available space to fit it, noise level, maintenance requirements or budget, these elements can help you limit your available choices to make your decision easier.
Please call the experts at Habpro Garage Doors today and ask all of your questions. We can help you with information, so you can make the best decision for your needs and budget.
Jamie H.