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Belt vs. Chain Garage Door Openers

If you’re in the midst of considering updating your garage door, there are a few factors you’ll want to think about. Of course, style and type rank pretty high in your decision-making, but you’ll also want to consider a belt vs. chain garage door opener. At Precision Door Delaware, we’re here to assist homeowners in Delaware and North Maryland with this difficult decision by listing off the pros and cons of both options.

Belt Garage Door Pros & Cons

Belt Garage DoorHomeowners are finding belt garage doors to be exceptional because they’re highly durable and they result in little sound when opening and closing. Belt openers are pretty easy to install and they do not require as much maintenance as chain openers; this is because they don’t require regular lubrication. Belt openers also move a lot quicker than chain openers, so it’s less time waiting in the driveway to get into your garage.

While belt garage doors offer durability and strength, there are limitations to their abilities. Belt openers aren’t really recommended for heavy doors, or two-door garages. They’re also temperamental when it comes to the extreme weather, so excessive heat or cold can greatly affect the function of the opener. And since the belt isn’t as strong and as long-lasting as the chain, you could end up replacing the belt a few times.

Chain Garage Door Pros & Cons

One of the main benefits to chain garage door openers is its strength. This strong metal won’t struggle as much as a belt when it comes to lifting heavier garage doors. If properly maintained throughout the year, chain drives can last you a while and they won’t endure much wear during the winter and summer months. They won’t slip like belt drives can, and they are even more affordable.

But while there’s a lengthy list of pros to chain garage door openers, there’s a few cons. Most notably: noise. The chain drives are louder, so if you worry about waking your family up during your early commutes, this could be a factor to consider. Chain garage doors also may not operate as smoothly as belt openers, so there could be some shakiness when it’s opening/closing. Lastly, as you read above, chain drives require more maintenance than belts, often requiring lubrication to ensure that it operates as smoothly as possible.

Belt vs Chain Garage: Which is Right for You and Your Home?

At Precision Door Delaware, we hope that this guide on belt vs. chain garage door openers helped you get a sense of what these respective drives offer to your garage door experience. While you’re aware of the pros and cons of both, you may need more details to decide which is right for your garage door. When it’s time to get closer to making your decision, you can always contact us to learn more or get a free estimate on the installation!

Our team at Precision Door Delaware is proud to help and serve homeowners inn Delaware and North Maryland with their garage door needs!