All ceiling mounted garage door openers are not created equal. These overhead openers work using a motorized operating system mounted on the ceiling. They use a rail track and lift to open and close your garage door.
Compared to wall mount openers, ceiling mounted ones are more reliable and cost-effective in terms of the initial purchase price and maintenance. Ceiling mounted garage doors are typically quieter and more reliable than wall-mounted ones. Additionally, the design of this opener allows it to lift heavier doors efficiently.
The different ceiling-mounted garage door openers are chain drive, screw drive, and belt drive. All three are easy to install and maintain, and most repairs are inexpensive and straightforward. They operate and function in different ways. This article explores how they each work.
Ceiling Mounted Chain Drive
Chain-drive openers have a chain that connects the trolley to the motor that raises or lowers the door. The chain mechanism is like the one you find on a bicycle. The chain moves along a track to raise and lower the door. If your home has a power outage you will still be able to open and close the garage door manually.
These systems are economical choices but tend to create more noise and vibration than others. This type of opener is ideal for heavy and especially older doors. Although chain drive doors are strong, they are often louder and require more maintenance than the other two.
Ceiling Mounted Belt Drive
Belt drive garage door openers are almost identical to chain drive ones. The only difference between the two is that this opener uses a belt instead of a chain. The mechanism is the same except that belt drive openers use fiberglass, polyurethane, or steel-reinforced rubber belts.
This garage door opener is quieter than the chain drive and screw drive openers. A lower noise level is a plus with this garage door design allowing smoother operation. In addition, there is a sharp decrease in vibration. Belt drive openers are ideal if you have living space above your garage or directly adjacent.
Ceiling Mounted Screw Drive
Screw drive garage door openers use an entirely different approach to lifting your garage door. They rely on a threaded bar, like that of a screw, to open and close the garage door. The bar uses a motor to rotate in one direction to open and the opposite direction to close.
No adjustments are needed with this type of garage door opener. They also tend to be quieter than chain drive door openers and easier to maintain. Because there are few moving parts, the door opens and closes smoothly. Fewer moving parts mean a lower chance of breaking down. Screw drive garage doors are ideal for someone looking for a reliable and durable opener.
Overall ceiling mounted garage door openers are an excellent choice for most situations. Figuring out which type is right for you depends on your budget, needs, and garage door size. For help selecting the right style for you, please call us at Door Tech… we’ll be happy to assist you!