The belt drive garage door opener is one of the two most common garage door openers. This opener uses a rubber belt to open the garage door. Like a chain drive, it operates by moving the rubber belt. The rubber belt slides the trolley when the door is triggered to open or close. Belt drives are best for longevity and quietness.
You probably have a chain drive opener if you have an older garage door opener system. Belt drive garage door openers are relatively new compared to the classic chain drive opener. As time goes on, many homeowners are replacing their garage door openers with belt drive openers.
Belt Drive Price
Belt-drive openers usually have higher up-front costs because of the materials used to construct them. However, they are a more economical option in the long term. Belt drive garage door openers have extended life because the trolley moves the rubber belt up and down. This setup allows their average life expectancy to be 15 to 20 years. Compared to chain drives, it’s nearly double without the metal friction on metal, which wears the parts down quickly.
Belt Drive Strength
Although a belt drive garage door open is not as strong as a chain drive, it won’t affect your garage for the most part. A belt drive will work just fine for most residential garage door materials! While the strength of a chain drive makes it the ideal choice for moving heavier doors, the average one-car garage door does not need industrial strength.
Recent innovations in the construction and durability of belt-drive garage door openers mean they can handle substantial lifts. However, a chain-drive garage door opener may be necessary to lift two-car and three-car garages.
Belt Drive Noise
Belt drives are less noisy than chain drives. The rubber in belt drives is much quieter than metal, which bangs and vibrates. Therefore, investing in chain drive openers is not recommended if you have an attached garage with a bedroom above it. All that rumbling from metal-on-metal friction will wake your kids and neighbors across from you. Bring the noise down a notch or two with an opener with a rubber belt that pulls the belt on a trolley.
Belt Drive Convenience
Belt drives are faster at opening and closing your garage door than chain drives. This speed is an added convenience, but it won’t make a big difference in your day-to-day life. Replacing a worn-out or broken belt can be significantly more straightforward than replacing a broken chain drive.
Belt drive openers are available at various home improvement retailers and online. Unlike chain drives, belt drives never need adjusting, regular lubrication, or rust-preventative measures, which makes them worth their added price tag. We can come to your home, recommend a garage door opener, and install it for you.
Belt Drive Garage Door Opener Installation
Whether you’re ready to purchase a new opener or need help identifying the right option for your home, Door Tech is here to help. Our professionals can help you achieve your garage door goals safely and efficiently.