Quiet Garage Door Openers
Most people who have a garage door love the convenience of an automatic opener. Those
same people might tell you the loud clanging the door makes when opening and closing is a
less-than-loving relationship. Noisy garage door openers can be a real nuisance to whoever is in
the bedroom above the garage. Still, you can hear some garage door openings throughout the
house. This can cause homeowners to be surprised when trying to calm down at night.
The good news is there are several styles of garage door openers, and some are quieter than
others. Along with types of garage doors, some brands have higher quiet reviews than others.
Types Of Garage Door Openers
The three most common types of garage door openers are chain drive, screw drive, and belt
drive. Chain drive garage doors function by having a tough metal chain push and pull the
trolley, lifting the door up and down. As you may imagine, although solid and reliable, a chain
drive is loud. Arguably, it is the noisiest type of garage door opener, and it is not for you if quiet
is the goal.
A screw drive opener operates like a giant rotating screw. A rotating steel rod moves the trolley
that lifts and lowers the garage door. A screw drive is a great low-maintenance option with little
maintenance and quick speed; it is another loud option and not advisable for those peace
seekers.
Now, for the most peaceful and quiet choice you’ve been waiting for, the belt drive. The belt
drive door opener is similar in function to the chain drive, except that instead of a chain, it uses
a belt. Since the materials used in the construction of the belt include rubber, fiberglass, or
polyurethane instead of a metal chain, it is remarkably quieter.
Other Factors
While we can almost definitely call the belt drive the quietest of the drives, there is another
factor to consider. The motor or powerhouse behind your functioning garage door also comes
into play. There are two types of garage door openers: AC and DC.
AC motors have been around for a long time and have been more widely available until
recently. But of the two, a DC motor is the quieter option. They are smaller, use less energy
than an AC motor, and, as a bonus, work with a backup battery.
The best quiet combination is a belt drive paired with a DC motor. These combined parts are
affordable, efficient, reliable, and low-maintenance options for the most part, and overall a
great decision!
Make Your Existing Garage Door Quieter
While you may not be in the market for a new or upgraded garage door opener, there are a few
factors to consider. Ensuring the garage door is balanced and the springs are lubricated is
essential. Still, the torsion spring tension can be extremely dangerous.
Over time, nuts and bolts can loosen with use and vibration. Check that all nuts and bolts are
tight and none are missing. It is a simple and inexpensive fix. Hinge replacements can also
potentially stop creaking and grinding, which is possible with older hinges.
You can also try listening to the garage door rollers. Like any other part of the door, with use
over time, they can become worn and streak to creak, causing noisy openings and closings.
Suppose any of these issues are occurring or you are having trouble locating the noise source.
In that case, you can schedule a routine maintenance appointment to inspect each element and
diagnose the cause.
Benefits Of A Quieter Garage Door
Less loud and jolting rumbling from your garage gives you peace of mind with less disruption.
Day or maybe even especially at night, no one wants to be shocked while trying to get through
their day or sleep. If you want a new quiet garage door opener or assistance repairing and
taking steps to improve your situation, call Door Tech. Our professionals can help you achieve
your garage door goals safely and efficiently.