Garage door openers have made our lives a lot more convenient, and with them, accessing our garages is made easy. However, if you’re having a garage built or would like to replace your existing garage door opener for any reason, and aren’t sure which model to go with, here are the pros and cons of 4 of the most popular:
- Chain drive
While this model is undoubtedly one of the oldest, it’s still a good choice for anyone on a budget. Ideal for opening even the heaviest of garage doors, if maintained well and used correctly, they can last for as long as 15 years.
However, failure to maintain a chain drive garage door opener properly, can quickly result in it becoming rusty, and they are louder than their counterparts; a consideration you may want to make if you open and close your garage door frequently, or need to access it in the early hours of the morning.
- Belt drive
Constructed in a similar way to chain drive openers, belt drive openers use a flat but taut belt, instead of a chain, making them a lot quieter to operate than a chain drive opener. Because this model is made up of a limited number of parts, maintenance requirements are reasonably low.
However, this type of opener is a little more expensive than a chain drive, and is not designed to lift doors that are as heavy.
- Screw drive
With the use of a long screw that turns to open the garage door, screw drive openers make only a little more noise than a belt drive opener, and open the doors very quickly. If you have a small garage, this type of opener would be ideal as it’s the smallest out of all the models.
However, screw drive openers do cost more than both chain and belt openers, and they do require regular maintenance and lubrication.
- Jackshaft
Sitting against the wall adjacent to the garage, a jackshaft opener opens the door using a pumping motion, and while they are very quiet, they are a little louder than a belt drive opener. With limited moving parts in comparison to all other types of garage door opener, this model is ideal for a garage with limited space. Often coming loaded with smart control capabilities, the garage door can then be opened and closed with the use of a smart phone or other smart device.
However, as is usually the case, modern technology bumps the price up, and this type of opener is the most expensive of them all.
To purchase a new, more convenient garage door opener, or to upgrade your existing one, call in to your local garage door showroom or talk to a garage door specialist about your options.
