Chain vs Belt: Which Garage Door Opener is Best?

How Chain Drives and Belt Drives Work

A chain drive garage door opener uses a metal chain to open the garage door. These are widely used since they are affordable and readily available. This garage door opener works by moving gears and metal parts together. It uses a chain-running assembly unit attached to tension springs that lift the garage door up and down.

In contrast, belt drive garage openers use a rubber belt to open the garage door. Like a chain drive, the belt drive moves the rubber belt. The rubber belt is used to slide the trolley when the door is triggered to open or close the door.

Chain vs Belt: Price

Regarding affordability, you will not be disappointed with a good chain drive garage opener. They are inexpensive and time-tested. Oftentimes, your garage door comes with a common chain drive because they are easily available on the market.

On the other hand, belt drives are more expensive, but they are an economical long-term option since they typically have a longer life. 

Chain vs Belt: Strength

As previously mentioned, these two styles function similarly. One difference is that chain drives are simply stronger: they can lift more than a belt drive. This makes them the choice for moving heavier doors, so consider them if you’re going with a steel carriage door, or 2-3 car garage door since belt drives will have trouble lifting heavier garage doors.

However, if you have a one-car garage door, going with a belt drive will get the job done without trouble. Nevertheless, belt drives have made long strides in construction, and finding a belt drive that is capable of operating on any door is possible. However, they are not readily available, and you’ll spend more on these models.

Chain vs Belt: Noise

Do you ever make it all the way home, the baby finally asleep, only to ruin it all with a thunderous garage door? Many people like belt drives because they’re the quietest of all garage door openers.

Conversely, with a quieter model, you’d also miss the sound to alert you of teen drivers coming and going. Also, if you have a detached garage, you may be able to tolerate more noise from the door since it’s not abutting your main property.

Belt drives are less noisy than chain drives. Therefore, it’s not recommended to invest in chain drive openers if you have an attached garage with a bedroom right above the garage. All that noise from metal-on-metal friction will wake up your kids … and maybe your neighbors. If you are looking for quiet you just need to choose a rubber belt drive.

Additionally, most belt drive openers are now operated by a DC motor. Direct Current motors operate quieter than their AC (Alternating Current) counterparts. Direct Current motors also offer a softer start and stop when operating. This too, reduces noise and extends the life of the opener.  

Chain vs Belt: Convenience

Some belt drives are slightly faster than other models. This is an added convenience, but it probably won’t make a big difference in your day-to-day. Similarly, one disadvantage of chain drives is that the chain will occasionally need readjustment, but this will only come up once or twice in their lifetime. 

Belt Drive Pros

1. Durability: Belt drives have a long-lasting shelf life. The rubber belt used in these openers is durable and does not wear out as quickly as metal chains do. This durability is partly because the belt drive system uses a trolley to move the rubber belt up and down, which reduces friction and wear.
2. Quiet Operation: If you’re looking for a quiet, smooth-running garage door opener, the belt drive system is for you. It’s ideal when your attached garage is located next to or below your living area.
3. Speed: It’s faster than a chain drive, a definite convenience when you’re in a hurry.
4. Low Maintenance: Belt drives do not need to be lubricated as chain drives do, but periodic checks and cleaning are still recommended for best performance.
5. Modern Features: The newest belt drive system features wall-to-wall LED lighting inside your garage.
6. Emergency Power: If your power goes out, an optional emergency battery is available, unlike the chain opener.
7. Integrated Camera: A camera is also available.
8. Fewer Moving Parts: Belt drive systems have fewer moving parts making them a more efficient choice.

Belt Drive Cons

1. Lifting Capacity: If your door is heavy, wooden, and/or oversized and insulated, the belt drive is not a good choice because it doesn’t have the same lifting capacity as a chain drive as most manufacturers only offer their heavy-duty trolley and wall-mount operators as chain drives.
2. Environmental Sensitivity: In the event of extreme heat or high humidity, a belt system may slip.
3. Cost: Belt drives are more expensive than chain drives.

Chain Drive Pros

1. Proven Reliability: Chain drive openers have been around for a long time. They are known for their value and reliable performance and are often called the workhorse opener.
2. Versatility: They are suitable for many types of garage doors. 
3. Strength: Chain drive systems have the power to lift a two or three-car garage door without any trouble as they are offered in heavy-duty models.
4. Cost-Effective: They are typically the most affordable option on the market compared to the belt drive system.
5. Performance: They perform well no matter what the temperature or humidity.

Chain Drive Cons

1. Noise: Chain openers can make a loud, rattling noise that can often be heard throughout the house when the door opens or closes. If you don’t like noise, this is not the opener for you.
2. Suitability: Because they are not as quiet as the belt drive system, they’re best suited for a detached garage when noise is not a factor. They are not recommended for an attached garage.
3. Vibration: Garage doors using a chain drive system may bounce slightly as they move up the rail.
4. Maintenance: Chain openers require regular maintenance and need to be lubricated often so they won’t rust or wear unevenly.