Types of Garage Door Openers – What Buyers Need to Know

Garage door openers are motorized or electrical devices that open and close a garage door controlled by switches installed on the garage wall. Also, most openers have handheld remote controls that can operate the door from a short distance. 

Before you purchase a new garage door opener, you need to know the mechanics of the available openers in the market. Plus, take note that different opener systems will work with particular types of remote control better than others.

What You Have to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Opener in the Market

Choosing a garage door opener is a challenging thing to decide on. Here’s what you have to consider before purchasing a new one:

• The size and weight of your garage door
• Kind of material used for your garage door
• Horsepower
• Type of power used (either AC or DC)
• Noise (a quieter type suits you if you are sensitive to noise)
• Safety mechanisms such as automatic reversing action sensors, infrared beams, and rolling codes
• Budget (the most crucial factor)

Types of Garage Door Openers

 

1. Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

 

• Chain drive door openers are the most common door openers.
• They suit almost all widths and heights of garage doors.
• Least expensive. 
• Chain drive openers use a chain to move the garage door on the track.
• They are best used for insulated, wooden, or any heavier door.

Pros: durable and strong

Cons: noisy when opening the garage door due to the metal-to-metal contact and vibration; not suited for garages placed under living areas; needs more maintenance 

 

2. Belt Drive Garage Door Openers

 

• Belt drive openers operate with a rubber belt rather than a chain.
• These can be used when doors are light and heavy. They are also best for both multi-panel and one-piece doors.

Pros: the quietest type of garage opener – smooth motion alternative to chain-drive; produces less vibration compared to other garage door openers

Cons: more costly than a chain drive opener; requires more maintenance; belt tends to slip during warmer and humid temperatures; has a shorter life span

 

3. Screw Drive Garage Door Openers

 

• Screw drive openers contain a threaded metal rod that functions as a screw when the doors open and close.

Pros: slightly pricey compared to other types of garage openers; has fewer moving parts compared to other different types, so it is easy to maintain; quieter than chain drive openers

Cons: have to make sure that all parts are adequately lubricated; may experience problems with the device when temperatures shift; not fit for heavier, one-piece doors; makes more noise than a belt drive opener

 

4. Jackshaft Garage Door Openers

 

• This type of garage door opener is installed on the wall beside the garage door. 
• Jackshaft openers use a 24v DC motor that operates pulleys and cables which turn the torsion bar and lift the door. They also work for large doors.
• These are well-suited for garages with angled, low, or high ceilings or when you want to keep some space accessible for overhead storage. 

Pros: maximizes storage space; almost quiet; has improved safety features; has customizable features as well

Cons: the price is higher compared to other garage door opener types; only used for sectional doors

 

5. Direct Drive Openers

 

• Direct drive openers have only one moving part and use a fixed chain in a stable steel rail.
• They are best for taller garage doors.

Pros: requiring little or no maintenance; comes with lifetime warranties

Cons: more costly than most garage door openers; not as common as other types of garage door openers; a little harder to find

 

6. DC-Powered Garage Door Openers

 

• This type is smoother operating – quieter, smaller, lighter, faster, and more efficient than AC models.
• DC-powered openers come with changeable speeds, empowering soft-start and soft-stop technology.
• These are equipped with a battery backup system, so they will continue to work for up to two days when there’s a power outage.

Pros: durable; still works even when power fails

Cons: more expensive than other types

Additional Garage Door Opener Features

 Before purchasing a new garage door opener, you may also check and consider the following additional features: 

• Door reversal
• Entrapment sensors
• Battery backup
• Internet connectivity
• Smart home connections
• Touchpads or keypads for remote entry
• Rolling code security technology
• Overhead lights

Consult an Expert

 The garage door is a vital entrance to your business. You must choose a suitable garage door opener to safeguard your property and give you and your employees access in a convenient way.

 Consult an expert garage door company about your possible choices. Inland Overhead Door has a reliable team of professionals who perfectly knows how to help you pick a suitable garage door opener and install it safely.