Finding the right garage door opener for your home might be tougher than you think. In the past, automatic garage door openers were either belt- or chain-driven openers. That’s no longer the case thanks to the introduction of direct-drive and jackshaft models.
Let’s take a look at the three main types of garage door openers so that you can figure out which one is best for your garage.
Standard Garage Door Openers
A chain-driven garage door opener includes a chain that pulls or pushes a carriage (trolley) that connect to a J-arm (a metal bar), that’s connected to the door of the garage. This chain is similar to a bike chain. If there’s a bedroom located above the garage, then the sound that comes from the vibration and metal-to-metal rubbing might become annoying.
If the garage isn’t connected to any rooms, then the noise probably won’t be a problem. More new chain-driven openers with soft start-stop technology and DC motors are much quieter than earlier models. And remember to keep the chain lubricated.
Belt-driven garage door openers are a lot like chain-driven ones, except it’s the belt that pulls or pushes the carriage. The belts are usually made of either steel-reinforced rubber, polyurethane, or fiberglass. Belt-driven garage door openers are quieter than chain-driven ones, and they’re just as reliable.
The main downside of a belt-driven opener is that it’s going to cost you around $45 more than a chain-driven one.
Direct-Drive and Jackshaft Garage Door Openers
Direct-drive garage door openers have a reputation as the quietest of all garage door openers. This is because their only moving part is the motor. Designed and built in Germany, the motor, which is different from a trolley, moves along a stationary chain.
This chain is inside an overhead rail. A J-arm links the moving motor and the door. A significant benefit of direct-drive openers is that they usually cost the same as belt-driven ones, but they also come with lifetime warranties.
A jackshaft garage door opener is mounted to the wall, right next to the garage door. This makes unlike all of the other openers. Cables and pulleys raise the garage door by turning a torsion bar.
This is all driven by a 24-volt DC motor. When you reverse the engine, the cable tension becomes looser, and the door lowers. This system is both quiet and reliable.
Also, the jackshaft system keeps the ceiling clear for overhead storage. It’s important to note that the jackshaft opener is the most expensive of the garage door openers.
DC-Powered Garage Door Openers
DC-powered openers are faster, smoother operating, lighter, quieter, smaller, and more efficient than the AC-powered motors. Many of these systems of with variable speed. This enables soft start-stop technology.
These systems can also come with battery backup systems. In newer openers, the battery is interconnected with the motor housing.
So if the power goes out, your garage door opener will still be able to work for up to two days. The real amount of time depends on how often you open and close the garage door.
Which of These Types of Garage Door Openers is Right for You?
After reviewing the most popular types of garage door openers, we can see that the right one for you depends on a few factors. Is noise vital to you? How about price and reliability?
Consider your situation and use the above guide to help you pick out the perfect system. Are you experiencing issues with your garage? Contact us today and get help now!