If you’re looking for a new garage door, you may be interested in exploring the various garage door opener styles first. The garage door opener offers options and features that might impact your final decision.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the various garage door opener styles available today.
Garage Door Opener Styles
Are you in the market for a new garage door opener?
There are lots of different types of garage door openers, but you may not have even thought about which one you’d want to use until you come to buy one. Aren’t they all the same? All openers have their benefits and drawbacks, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular garage door opener styles on the market.
Here are a few garage door opener styles available.
1. Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
This garage door opener is one of the older door opener styles out there, but that doesn’t mean you should discount it right away. These openers use a chain drive, that works to open the door.
Pros: If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, this is it. The chain drive garage door opener is typically the cheapest one on the market, and you’ll be able to get everything you need for a good price. They’re highly effective too, as they’re the best option for opening heavy garage doors. They also tend to last for 10 to 15 years if well cared for.
Cons: One of the issues with chain drive openers is that they can start to rust if you don’t take care of them. Regular maintenance will stop that from happening, though. The only other issue is that they are the noisiest opener out there. You’ll need to consider the location of your garage, in relation to the bedrooms in your home or even your neighbors. They do get very loud, and you don’t want to be fielding complaints about it. Discover the benefits of garage door tune ups today.
2. Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
A belt drive garage door opener works in a very similar way to a chain drive one. Instead of using a chain though, it uses a rubber belt.
Pros: These drives are a lot quieter than their chain counterparts. If you want something that works in the same way but won’t wake everyone up in the morning, then this is the option for you. They’re also great if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on maintenance. They don’t have a lot of moving parts, so you don’t need to worry about that.
Cons: While a belt drive is much quieter than a chain drive, they certainly aren’t cheaper. You should expect to spend quite a bit more if you want to use one of these drives. Some do feel that it’s worth it though, as you’ll be spending less on maintenance. You’ll also see that they can’t lift as much as a chain drive, so make sure you know how heavy the garage door is before you buy your garage door opener.
3. Screw Drive Garage Door Opener
A screw drive garage door opener is slightly different from the other options on this list. Rather than using a belt or chain, it has a long screw that opens the garage door as it turns.
Pros: This is another great option if you want a garage door opener that isn’t noisy. They’re not as quiet as a belt-drive, but you can use it without causing too much noise and disturbing other people in the house. A screw drive can open your garage door more quickly too, so if you don’t want to be sat outside for long, this is the option for you. They don’t take up a lot of space either, so you won’t have to worry about it if you have a small garage.
One of the biggest draws of a screw drive is its simple design. As there are minimal moving parts, you won’t need to do quite as much maintenance.
Cons: A screw drive opener is rather expensive as far as garage door openers go. If you’re on a budget, they’re not going to be the right opener for you. You will also have to remember to maintain it often, too. If you don’t regularly lubricate it, it can easily malfunction and cause you more problems. Repairs can be expensive, so keep that in mind.
4. Jackshaft Garage Door Opener
A jackshaft garage door opener will sit on the wall by your garage door, and open it that way. They’re the newest in garage door opener technology, so it’s a popular choice for many homeowners.
Pros: These are another great option if you’re looking for something less noisy, as they only create a little more noise than a belt drive garage door opener. That gives you another option if your garage is close to the bedrooms, or your neighbors’ homes. They’re perfect for those that don’t want to deal with a lot of maintenance, as they have even fewer moving parts than a screw drive garage door opener.
Many homeowners choose this type of garage door opener, as it sits on the wall rather than the ceiling. If you use your ceiling for storage, or just have limited space, then it’s going to be a good option for you. Finally, lots of jackshaft openers are being designed with smart capability. This allows you to open and close the door just with your phone, no matter where you are.
Cons: When it comes to garage door openers, jackshaft openers are some of the most expensive types out there. That makes sense when they’re using the most up-to-date technology. If you don’t want to pay top dollar though, they aren’t going to be for you.
Which Garage Door Opener Should You Choose?
Which kind of garage door opener should you go with, when you need to install one? This very much depends on you and your needs. You’ll need to take into consideration the weight of your garage door, the price of the opener, and where you’re able to install one. All these types are perfect for homeowners, so at least one of them is going to be right for you.
Now you know what kind of garage door opener styles there are out there. Pick one that suits your home best, and you’ll be able to get the best results from it.