As sturdy and durable as garage doors are, they are still prone to wear and tear or breakages. If you’re relaxing your whole door or just a few specific parts, it’s important to do your research.
Nowadays, there is a wide selection of garage doors and door parts. Choosing the right options for your needs can be tough. In this article, we’re going to focus on garage door openers in particular.
There are several types of openers and it’s important to consider all of your options when you’re replacing your current door opener. By learning more about all of your options, you can find the best garage door opener for your home.
Here are six types of garage door openers and their pros and cons so you can find the perfect option when you need a garage door opener repair or replacement.
1. Chain-Drive Opener
Chain-drive garage door openers are exactly as they sound. They have a chain that connects to enable the motor of the door to open and close it. Usually, this type of opener is loud and clunky, which many people dislike. However, it’s an affordable option if you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful.
2. Screw-Drive Opener
Screw-drive garage door openers use a threaded steel rod, in which a motor rotates to move the garage door. As with chain-drive openers, screw-drive systems are loud and clunky, but they are relatively cheap and easy to maintain.
3. Jackshaft-Drive Opener
Another option is the jackshaft opener, which is placed on the side of the garage door. The jackshaft opener uses a direct current (DC) motor that moves the pulleys and cables of the garage door, pulling it open.
This is a great option for large, heavy garage doors as jackshaft-drive openers are durable and sturdy. But because of their strength, they’re often more expensive than other options.
4. Belt-Drive Opener
Belt-drive openers use a rubber belt to lift the garage door open. They’re much smoother and quieter than chain-drive openers or screw-drive openers.
This type of garage door opener is durable and strong but tends to be quite expensive in comparison to other openers.
5. Direct-Drive Opener
If you’re looking for a garage opener that is quiet and smooth, a direct-drive opener is the best choice. It uses a steel rail and chain that move in a smooth motion to lift the garage door open.
Most direct-drive garage door opener providers offer lifetime warranties so you can rest assured knowing that your opener will be fixed if it breaks.
6. DC Motor Openers
You can also get a garage door opener that is powered by a DC motor (often called DC-powered openers). As the name suggests, this type of opener uses a motor to move the garage door.
It’s an advanced option that is efficient, smooth, quiet, and light. If you’re looking for something that is top-quality and high-tech, DC-powered garage door openers are for you but be prepared to pay a slightly higher price than you would with other options.