While there are several different types of garage door openers, all of them rely on a motor that is designed to move a trolley affixed to the door. Upon activation, the door moves upward or downward. Although these openers perform the same role, they’re activated in different ways. Here are the four types you should know.

What Are 4 Types of Garage Door Openers?

1. Belt Drive

If a belt drive powers your opener, then the trolley springs to life with the assistance of a rubberized belt. The advantage of a belt drive is that rubber produces relatively quiet, smooth operation. Homeowners with children and pets will appreciate that feature, along with those who have bedrooms situated directly above the garage.

2. Chain Drive

Openers with chain drives depend on a metal chain that triggers the trolley. Because it’s such an economical choice, many homeowners opt for this product. Metal is slightly louder when it operates than rubber, but if there are no other considerations to worry about, then it’s a sufficient option if you hope to save some money.

3. Direct Drive

When a drive is “direct,” it essentially means that the opener’s trolley depends directly on the motor to move the door up and down. Without any need for belts or other devices, the process is simpler and less complex. It’s less susceptible to problems that might afflict other types of drives, too.

4. Screw Drive

Screw drives depend on threaded steel rods to maneuver the trolley so the door can move up and down. Much like the rubber on a belt drive, the steel rod is fairly quiet and makes a sensible option if you have a bedroom above the garage or people at home who don’t want to be disturbed.  

 

Could your garage door opener use a tuneup? Turn to the team at Central Garage Door in Columbia, MO. Offering more than 25 years of industry experience, the company provides a variety of services. They install residential garage doors, repair broken springs, and service everything from motors to cables. Visit the website to learn more, or call (573) 886-7810 to schedule an appointment.