Most people don’t think about their garage door opener very often, but it can be an important choice, particularly if you have an unusual garage door. But should you go for a chain, or should you get a belt for your garage door opener?

Here are some facts about each one for you to compare and decide which option is the best for you.

Pros and Cons of a Chain Garage Door Opener

The chain garage door opener is very common and is often the standard in many homes. It is strong, reliable, and cheap, making it a favorite for many homeowners or builders.

However, anyone who’s been next to a garage door knows that the chains can be rather loud. If you live in a small house or have a room next to the garage, you probably hear that annoying noise when anyone opens or closes the garage door.

Additionally, chains will usually bounce somewhat as they raise or lower, which can make the garage door a little slower. It’s only a matter of a few seconds, but if you’re in a hurry, waiting on a garage door to open can be rough!

Pros and Cons of a Belt Garage Door Opener

Many people have decided to use a belt for a garage door opener because of the relative silence it affords. If you’re tired of being awakened by rattling chains, this type of setup might be for you!

Because a belt usually raises and lowers more smoothly than a chain, you’ll probably see a slight improvement in the speed of your garage door. It isn’t much, but sometimes a little bit of an improvement can be nice!

Unfortunately, belts aren’t as strong as chains, so you might not be able to use them if you have a heavier garage door. Extra insulation or different materials on your garage door may make it struggle, so you will have to stick with a chain.

Belt garage door openers are also more expensive, so you’ll have to see if your budget can handle making the switch from the traditional chain.

Chain vs. Belt Overview

Overall, if you want a quieter, smoother, faster garage door opener, a belt may be your best bet. These changes can be subtle, but you’ll appreciate the improvements to your home.

On the other hand, you get more strength and a lower cost with a chain garage door opener. If your budget is tight or your garage door is too heavy, there’s no shame in sticking with the classic chain!

The good news is, many brands offer both types of systems. For example, you can get a Craftsman garage door opener with either a belt or a chain that fits your garage’s needs.

Either way, it’s important to make the decision that fits you and your house. Whether you go for a Liftmaster garage door opener, a Genie garage door opener, or some other brand entirely, it’s your choice to make!

Learn More About Home Improvement

If you’d like to learn more about what kind of garage door opener you should get, or anything else related to home improvement, we’d love to help!

Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have, and we’ll do our best to take care of you. We want you to have the best home improvement experience possible!