A Brief Look at the Different Types of Garage Door Openers

Posted: Jan 02, 2013
Author: Doors by Nalley of Lake Norman, Inc.

There are 3 basic types of garage door openers. The first is the chain-drive system which is the most common and the most cost-effective. The second type is the screw-drive system which runs along a threaded plastic or steel lined track. This system is more expensive but it requires minimal maintenance and produces less noise.

The third type is a belt-driven system which involves the use of flexible rubber belts. These garage door openers are the quietest of all.

When choosing the most suitable garage door opener for your needs, the first thing to consider is the amount of power required. A single door will most probably work well with a small motor, but a double door will need at least ½ horsepower. A DC (direct current) motor consumes less electricity and allows for better control of noise and speed.

Safety is of paramount importance, so only consider garage door openers with safety mechanisms. Usually, this is an electronic beam that prevents the door from completely closing if something crosses its path. Then there’s the rolling code – another safety feature that changes the opening signal every time the garage door is activated. It prevents crossed signals with other doors, and protects the security code. It is standard for all openers to come with a remote control and a manual release.

Some garage door openers can be switched off if you are going away for an extended period of time.

TIP: When looking at garage door openers, always choose the simplest model that suits your needs. Fewer parts mean lower prices and less maintenance.