There are various options for garage door openers in the market, some of which operate on traditional mechanisms, while others have advanced modern tech features. While all of them have one primary function — to control the opening and closing of your garage door — they're different in the way they achieve this objective. Continue reading to learn the four common types of garage door openers. 

Chain Drive

While these garage door openers have been around for years, they're still popular among homeowners. Modern chain drives involve a traditional chain integrated with internet technology to create an advanced mechanism. The chain pulls or pushes a trolley, which then moves your garage door up or down. 

Unfortunately, the push and pull vibrations can lead to disturbing noises, so chain drive openers may not be ideal for attached garages. 

Belt Drive 

Belt drive openers operate almost similarly to chain drives, but instead of a metal chain, they use a wide belt instead. A switch is used to activate the rubber belt, pulling the trolley to move the door up or down. The belt can be made from different materials, including fiberglass, steel-reinforced rubber, or polyurethane. 

Most people prefer belt drive openers over chain drive mechanisms since they don't produce much noise as they operate. They also have lower chances of breaking; hence, will not cost you a lot of time and money in repairs and replacements over time. Their downside is they're more expensive to install than chain drives. 

Screw Drive

Screw drive openers don't utilize the pull and push reminiscent of chain drive and belt drive mechanisms. Instead, they operate through a trolley system, riding on a threaded-steel rod. The steel rod rotates using a motor, causing the garage door to open. 

Since screw drive openers have few moving parts, their repair needs are minimal. However, they're sensitive to cold, so they're best suited to areas with temperate climates. 

Smart Garage Door Openers

With smart garage door openers, there's an add-on controller to work with your existing garage door opener. This allows you to open and close your door using a smartphone app or through a Wi-Fi network. You can control your garage door from anywhere as long as you have your mobile smartphone, PC, or tablet. 

On top of that, smart door openers come with built-in features to monitor the door's position. If the door is left open for an extended time, you'll get a notification on the app. It also automatically records when your door opens and closes, which is important when you want to monitor activity in your home. For more information, contact a garage door service. 

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