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View Full Version : Chain vs. Belt drive opener


Amory
05-19-2024, 09:00 AM
I've been told that while belt drive garage door openers are much quieter the central Florida extreme heat and humidity can affect the belt performance, i.e. belt stretching, slipping, and that the belt may have to be replaced after several years. Anyone with personal experience you would like to share?

tophcfa
05-19-2024, 09:18 AM
I've been told that while belt drive garage door openers are much quieter the central Florida extreme heat and humidity can affect the belt performance, i.e. belt stretching, slipping, and that the belt may have to be replaced after several years. Anyone with personal experience you would like to share?

Over many years we have never had a problem with our belt. Also, no need to have to clean/lubricant the chain and worry about dripping grease. That being said, we only use the door a couple times per day to open in the A.M. and close before bed. During the rest of the day we use the overhead screen door.

Amory
05-19-2024, 09:37 AM
Over many years we have never had a problem with our belt. Also, no need to have to clean/lubricant the chain and worry about dripping grease. That being said, we only use the door a couple times per day to open in the A.M. and close before bed. During the rest of the day we use the overhead screen door.

Thanks for that. Good to know.

onfire
05-19-2024, 09:41 AM
Belt drive are typically toothed belts (at least those I have had) so slippage would not be an issue. They are reinforced belts so stretching is unlikely beyond what can be adjusted.

The wall (side) mount openers are a little more costly but open up the ceiling space for a storage solution and are practically silent (except the door noise).

retiredguy123
05-19-2024, 09:44 AM
Note that even the chain driven garage openers have a rubber belt attached to the motor inside the opener housing.

villagetinker
05-19-2024, 10:33 AM
I have installed both (Chamberline make) and the belt drives are definitely much quieter. Also, these are self adjusting as there is a tension spring in the belt assembly, this avoids having the belt too loose or too tight. The instructions are very clear on how this is setup. I agree with many of the above comments, and really like the belt drive units.

Toymeister
05-19-2024, 05:38 PM
This may be helpful: Belt drive bicycles belts last two to three longer than a chain with no recommended retensioning.

bmcgowan13
05-19-2024, 07:14 PM
Belts are MUCH MUCH quieter--almost silent. You probably will not hear it inside the house.

However, my wife and I decided that we actually liked the rattle/noise the chain makes because now we can hear when the garage door is going up or down.

Not a big issue but I like to know when somebody is opening the garage door (our in-laws used to let themselves in via the garage) and coming into the house.

Besides--how would the dogs know you are home? LOL They definitely hear the chain and run to the hallway door for the greet-party.

Belt much quieter if that is an issue for you...

coffeebean
05-19-2024, 08:52 PM
Belts are MUCH MUCH quieter--almost silent. You probably will not hear it inside the house.

However, my wife and I decided that we actually liked the rattle/noise the chain makes because now we can hear when the garage door is going up or down.

Not a big issue but I like to know when somebody is opening the garage door (our in-laws used to let themselves in via the garage) and coming into the house.

Besides--how would the dogs know you are home? LOL They definitely hear the chain and run to the hallway door for the greet-party.

Belt much quieter if that is an issue for you...

Hubby and I knew when our dog's hearing was failing. When he got older he would no longer perk up when one of us opened the garage door when coming home, so I know what you mean.

MandoMan
05-20-2024, 06:16 AM
I've been told that while belt drive garage door openers are much quieter the central Florida extreme heat and humidity can affect the belt performance, i.e. belt stretching, slipping, and that the belt may have to be replaced after several years. Anyone with personal experience you would like to share?

My garage door with a chain could be easily heard outside from three houses away. Last summer I had a belt drive opener installed. (And I later discovered that it wasn’t even a good brand.) Now it is so quiet that I can barely hear it when I’m standing in the garage. Its quietness is almost unnerving. I love it.

Switter
05-20-2024, 06:44 AM
Belts are MUCH MUCH quieter--almost silent. You probably will not hear it inside the house.

However, my wife and I decided that we actually liked the rattle/noise the chain makes because now we can hear when the garage door is going up or down.

Not a big issue but I like to know when somebody is opening the garage door (our in-laws used to let themselves in via the garage) and coming into the house.

Besides--how would the dogs know you are home? LOL They definitely hear the chain and run to the hallway door for the greet-party.

Belt much quieter if that is an issue for you...

My chamberlain is Wi-Fi enabled belt drive opener tells me when the garage door opens or closes on my phone through the MyQ app. Most importantly though, I scheduled it to close at 9 PM every night in case I forget to close it. The MyQ app is great. I can open and close it from anywhere and it lets you know the current status of the door. You can even add a camera if you want. It's the very first thing I replaced when I moved into my house last year.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B2SDWNX/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

I didn't bother installing the key keypad because if somebody needs to get into my garage they can text me and I can open it for them (so I don't have to give out my code).

It's a little more spending but absolutely worth every penny.

cwmmfink
05-20-2024, 06:45 AM
6 years on a belt. No issues.

banjobob
05-20-2024, 06:55 AM
I've been told that while belt drive garage door openers are much quieter the central Florida extreme heat and humidity can affect the belt performance, i.e. belt stretching, slipping, and that the belt may have to be replaced after several years. Anyone with personal experience you would like to share?
Go with the belt chain far too noisy , no problem with belt after 5 years .

nn0wheremann
05-20-2024, 07:03 AM
I've been told that while belt drive garage door openers are much quieter the central Florida extreme heat and humidity can affect the belt performance, i.e. belt stretching, slipping, and that the belt may have to be replaced after several years. Anyone with personal experience you would like to share?
The chain does not make an appreciable amount of noise. The rollers, hinges, etc are the noise source.

mrf0151
05-20-2024, 07:15 AM
Another choice is the Chamberlin DC Motor unit. This is a chain driven system that the chain needs no servicing. It is extremely quite like the belt drive. We agree with what someone said above, the only thing we hear is the door itself.

McClendons
05-20-2024, 07:21 AM
A best drive opener with a DC motor is extremely quiet and operates smoothly. As others have indicated though, if your rollers are bad you will still have a noisy door.

I had a DC motor belt drive in St Pete Beach for about 8 years. I did have to replace the belt once, and it did show signs of brittle rubber being the issue. The belt did not break, but the rubber knobs on it stripped off. Was fairly easy and cheap to replace. If I were buying a new opener, it would be a belt drive DC unit.

It is possible I had a bad belt to start. Harley Davidson motorcycles have used belt drives with similar construction for years, and have no had significant belt issues. Not sure why a garage door opener would typically have issues as long as the door moves smoothly.

New Englander
05-20-2024, 08:03 AM
If I were to buy one of those Chamberlin garage door openers on Amazon, how much does it cost to have it installed by a garage door mechanic?

Rodneysblue
05-20-2024, 08:28 AM
I've been told that while belt drive garage door openers are much quieter the central Florida extreme heat and humidity can affect the belt performance, i.e. belt stretching, slipping, and that the belt may have to be replaced after several years. Anyone with personal experience you would like to share?
I prefer a wife or grandchild opener. Don’t have to worry about power outages or battery in the remote going bad.

mrf0151
05-20-2024, 08:55 AM
If I were to buy one of those Chamberlin garage door openers on Amazon, how much does it cost to have it installed by a garage door mechanic?

Scott's Garage Door Service installs these for $550.00 total. I called ROMAC and they wanted $900. for the same unit.

villagetinker
05-20-2024, 09:52 AM
If I were to buy one of those Chamberlin garage door openers on Amazon, how much does it cost to have it installed by a garage door mechanic?

I would try contacting a garage door mechanic first, they may not be willing to install an opener you purchased. On the other hand this is a project that many experienced handyman can do. I have installed maybe a dozen over the years, not doing that much now, my knees complain too much afterwards.

HORNET
05-20-2024, 10:44 AM
When I am in the house ( Village home ) and either of my garage doors open, most times I do not hear it open then close. It a Romac chain drive! Be sure that your door and chain are adjusted properly

jayjayson
05-20-2024, 12:06 PM
Belts are MUCH MUCH quieter--almost silent. You probably will not hear it inside the house.

However, my wife and I decided that we actually liked the rattle/noise the chain makes because now we can hear when the garage door is going up or down.

Not a big issue but I like to know when somebody is opening the garage door (our in-laws used to let themselves in via the garage) and coming into the house.

Besides--how would the dogs know you are home? LOL They definitely hear the chain and run to the hallway door for the greet-party.

Belt much quieter if that is an issue for you...

While a noisy garage door opener may give you feedback on when the door opens/closes I prefer the opener we installed because it has a device which sends a signal to my phone giving me that info ANYWHERE I am. It also gives me the ability to open/close the door from anywhere. BTW it is a belt drive unit and is very quiet

wwwson
05-21-2024, 06:17 AM
Who is the best Chamberlain Operator service provider in out area? Had a new operator, drive etc put in about 18 months ago. It seems on the initial open each day it make a loud noise on the first foot of travel. Sometimes even stopping.
Scott's Garage put the unit in and he is totally unresponsive. Thanks in advance for any help with a good service company.

wwwson
05-21-2024, 06:20 AM
Scotts Garage Doors is horrible with their customer service. I was notified by the BBB that he LOST his accreditation with them recently which is something that takes so doing to lose. Stay far, far away. IMHO

Chi-Town
05-21-2024, 07:21 AM
Changed from chain to belt and amazed at how quiet it is. I have to visually check to see if it is operating.

Bay Kid
05-22-2024, 06:45 AM
Changed from chain to belt and amazed at how quiet it is. I have to visually check to see if it is operating.

Change your rollers to neoprene and even better.