Robust, quiet, and durable, Overhead Door® automatic garage door openers are designed for performance. The entire line features a variety of power levels and specifications to handle different garage door weights and sizes. Many homeowners ask themselves, “What’s the difference between openers?”
With modern technology, each opener features built-in standard safety, convenience, and power functions. Depending on the model and annual maintenance, a garage door opener can last up to 10 or more years, and it is essential to get a suitable opener that fits your garage door and lifestyle.
What’s the Difference Between Openers?
Screw
Belt
Chain
Opener Drive Types:
The garage door drive moves the garage door up and down along the guide rail. Within this guide is a screw, chain, or belt which moves the trolley along the guide to open and close your door.
Screw Drive Garage Door Opener
These garage door openers will give you the most power with the fastest operating speeds. If you have a large garage door measuring 14 ft. high or one-piece doors up to 8ft high, these are the openers you’ll want to use. This is because our screw drive openers feature an exclusive direct drive system that transfers more power from the motor without using a gear reduction system.
- Strength – Screw drive openers can produce more lifting power, making them a great choice for garages with oversized doors as well as wooden or glass panel doors.
- Low maintenance – Since screw drive openers have fewer moving parts, they also require less maintenance and are less likely to have parts slip or come apart.
- Fast – Most door openers lift 6 to 8 inches of the door per second; screw drive openers can open a door at 10 to 12 inches per second.
- Size – Screw drive openers are compact and have a more efficient transfer of power between the motor and the door. It can lift more weight than a belt drive opener of the same size.
Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
Chain-drive garage door openers use a metal chain to open the garage door and implement a chain-running assembly unit attached to tension springs that lift the garage door up and down. They are among the most affordable in the industry and feature a rugged, time-tested design that is durable and long-lasting.
- Dependability/Durability: When properly maintained, these drive openers will last for years and aren’t subject to performance issues when temperatures or humidity fluctuate.
- Robustness: Chain drives are favored in heavy-duty applications.
- New Technology: Modern versions have quieter DC motors and smoother operation with soft start and stop features.
- Price: Chain drive openers are typically more affordable.
Belt Drive Garage Opener
These openers open garage doors using a rubber belt. The belt slides a trolley when the door is triggered to open or close. With proper periodic maintenance, belt units offer years of trouble-free service. Belt drives are ultra quiet because they are smooth and have no metal-on-metal contact in the rail.
- Minimal Noise: Belt drive garage doors are much quieter to operate thanks to being made of rubber.
- Strength: Recent innovations in belt drives’ construction and durability mean these openers can handle substantial lifts.
- Ease of Installation: Replacing a worn or broken belt can be significantly easier than replacing a broken chain drive.
- Easy Maintenance: Belt drives don’t require regular lubrication or rust-prevention measures.
Garage Door Openers*
Our complete line of automatic openers features a variety of power levels and specifications to handle different garage door weights and sizes. Each opener also has built-in standard safety, convenience, and power functions.
*All residential models must come with Battery Backup in CA.
The Overhead Door™ brand offers various additional garage door opener accessories.
Max Door Height: 14’
Max Speed: 7.5″ per second
Drive Type: Wall Mount
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 850 lbs.
Motor Type: 24V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Max Door Height: 14’
Max Speed: 9″ per second
Drive Type: Belt or Chain
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 750 lbs.
Motor Type: 140V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Max Door Height: 8’
Max Speed: 6.5″ per second
Drive Type: Belt or Chain
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 350 lbs.
Motor Type: 24V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Max Door Height: 8’
Max Speed: 7″ per second
Drive Type: Belt or Chain
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 500 lbs.
Motor Type: 24V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Max Door Height: 10’
Max Speed: 7″ per second
Drive Type: Belt or Chain
Battery Backup: Y
Max Door Weight: 500 lbs.
Motor Type: 24V DC
OHD Anywhere: Y
Garage Door Opener Accessories
These optional garage door accessories complement your opener and are engineered for convenience. Each accessory features something different to help you enjoy your new garage door system to the fullest.
*All Residential Openers Must Come with Battery Backup in CA.
The Battery Backup accessory offers homeowners the security of always being prepared when severe weather hits, even in case of a power outage. It’s an accessory that can be easily installed and provides true peace of mind. The Battery Backup will do the heavy lifting when the power is out.
Related Articles
What’s The Difference Between Openers?
Robust, quiet, and durable, Overhead Door® automatic garage door openers are designed for performance. The entire line features a variety of power levels and specifications to handle different garage door weights and sizes. Many [...]
Fun Ways to Decorate Your Garage Door
Can you believe it? Is it that time of year again? The Holiday Season is upon us, and homeowners are starting to decorate for Halloween. Here are Fun Ways to Decorate Your Garage Door [...]
Garage Doors for Different Climates
Before you select a new garage door for your home or business, there are several factors that you need to consider. These include the color of the garage door, its aesthetic appeal, durability, and [...]
Common Garage Door Service Calls
Common Garage Door Service Calls - As the largest moving object in most homes, the garage door has several moving parts that must be properly maintained to ensure many years of trouble-free operation. And [...]
Curb Appeal with Garage Landscaping
Upgrading the appearance of your garage doors is a significant first step in creating a more attractive home, Once your new custom garage doors have been installed, boost your Home’s Curb Appeal with Garage [...]
Reasons to Buy a Steel Garage Door
Reasons to Buy a Steel Garage Door: Every one of our residential steel garage doors is attractive and will enhance any home. They are available in various unique designs and engineered for superior performance. [...]
Reasons to Buy a Carriage House Garage Door
Garage doors have undergone many changes in the last decades, and new styles have emerged! One of the most popular garage doors from Overhead Door ™ is the Carriage House Steel and Wood Garage [...]
Reasons to Buy a Wood Garage Door
There are many ways you can upgrade your home to reflect your style. One thing you can personalize is your garage door. Homeowners overlook their garage doors when refreshing their home’s curb appeal. Reasons [...]
Reasons to Buy a Modern Garage Door
Modern Garage Doors offer contemporary designs that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. They are characterized by clean lines and minimalistic features and often use materials such as aluminum and glass or [...]
Reasons to Buy a Thermacore® Garage Door
At Overhead Door Company of Southern California™, we take great pride in offering the most efficient garage doors in the industry, and our Thermacore® garage doors are no different. Reasons to Buy a Thermacore® [...]
Garage Doors Play Vital Role in Curb Appeal
Garage Doors Play a Vital Role in Curb Appeal for homes and businesses. For homes, they are often located on the front of the house and can cover up to 40% of the front [...]
Garage Door Security Tips To Prevent Home Invasions
You can use different garage door security devices outside your garage door: openers, lights, cameras, and home alarms. You’ve invested significantly in your home, family, and belongings, so keeping your home and garage space [...]
Call us Today at (858) 264-3650
Overhead Door Company of Southern California™ – 12215 Kirkham Road Suite 200, Poway, CA 92064
Call Us Today at (858) 264-3650
Or Email us on the Form Below.
Business Hours: Monday – Friday 7 AM–4 PM
Call us Today at
(858) 264-3650
Or Send us an Email.