Selecting a garage door opener is a task that should be taken seriously.
This is because automatic openers are expensive.
So, you cannot immediately replace your opener once you’ve picked out one.
You’ll have to stick with your chosen garage door operator until it’s time to replace it.
However, this isn’t the case with a belt- or chain-driven garage opener.
These two are almost similar except that the former uses a belt while the latter a metal chain.
So many garage owners wonder, “can you change a garage door opener from chain to belt?”
Is this a practical and wise decision?
We are professional technicians at Cleveland Garage Door Pros, and we’ll answer your inquiries in this article.
Contact our team today for expert garage door opener replacement and repair.
We also offer garage door repair and installation all over Cleveland, Ohio.
What is a Belt and Chain Garage Door Opener?
Chain and belt garage door openers are two popular options for automatic openers.
These types of openers are both installed overhead.
They also use a similar mechanism — move the trolley to operate the garage door automatically.
However, these two differ in the material that moves the trolley.
Belt operators utilize a rubber belt, while chain openers use a metal chain.
This difference creates the unique features of belt and chain operators.
They differ in price, capacity, noise production, and maintenance.
Is a Belt Opener Better Than a Chain Operator?
Here, we look at four factors to determine if a belt garage door opener is better than a chain drive.
Price
Chain garage door operators are the most affordable option for operators.
They are inexpensive yet reliable.
You won’t be up for a costly monthly repair if you have this type of garage door opener.
On the other hand, belt-driven garage door openers are more expensive than chain operators.
Thus, you can expect to pay more if you’re switching to a belt operator.
Noise
Noise production is perhaps the determining factor when weighing out the pros and cons and belt and chain openers.
Because a chain operator consists of a metal chain, it could get loud and annoying every time you operate the door.
The clanking and grinding sound originates from the friction between the chain and other opener parts.
Therefore, a chain operator is not ideal if your garage door is connected to your house.
We recommend getting a belt chain opener instead because it operates more quietly.
Capacity
Both chain and belt garage door openers can smoothly operate a single-car garage door.
However, the chain garage door opener is more robust and durable than the belt.
Whereas belt openers cannot support heavier garage doors, chain operators don’t have any problem.
They can handle heavy wooden and steel carriage-style garage doors.
Chain-drive garage door openers can also lift two- or three-car garage doors.
Maintenance
Both overhead garage doors require minimal maintenance.
However, if you don’t want to deal with any maintenance task, you can opt for a belt-driven operator.
This is because you’ll still need to adjust the metal chain in a chain operator.
Although this isn’t a frequent problem, it can be challenging for many.
Should You Make The Switch?
We recommend assessing your options first, given the different trade-offs between a chain and belt garage door opener.
Consider your lifestyle, preferences, and budget in your decision.
If you can no longer tolerate the noise from your opener, you should replace your chain operator with a belt opener.
With a belt chain, you can enjoy sound and peaceful nights.
You also wouldn’t worry about maintenance and repair because belt-driven openers are durable and low-maintenance.
Professional Garage Door Replacement in Cleveland
Cleveland Garage Door Pros is the most trusted garage door specialist throughout Cleveland.
We’ve been in the garage door repair industry for many years.
Thus, the quality and reliability of our service are time-tested.
We offer professional garage door replacement and repair.
Our licensed technicians can also perform garage door opener replacement.
Can you change a garage door opener from chain to belt?
The answer is yes, and we’re only a call away from replacing your garage door opener.
Call us today for same-day garage door repair.
