We put in a lot of garage door openers here at NuLift Garage Doors and have seen nearly every type that Denver has to offer. While homeowners in the area have many choices these days, the newest or most costly model is not necessarily the best one. What makes an opener right for your home comes down to a number of factors: the size and weight of the door, how the garage is laid out, ceiling space, and even how much noise the household will put up with.
Below is a look at the common types of Denver garage door openers we come across on the job.
Chain Drive Openers
A chain drive is a dependable system that uses a metal chain to work the trolley and raise or lower the door. They are valued for their lifting power and durability, making them a sensible option for large or insulated doors. The trade-off is that they tend to be louder than a belt or direct drive. In a detached garage, the vibration and rattle of the chain is of little consequence, but if there is a bedroom above the garage, it can be an issue. Newer models with DC motors and smart features are certainly smoother than what we see on older installations, and for many they offer good performance for the money.
Belt Drive Openers
In place of a metal chain, a belt drive uses a reinforced rubber belt. The result is less vibration and a much quieter operation. For attached garages where living space is right next door or above, a belt drive is hard to beat. LiftMaster will often recommend a belt or wall-mounted unit when sound is a concern. You may pay a bit more for a belt drive than a basic chain drive, but the quiet running is worth it for handling standard and insulated doors. Direct drive systems are still quieter mechanically, but belt drives are among the best options out there.
Screw Drive Openers
You will find screw drive openers that have lasted many years in quite a few older Denver homes. In this type of system, a trolley runs along a threaded steel rod which, as it turns, opens and closes the door. With fewer moving parts than a traditional chain drive, screw drive openers are powerful and can last 10 to 15 years with care. One has to be mindful of our local climate, though; temperature fluctuations can alter the consistency of lubricants and affect how older components behave. To keep things running smoothly, a screw drive needs periodic inspection and the proper manufacturer-approved lube.
Direct Drive Openers
With a direct drive, the motor carriage travels along the rail while the chain stays put. SOMMER puts it simply: a fixed chain, a traveling motor, and a single moving steel sprocket. This means there is only one primary moving part in the assembly, so maintenance is low and the unit is quiet. It is well suited to an attached garage. Because the design is not as common, getting the right replacement parts and brand-specific service is all the more important.
Jackshaft and Wall-Mount Openers
Rather than hanging from the ceiling, a jackshaft opener is mounted on the wall beside the door. It is a space saver that leaves overhead room for storage or lighting. These operate via a torsion shaft, so the door system has to have the right spring setup and side clearance. Some are used with high-lift tracks, but not all. A LiftMaster wall-mount, for instance, is built to cut down on vibration and allows for smartphone control. They do demand a bit more attention in terms of cable tension and track condition, but they provide automatic locks, battery backup, and other conveniences.
Smart Features
Today’s openers, whether they are chain, belt, or jackshaft, can be fitted with Wi-Fi so the homeowner can close the door from an app or get an alert if it is left open. There is also rolling code technology for security and auto-reverse sensors to protect pets or objects from a closing door. Where an older opener might have an AC motor, you will often find a DC motor in a modern unit for a smoother start and compatibility with battery backup.
Choosing the Right Opener
Do not be fooled into thinking motor size is the only thing that matters. A ½-horsepower motor will do for most residential doors, but something heavy or oversized requires more capacity. Additionally, the door has to be balanced properly so the springs do their job and don’t put undue strain on the opener.
We like to help our Denver customers weigh their options without touting features they have no use for. Professional installation is key to ensuring the safety features are in order and the whole system is reliable. Whether it is a no-nonsense chain drive or a quiet belt drive, we want to make sure the job is done right for safe and convenient everyday use.