A garage door opener is an electric device that opens and closes your garage door. It’s usually mounted on the ceiling of the garage and consists of a motor, gears, and a rail system that links to the door. Most garage door openers come with a remote control or keypad, allowing you to open and close your garage door from the comfort of your car.
The Type of Garage Door Opener you have installed in your home can determine the types of problems you might experience with it. The two most common types of openers are chain-driven and belt-driven openers. Door openers can also be described based on their lifting mechanism: Screwdriver, Drum drive, or direct drive.
- Chain-driven openers are the most common type of opener in North America. If your garage door is noisy, you may have a chain-driven opener. They're also more prone to breakage and wear and tear than other types of openers.
- Belt-driven openers are less noisy, less prone to damage, and are generally better at lifting heavier doors.
- Door openers can also be described based on their lifting mechanism: Screwdriver, Drum drive, or direct drive.