With proper maintenance a chain will outlast a belt though the frequency of use obviously makes a big difference.
Belt drive garage door opener vs chain.
The chain drive garage door opener was the standard for many decades before belt and screw drive mechanisms were introduced.
It uses a chain running assembly unit attached to tension springs that lift the garage door up and down.
And it s still the most popular type of drive mechanism for garage door openers.
They are exactly the same as the belt drive with the belt simply replacing the chain in the drive mechanism.
Belt drive garage openers use a rubber belt to open the garage door.
However belt drives cost more then chain drives.
Belt drive openers are pretty much identical to chain drive garage door openers with one main difference.
In comparison chain drive openers can bring more muscle to the job for less money and are often specified for heavier doors and arid climates.
You guessed it they utilize a belt instead of a chain.
Belt drive openers run on a rubber belt and are as reliable as chain drives.
The actual mechanisms of the openers are the same with the exception of a belt drive garage door opener using a steel reinforced rubber fiberglass or polyurethane belt.
Opener capacities in raynor belt drive models range from 1 2 hp to 3 4 hp.
So if your garage is attached to the house and you hate the noise involved with garage doors this is definitely a good choice.
The rubber belt is used to slide the trolley when the door is triggered to open or close the door.
But they are virtually silent.