Automatic overhead door openers got popular in the 1970s and have grown into a huge market with a range of different types of automated garage door openers for commercial and residential garages. Electric garage door openers took the hassle out of having to leave the car to physically open the garage door. Various garage door openers may be set up by seasoned do-it-yourselfers, however, for most, installation should be entrusted to the experts. When safety is such an essential issue, as it is with garage doors and garage door openers, it's just better to leave it to the experts.

There are four types of overhead door openers: chain drive, belt drive, screw drive, and jack-shaft. Each kind operates differently and your particular needs will guide you to the most suitable opener for your garage door.

Points to think about when purchasing an opener:

Do you prefer extra safety capabilities for your opener? If you have kids, this is especially important.
Are you shopping for a very quiet opener?
Do you live in a climate with extreme temperature levels (in which a screw drive opener will be optimum selection)?
Do you need remote control access?
Does your garage facilitate ceiling installation of the opener, or do you have high ceilings (which would make a jack-shaft the best option)?
What is your budget? Chain-drive openers website are the least pricey of the four options.
Chain Drive
Chain-drive openers are probably the most preferred of the four kinds of garage door opener. They are the least expensive. They are the noisiest of the four types, they are incredibly durable and are a solid overhead door opener choice.

Belt Drive
Belt-drive garage door openers are quieter than chain drives since they use rubber belts. They cost a bit more than chain-drive openers and are best for people with living spaces above or next to the garage. There are also minimal vibrations related to this opener type.

Screw Drives
This garage door opener style is commonly used in climates with harsh temperatures since they are built to hold up against temperature changes. Screw-drive openers won't struggle with iced up chains or other weather-related matters. The tracks are plastic-lined and there is very little care involved.

Jack-shaft
Jack-shaft drives are very good for getting rid of that big overhead door opener box on the ceiling of your garage. Jack-shaft openers are installed on the side wall of your garage and are excellent for garages with tall ceilings. Another advantage is that they are super silent.

Find a local garage door professional who can assist you decide if you are uncertain about which garage door opener is most ideal for your garage.


Automatic garage door openers became popular in the 1970s and have evolved into a huge market with a plethora of different kinds of automatic garage door openers for residential and commercial garages. Automatic garage door openers took the inconvenience out of having to get out of the car to manually open the garage door. When safety is such an important issue, as it is with garage doors and garage door openers, it's simply better to leave it to the experts.