El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair

Tag: Garage door chain

  • How Often Should I Replace My Garage Door Chain?

    This is probably the most common question we get when it comes to garage door opener repair. The answer really comes down to two things: the type of garage door opener you have and how often you use the garage door opener. Chain driven garage door openers are louder, but they last a while longer. Belt driven garage door openers are quieter but tend to wear out quickly. Screw driven garage door openers are the worst of both worlds — they tend to be loud, wear out quickly and require high maintenance and repair needs.

    How often is your garage door open or closed?

    Opening and closing a door puts wear and tear on a chain. So if you never open your garage door, the chain can last much longer than 15 years. Most people open their door 2 to 3 times per day. If you open it say 5 or 6, you should expect less than 15 years of use on the chain — more like 10 to 12 years.

    How often do you preventative maintenance on the garage door?

    Maintenance, likewise, can affect how long a garage door chain lasts. Garage door chains need lubricated regularly. Otherwise the parts will wear down. A well lubricated chain runs quieter and smoother because there is less stress on the chain.

    What quality of opener and chain do you own?

    The quality of your opener is another determining factor. LiftMasters are a little pricey, but they’re great door openers — so there’s less stress on your chain. It will last longer.

    What kind of installation did you have done?

    Do you have an older garage door opener? How well was it installed? Did you install the garage door opener DIY or hire a professional? This will also affect the lifespan of your garage door chain.

    Do you live in a housing complex? To save money, contractors sometimes put in shoddy openers or cheap chains. They know the house sale will be over and done with before it breaks, so why bother? In this case, you can bet the chain will wear out much more quickly than it should.

    What Type of Chain Should You Get?

    If you are replacing the chain, consider carefully which type of chain you should choose. You don’t have to go with the status quo. It may be worth getting an upgrade.

    A chain drive is the cheapest. This is a metal chain that’s inexpensive but also noisy. Belt drives use a rubber belt instead of a chain. These are a little more expensive, don’t last as long but are extremely quiet. There are also fewer moving parts, so belt drives require less maintenance. With a screw driven garage door opener, a threaded steel rod is used to move the trolley, lifting and lowering as the rod rotates. It’s a quieter solution that’s also low maintenance.

  • Is It Time to Replace Your Garage Door Chain?

    So how often should a garage door chain be replaced? As Indiana Jones would say, “It’s not the years, honey. It’s the mileage.”

    Most garage door chains can last between 10 and 15 years, but there are a lot of variables to consider. How often do you open your garage door? Some families use it 5 or more times a day. Some hardly use it all week. How often do you do restorative maintenance on it? Has your chain been oiled in the last year? These factors can all have an effect.

    Another thing that affects the lifespan of a chain is its quality. Not all garage door chains are created equal. The age and quality of your garage door opener can also be a factor, as well as if it was installed properly.

    Why You Should Consider Upgrading to a Belt Driven Garage Door Opener

    If you are in the market for a new garage door opener, you might consider upgrading to a belt driven garage door opener. This type of opener uses a nylon belt instead of the traditional chain. The beauty of these garage door openers is their peace and quiet — you hardly hear a thing! If your garage door is near a living room or bedroom, a belt driven garage door opener is a great idea. These openers are a bit more expensive than the traditional chain, but the peace and quiet is well worth it!

    Call a Professional for Inspection

    The bottom line is you really should have a professional inspect your chain to make sure. Garage door chains certainly don’t last forever. Eventually — whether today or 5 years from now — you’re going to need a new one.