Noisy Garage Door: Why it Happens and How to Avoid It

Weird noises are basically your garage door’s way of sending you an S.O.S.

Does your garage door:

  • Flap
  • Squeak
  • Grind
  • Rattle
  • Or just cause an overall ruckus?

These are all words you don’t want to be associated with your garage door. Not only can they be a distraction, but they can also hint at bigger problems down the line (especially if ignored).

Let’s look at some potential causes we see often and what you can do to prevent them.

Using a garage door remote to open the door
Two repair men fixing a garage door

What Causes a Noisy Garage Door?

Different noises are typically associated with different garage door issues. Our professionally trained technicians have years of experience getting to the bottom of what causes those strange sounds.

Some common culprits of the sounds include:

Damaged Panels

This might cause a banging sound when you open and close your door. Watch out for signs of visible wear and tear on the panels, including dents, scrapes, and corrosion.

Old or Rusty Springs

When garage door springs near the end of their life span, you might start hearing a popping sound as they struggle to help open and close your door. It’s important to note that garage door springs are very dangerous and should be treated by a professional.

Worn Rollers

Rollers connect your garage door to its tracks, and when they start getting worn down, they may make a grinding noise or cause excess shaking when your garage door opens and closes.

Loose Hardware

Your garage door system uses dozens of small hardware pieces like bolts and screws. They may loosen over time, causing a rattling sound when you use your door.

Unlubricated Parts

If you hear any high-pitched squeaking, the sound doesn’t always hint at a major issue. It may simply be that your garage door parts need lubrication.

Unbalanced Door

An unbalanced door may emit a scraping sound when in use. If you hear something like that, get it inspected ASAP as unbalanced doors can cause serious strain on many of your door’s parts.

How Can You Keep Your Door Working Quietly?

Even the quietest garage doors still make some noise, but there are several steps you can take to keep it from getting out of hand. Treating your garage door to these regular maintenance practices is the best way to keep it operating smoothly!

Consider Replacing Old Parts

In some cases, it might take more effort to maintain old garage door parts than it would to have them replaced altogether. If you notice that some of your garage door components are starting to make funny noises or cause unnecessary strain on your door, consider replacing them with newer parts made of durable, long-lasting materials like steel and nylon.

Clean Out the Tracks

For your garage door to move up and down with ease, the tracks should be free of dirt and debris. Remove any leaves or dust that may have accumulated and clogged the rollers.

Keep Your Door Lubricated

Give your door regular check-ups to make sure it’s lubricated properly. Before your garage door parts have the opportunity to start squeaking, you can apply a silicone or lithium-based lubricant to keep them working smoothly.

Keep in mind that you should never apply WD-40 to your garage door parts as it won’t properly grease them and can actually cause harm.

When in Doubt, Call the Pros

Don’t hesitate to call the professionals if you suspect there might be a problem with your garage door. While certain maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, others – like replacing springs or installing a new opener – are best left to our trained technicians who know how to service your garage door safely.

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Are You Dealing With a Noisy Garage Door?

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