How to Fix a Noisy Garage Door

Yellow Wooden Garage Door
May 13, 2024

Have Regular Inspections

A noisy garage door may be due to various reasons and are usually caused by worn-out rollers, loose hardware, and parts that need lubrication.  Below are some of the most common causes of a noisy garage door.

Worn-out rollers

Over time, the rollers that help your garage door open and close start to wear out. When this happens, they can create a lot of noise.

Loose hardware

All of the hardware on your garage door, including the springs, bolts, and screws, can become loose over time, and this can cause rattling and loud noises.

Parts that need lubrication

The moving parts on your garage door, such as the garage door opener chain and tracks, need to be lubricated regularly.

Squeaking Doors

Squeaking doors are usually caused by worn-out rollers, out-of-alignment, warped wheels and rollers, broken tracks, stuck debris, malfunctioning chain, and rusted nuts & bolts.

Rattling Doors

Rattling doors are usually caused by loose hardware like bolts or bolts along the tracks. A rattling door may also be a sign of an unbalanced door or a gap between the door and the frames, improper installation, poor lubrication, or loose chains.

Noisy Chains or Tracks

Noisy chains or tracks are usually caused by parts that need lubrication, loose hardware, worn-out rollers and hinges.

Grinding Noises

Garage door noise is usually caused by parts that need lubrication, loose roller or hinge, misaligned tracks, and filing opener parts.

Workers checking the issue on a noisy garage door

If you have a noisy garage door, don't hesitate to contact a professional for help.

Garage door repairs can be complex and dangerous, so it’s best to leave them to the experts.

How to Fix a Noisy Garage Door

A worker welding a metal part
Before fixing a noisy garage door, make sure you have disconnected the power to the garage door opener. This is to prevent anyone from opening the garage door while working.

Tighten Nuts and Bolts

Check all the nuts and bolts on the garage door, including the hinges, tracks, springs, and other hardware. If any of them are loose, tighten them up with a wrench.

Do not adjust, repair or remove spring parts. The springs are typically connected to the door and help counterbalance its weight. These parts are under high tension, and improperly adjusting or removing springs can be extremely dangerous.

Lubricate

Lubrication is key to keeping your garage door quiet. Use a silicone-based lubricant on the tracks and chain to reduce noise. You can also use WD-40 to lubricate the moving parts of your garage door.

These parts include steel roller shafts, hinges, springs, chains and other exposed metal parts. Do not lubricate the nylon portion of the rollers or any plastic parts, and doing so may cause a breakdown of the garage door parts.

If lubricating does not fix the noisy garage door, you will likely need to replace the worn-out parts or call your trusted garage door repair company.

Have Regular Inspections aThe Best Way to Lubricate a Garage Door

The first thing to do is remove any debris on the garage door tracks with a clean rag. Debris may prevent the lubricant from coating the tracks properly.

Then, apply a silicon-based lubricant to the tracks. Be sure to wipe away any excess lubricant so that it does not attract dirt and debris.

Replace Worn-Out Rollers

Garage door rollers guide your overhead garage door along the tracks as it opens and closes. They help to guide the door along the tracks as it opens and closes.

Over time, however, the rollers can become worn out, making the door noisy and difficult to open and close. If you notice any roller damage, such as cracks or chips, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.

You should inspect the roller doors at least once a year for signs of wear and tear. If the rollers are damaged, cracked or chipped, they will need to be replaced.

Fixing garage door rollers yourself can be dangerous, and it is best to call a garage door technician to address the problem.

Check the Garage Door Opener

A noisy garage door opener could be the culprit behind your noisy garage door. Check to see if the chain or belt is loose. If so, tighten it up. You may also need to replace the sprocket or gears inside the opener.

Contact a professional garage door repair company if you need help fixing the garage door. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

How to Check Your Garage Door Opener Safely

Safety should be your main priority when checking your garage door for any loud noise, loose bolts, bent tracks or worn rollers. DIY garage door checking can be dangerous. It can cause serious injury if not done properly.

Here are six tips on how you can check your garage door safely:

Perform Visual Inspection

Garage door owners should regularly visually inspect their garage roller doors. This will ensure that the door is in good condition and working properly.

Signs of wear and tear would be visible during visual inspection. Get familiar with the torsion springs, hinges, metal rollers, garage door hinges, track hardware, and pivot points. Check to see if there are any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, dents or rust. Look at the door and its working parts to see if anything looks out of place.

Not every part of your garage door can be done by yourself. If you’re inexperienced, refrain from replacing or fixing tension springs and cables.

Inspect Door Panels

The door panel is the largest door component and usually consists of an inner and outer panel with reinforcement in between. The door panel should be inspected for signs of wear or damage, as well as to ensure that it is properly secured to the door frame.

Check if the door panel handles are suitable for the door. Make sure that there are no gaps along the edges of the door panel that might let in outside noise or pests. Also, look at the weather stripping to see if it is still intact and not peeling off.

Check the Balance

One of the most popular types of doors is a heavy and large door that is mounted on hinges and designed to open either manually or by an automatic garage door opener.

Most garage doors have a balance check system that helps to keep the garage door in balance and prevents it from slamming shut.

An unbalanced garage door prevents the door from being shut. It would also cause the door to be noisy when in use. You can test the balance of your garage door by disconnecting it from the opener and then manually opening and closing it halfway.

It should stay in place without you having to hold on to it. If it does not, then you will need to adjust or replace the springs.

Essential tools for garage door repair and maintenance

Spring and Hardware Inspection

As mentioned earlier, garage door springs are under a lot of tension. It is best to leave the inspection and spring replacement to the professionals.

If you must inspect them, do so with extreme caution. Do not try to remove or adjust the springs by yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous.

Inspect Tracks for Damage

Look at the tracks and see any signs of wear and tear. If the tracks are damaged, they will need to be repaired or replaced.

Bent tracks can cause noisy operation and prevent the door from opening or closing properly. Be sure to check the alignment of the tracks as well. They should be parallel to each other.

Inspect Sensors

Some garage doors operate with sensors. These devices are responsible for detecting obstacles in the path of the door and preventing the door from closing if an obstruction is present.

Because garage door sensors are such an important safety feature, it is important to inspect them on a regular basis to ensure that they are functioning properly.

To inspect a garage door sensor, start by unplugging the garage door opener from the power outlet. Next, locate the two sensors near the bottom of the garage door tracks. One sensor should be located on each side of the door. If either sensor is loose, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it should be replaced immediately.

If you still think that your garage door is working properly but are experiencing noise and/or other issues like lack of power or motor problems, consider contacting an experienced technician for help.

Consult a  professional garage door repair company company to see your best options. They will be able to help you find a new door that fits your budget and needs.

Is it Safe to Do Garage Door Maintenance Yourself?

Hands of a mechanic full of grease after work

DIY garage door maintenance can be very dangerous, and you can put yourself at risk of cuts, bruises, and being crushed.

Only attempt to do maintenance on your garage door if you are confident in your ability to do so safely. If you are not sure, it is always best to consult with a professional.

Here are some things to keep in mind when doing any kind of garage door repairs:

Be Careful With the Springs

Garage doors have many parts that work together to open and close the door. One of the most important parts is the springs. There are two different types of springs – torsion and extension. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension and can be very dangerous. If you try to remove a garage door spring yourself, you could be seriously injured.

The springs on your garage door are under a lot of tension. If they snap, they can cause serious injury. Do not attempt to adjust or remove the springs by yourself.

Do Not Cut the Cables

Most garage doors have two horizontal garage door cables that are attached to the bottom of the garage door on each side. There are also sometimes vertical garage door cables that are attached to the top of the garage door on each side.

The cables on your garage door are also under a lot of tension. Do not attempt to cut them as they can snap and cause serious injury.

Be Wary of the Tracks

If you have a garage door, be careful of the tracks. The tracks on your garage door can be sharp. Be careful when handling them to avoid cuts and scrapes.

If you notice that your garage door tracks are starting to become loose, be sure to take action right away and call the professionals.

Do Not Force the Door Open or Closed

The garage door is one of the most frequently used doors in a home, and it’s important to keep it well-maintained to avoid accidents. One hazard to watch out for is forcing the door open or closed. This can damage the door and cause it to become disconnected from the opener, which could lead to injury.

If the door is stuck, do not force it open or closed. This can damage the door and the opener. Instead, try to find the source of the problem and fix it.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you do not put yourself in danger while doing garage door maintenance. However, the best way to stay safe is to hire a professional. They have the experience and expertise to maintain your garage door safely.

Bonus Maintenance Tips

Whether you are working with a panel lift door or roller door, you don’t want to wait for it break on you; instead, you can prolong its life by maintaining it by doing these simple tips:

Clean It Regularly

It is important to keep your garage door clean. This will help prevent dirt and debris from building up and causing problems.

Be sure to wipe down the door regularly with a soft cloth. You can also vacuum the tracks to remove any buildup.

Lubricate All Moving Parts

Another way to maintain your garage door is to lubricate all the moving parts. This includes the tracks, springs, rollers, and hinges. You can use a silicone-based lubricant or WD-40. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying any lubricant. Using the right lubricant can make your garage door quieter and run smoothly.

By following these tips, you can help keep your garage door in good condition. However, it is important to remember that regular maintenance is still necessary. Be sure to inspect your door regularly and schedule professional service as needed.

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