Why Your Garage Door Is So Loud When Opening Or Closing
As with any mechanical system, you expect to hear some noise when your garage doors open or close. When a gentle hum becomes grinding or banging, it indicates a problem with your garage door or opener. Ignoring these signs could lead to severe damage, safety hazards and costly repairs. Understanding the noise source will help you determine the best way to resolve it. While squeaky hinges are easy to fix with a little lubricant, more complex issues like a broken torsion spring require a professional. Here, we’ll explore the causes of common garage door noises and how to address them.
Decoding Garage Door Mechanical Noises
As your garage opens and closes, the components may whirr, click or hum. These noises are consistent, quiet and related to normal door operation. Over time, natural aging, the weather and frequent use cause the components to wear. Sudden, loud noises signal a deeper problem. The type of noise can tell you the cause of the issue. Listen for the following.
Rattling
Rattling or vibration can suggest several potential issues, such as:
- Loose hardware: The most common cause for rattling is loose nuts or bolts along the track. You can fix this with a wrench and socket. Remember, over-tightening can also damage your garage door, so consider calling a professional.
- Poor lubrication: The parts of your garage door need lubrication for smooth operation. Clopay® recommends lubricating garage door components once every three to six months, depending on how often you use the door. Focus on the rollers, hinges, springs and bearing plates. Regular lubrication reduces the friction of the moving parts. It extends the lifespan of your system and protects against wear.
- Unbalanced doors: Improper installation can cause a garage door to become unbalanced. Call a reputable garage door service provider to check the door and correct the problem.
Grinding or Screeching
Pay attention if your garage door makes a grinding noise when opening or closing. This sound indicates a more serious problem that can escalate into significant damage. First, check your rollers. Worn rollers, especially metal ones, can cause a grinding sound. They may need lubricant, but if you see signs of wear or damage, it is best to replace them. Consider swapping metal rollers with nylon for noise reduction. They are quieter, need no lubrication and last as long as metal rollers.
A misaligned shaft system, damaged hinges or a bent track can also cause screeching. Look for metal filings in these areas to find where metal scrapes against metal. Grinding noises warrant professional attention. A technician can replace worn rollers, realign the tracks or tighten loose hardware.
Squeaking
Is your garage door squeaking when opening? High-pitched squeaks or squeals imply components in need of lubrication. Apply lubricant to the hinges, rollers, pulleys, bearings and springs to see if that resolves the noise. If you still hear squeaking, check your rollers and ball bearings for loose parts. A door that wobbles along the track points to loose components.
Banging or Popping
A loud bang could signal loose hardware or a broken torsion spring. When these springs break, it can sound like a gunshot. For DIY enthusiasts who want to know how to fix a garage door that bangs when closing, the answer is to seek expert help. Springs store massive amounts of energy. Attempting to fix a spring yourself could result in injury or significant damage when the spring releases that energy. Avoid using the door and call a repair technician as soon as possible.
Understanding Garage Door Opener Sounds
In some cases, a faulty opener could cause a noisy garage door. A garage door opener older than seven years or operated by a chain is prone to some extra noise. Several things could cause a noisy garage door opener:
- Rattling: A rattling garage door opener signals an issue with the support rails or a loose chain. A loose chain might also cause a snapping or slapping sound. If jerky movements accompany the sound, the chain is the likely culprit.
- Grinding: What causes a garage door opener grinding noise? Most often, the chain and other moving parts need lubrication. Spray a liberal amount of lubricant, then open and close the garage door several times to spread it. A stripped opener gear can also cause a grinding sound. If this is the case, call a professional to replace the equipment.
- Straining: An old, defective or low-powered motor can cause your garage door opener to strain. Speak with a professional about retrofitting a new opener.
If you fail to find a fault, consider replacing your chain-operated opener with a quieter belt-operated one. You will need the help of an expert to install your new belt-operated opener.
DIY vs. Professional Fixes for Garage Door Noise
You can resolve some garage door noises yourself, while others need expert attention.
When to Take Matters Into Your Own Hands
With the right tools and products, you can address the following issues:
- Lubrication: Choose a silicon-based lubricant or lithium grease. Apply a light layer to the rollers, springs, chain or belt drive and hinges.
- Loose hardware: Inspect the door system for loose mounting brackets, bolts and nuts. Tighten any loose hardware without overtightening, as this can strip the components.
If you choose the DIY route, disconnect the opener and work with a partner for safety. Avoid replacing rollers, hinges or springs on your own. A mistake could cause your garage door to fall off the tracks and lead to severe consequences.
When to Call the Garage Door Professionals
Beyond basic repairs, it’s best to call a garage door technician. Specialists have the tools, experience and skill to resolve the following problems:
- Broken springs
- Imbalanced doors
- Faulty openers
- Misaligned tracks
- Damaged cables
Investing in scheduled maintenance on your garage door and opener once a year prevents major damage. A professional garage door tuneup is an inexpensive way of improving performance. The technician will lubricate all moving parts and identify potential issues.
Schedule a Tuneup or Get a Free Estimate Today
Garage door noises can be more than frustrating — they can indicate serious issues that need attention. If you hear banging, grinding or rattling, The Doorman of Southeast Florida can diagnose and fix the problem. Our experienced technicians handle everything from broken springs to track realignment. We’ll provide you with honest garage door repairs, service and maintenance. Take advantage of our annual tuneup for only $39.95 to keep your system in peak condition.
Contact us online to request a free estimate or schedule your service appointment. You can also call us at 561-600-9606 to discuss your garage door needs.
