Garage doors typically start out quiet when new, and begin to make noise over time. A noisy garage door can be annoying and embarrassing, and may pose a hazard depending on what is making the noise. There are many reasons that a garage door may begin making noise, so troubleshooting may help to pinpoint and fix the issue.
Tighten Nuts and Bolts
When garage doors begin to make a racket, it is often nuts and bolts that have begun to loosen causing the excessive noise. Simply taking a deep socket and ratchet to all of the nuts can help to ensure snug fitting equipment. When doing this, it is important not to over tighten, as doing so may damage the garage door parts or strip the lag screw holes.
Check Springs and Hinges
If there is a squeaking noise coming from hinges, the noise can usually be eliminated by oiling the hinges. However, if a grinding noise is coming from the hinges, it may indicate the need for replacement. This should be done by a professional. The small springs that run down the sides of the door may also cause a squeaking noise when it is time for replacement. These are generally easy to replace. However, the large torsion springs at the top of the door are very dangerous to replace and should be handled by a professional.
Garage Door Opener Consideration
Different types of garage door openers cause different levels of noise, even when in perfect repair. Chain drive openers are often the noisiest garage door openers, although lubricating these can help to decrease the noise substantially. Screw drive openers are quieter than chain drive openers, but may become noisy after several years of use, even with proper maintenance. Belt drive openers are usually the quietest. It may be helpful to consider these different noise levels when replacing a garage door.
Garage Door Balance
If the garage door has come unbalanced, it may cause the door to create excessive noise when in use. The balance of the door can be tested by pulling the emergency cord to open and close the door manually. Once the garage door has been opened halfway, if the cord is released the door should stay in the same place. If the door starts o fall, there are balance issues that should be addressed by a professional.
Professional Assistance
If none of these troubleshooting options eliminate the noise of the garage door, it is recommended that a professional be contacted. Worn or damaged bearings or rollers may cause ticking or grating noises and these should be diagnosed and replaced by a professional to avoid injury. Following repairs, all parts that are often in motion should be lubricated on a regular basis. This will help to extend the life of parts and ensure a quieter garage door.
