Tired of a Noisy Garage Door? Here are Some Checks You Can Do

Has your garage door started making strange creaking and banging noises lately? If so, don’t fret – many common issues can cause garage door noise, and fixing them is usually quite simple. In this post, we’ll explore four of the most typical culprits behind noisy garage doors and easy checks you can do yourself. With a little TLC, you can have a quiet door in no time.

Check the Tracks and Rollers

One of the primary sources of noise is often worn or dirty tracks and rollers. Over time, the rollers that help guide the door up and down the tracks lose their round shape and become flattened. This reduces how smoothly the door moves and can lead to creaking, scraping, or banging.

To check the tracks, run your hand along them and feel for any buildup of dirt or debris. Use a rag to wipe them clean. Inspect the rollers too – look for flat spots, cracks, or roughness on the wheels. Rollers in poor shape should be replaced. Making sure the tracks and rollers are clean and rounded can go a long way in reducing noise.

Tighten or Replace Loose Hardware

Loose hardware on your door is another frequent annoyance. Noisy hinges, squeaky springs, or bolts that have come loose will all contribute to unwanted noise. Start by tightening any bolts you find are not snug. Apply a lubricant to reduce squeaking. Springs that are worn or stretched may need replacement too.

For garage doors making sounds in Poquoson, Virginia, I recommend checking with Garage Door Repair in Poquoson. Their technicians can assess your specific door and properly tighten or replace parts to fix the source of irritation. A few turns of a wrench could restore peace and quiet.

Adjust or Replace Old Cables

On older garage doors that operate using cable and pulley systems, frayed or stretched cables may cause the door to move unevenly. This puts added stress on other parts and leads to increased noise over time. Cables that look worn or are not taut need adjustment or replacement. Again, a professional like Garage Door Repair in Poquoson can address any cable issues properly.

Lubricate All Moving Parts

Squeaks and squeals may not indicate a serious problem on their own, but lubricating wherever metal touches metal can significantly reduce friction noise. Silicone- or Teflon-based lubricants work best. Spray or dab it onto hinges, rollers, pulleys, springs, and anywhere else the door assembly moves. Reapply every few months to maintain a quiet operation.

When to Call a Pro

If noise issues persist after checking these basic trouble spots, or your door seems unsafe, it’s prudent to contact a garage door technician. They have the know-how and proper tools to thoroughly diagnose more complex problems, make any repairs correctly, and adjust the door for optimal performance. Mishandled repairs could worsen issues or introduce new safety concerns.

With some simple do-it-yourself maintenance and lubrication or by consulting professionals like Garage Door Repair in Poquoson if needed, you can restore a smooth, quiet operation to your garage door and prevent further degradation. Identify and remedy sources of noise before they escalate into more serious mechanical faults down the road. With a little TLC, your door will run quietly for years to come.