Common Garage Door Noises: Causes and Solutions

Garage doors are designed to provide many years of trouble-free operation. However, like any other mechanical system, they can occasionally make noise. Some garage door noises are normal, while others may indicate a problem that needs your attention. Read on to discover some of the most common garage door noises and their causes.

Squeaking 

Squeaking often results from loose hardware, such as nuts and bolts. If the problem is loose hardware, then tightening the screws should solve the issue. Dry rollers can also cause squeaking. Rollers are metal, and over time, they can become oxidized. This oxidation can cause them to become dry and squeaky. You can lubricate the rollers to fix this issue.

Squeaking can also result from dirt and debris buildup on the tracks. This buildup can prevent the doors from rolling smoothly and cause them to squeak. Cleaning the tracks with a broom or a vacuum can remove the dirt buildup.

Rattling

Your garage door is made of heavy-duty steel, and it will make some noise as it opens and closes. However, if you hear a lot of rattling, this may indicate a problem. Rattling can result from several things, such as loose hardware or debris buildup on the tracks.

If the cause of the rattling is loose hardware, tightening the screws should solve the issue. If the cause of the rattling is debris buildup on the tracks, you can clean the tracks with a vacuum, cloth or a broom. The tracks, and all components of your garage door system, are extremely dangerous. Always wear proper personal protective equipment and call a professional if you have any doubts on doing work on a garage door yourself.

Clicking 

If your garage door is clicking, it may be due to an issue with the springs or garage door opener. In this case, you will likely need to call a professional garage door technician.

Grinding

Two issues could set off the grinding noises in your garage door: the opener’s chain, worn-out rollers, and anywhere two metal objects come in contact. Most garage door openers use a chain or belt to move the trolley that lifts and lowers the door. If these components are loose, they can cause a grinding noise as they move.

In addition, the rollers that support the door as it moves up and down can also become worn out over time. As they start to wear down, they can also create a grinding noise. If you hear a grinding noise coming from your garage door, you need to have a professional diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.

Banging 

Banging noises from your garage door are a result of loose hardware, problems with the tracks, or an issue with the springs. Loose hardware is often the culprit behind minor banging noises. Every once in a while, you need to check all of the nuts and bolts holding your garage door together to make sure they are tight.

If the banging noise is more pronounced, then it could be due to problems with the tracks. The metal tracks or even a broken spring. The metal tracks that your door slides on will need to be aligned by a professional for the door to move smoothly. The spring is what offsets the weight of the door, so if the garage door spring is broken your garage door will typically not open. If you run your garage door with a broken spring your garage door opener will likely fail in the near future since garage door openers are intended to push the door open and closed; not lift the weight of the door.

These are just a few of the most common garage door noises and their causes. If you are having trouble with your garage door or you are not sure what is causing the noise, you need to contact a professional garage door technician for help. Plano Overhead Garage Door is here to help.  Contact us  today to schedule a service call.

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