Sometimes a noisy garage door is simply a nuisance. However, unusual noises can also indicate a problem with the door or the lift mechanism. Read on to learn what causes different garage door noises—and what you can do about it!
Basic Safety for Garage Door Repair
There are some causes of garage door sounds that you can typically handle on your own. However, it’s essential that you take safety precautions if you do any investigation or troubleshooting of your overhead door.
Tell others in your household that you’re going to be looking at the door, and disconnect the garage door opener so no one activates the door while you’re trying to examine it. If you find that the issue at hand is beyond your knowledge or skill set, or if it involves a dangerous or delicate part of the door (like the torsion spring or the lift mechanism), call a professional so you don’t harm yourself or your overhead door.
Common Garage Door Noise Issues
Some basic garage door noises that you can often solve on your own include:
- Squeaking
- Grinding
- Rattling
If you hear other types of noises, it may be best to call in an expert. Unusual noises might indicate a more serious problem than you can handle solo.
DIY Solutions for Squeaking or Grinding
Squeaking or grinding noises often indicate that there’s not enough lubrication between different parts of the door. These noises happen when various parts of the door, like the rollers, tracks, or hinges, move against each other without anything to buffer the connection.
If you can identify where the noise is coming from, applying a lubricant to those areas may do the trick to get rid of the noise. If, however, you can’t find where the noise is coming from, or if it’s coming from a part of the door that’s dangerous to handle (like the torsion spring), call a garage door company for professional assistance.
Keep in mind that squeaking or grinding isn’t something you should ignore. While it may start as an inconvenient noise, it can end with parts of your door getting worn out and causing more serious issues down the line.
Get Rid of Overhead Door Rattling
Rattling is another common garage door noise that you can often handle on your own.
Your garage door features numerous nuts and bolts that hold the different parts of the door together. If that hardware is loose, it can rattle as the door travels up and down. If left untreated, this issue can also lead to structural issues.
Luckily, the solution is simply to tighten the hardware. This can easily be done with a wrench and socket set.
If your overhead door uses a chain drive, that can also be a source of a rattle. Sometimes, this can be solved by applying a lubricant. If, on the other hand, the chain has become too loose, you’ll need to call in a professional. Never try to troubleshoot the lift mechanism on your own!
Ideally, the DIY option will work for you. However, if you need garage door repair assistance in Heathsville or the surrounding area, call the team at Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC. We have over 32 years of experience providing exceptional customer service and expert garage door installation and repair. Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC—Because Life is Hard Enough!
