Loud or squeaky garage doors are a problem for homeowners for a variety of reasons. A loud door means that leaving the house may disturb others inside. Plus, they can cause a lot of trouble with homeowner’s associations that have noise codes.
Fixing this problem is important, and here’s how to do it:
The first step is to secure the track and door hardware. Use a ratchet or deep socket on the nuts to fasten them. However, never over-tighten the bolts; you risk pushing the bolt heads through the door or stripping the screws.
Many track rollers feature unsealed bearings that can deteriorate over time, especially in dirty environments. The wear can be so severe that the rollers wobble while the door is in motion. If this is the case, the best course of action is to replace rollers with the nylon sort with sealed bearings. They are quiet and generally don’t need periodic oiling. The downside is that they cost more.
Once you’ve purchased new rollers, replace them one by one. If the door has torsion springs, don’t replace the rollers in the lower brackets. They’re under constant tension and can lead to major injuries if unbolted. Instead, contact a trusted garage door specialist to address them.
Worn hinges aren’t that common, but they do wear and can be pretty noisy. Signs of worn-out hinges include metal fillings and gray dust around the pin. If you notice any build-up, it’s time to replace the components. Again, this kind of repair is best handled by garage door contractors to avoid potential harm. They have specialized tools and are aware of all safety protocols to prevent injuries or damage to the door. Hiring a professional also means you won’t be getting your hands dirty.
A loose opener chain can be another culprit for a loud garage door. It creates slapping sounds and produces jerky movements, smashing the rollers against the track. To solve this, tighten the chain according to the owner’s manual. Then, as applicable, lubricate the track drive opener or grease the threads on a screw drive model.
The final step is to treat the springs, roller bearings, and hinges with a proper lubrication kit. Many lubricant types penetrate these components and leave a layer that repels dust and dirt. Apply the product to the bearings, torsion bar, and any other pivot point. Repeat the process twice a year to minimize wearing and reduce noise.
void oil and spray-lithium grease. Although these types of products are inexpensive, they’re unable to penetrate properly and may accumulate grime and dust, which can cause the door to deteriorate faster and noisier.
If you’re looking to reduce vibration, get a few anti-vibration pads. Place them between the ceiling and the opener to prevent collisions while dampening the noise.
If you aren’t sure what is causing your garage door to make noise, contact a garage door specialist to diagnose and repair the problem.
