Silence the Squeaks: How to Fix Noisy Garage Doors

A noisy garage door is an irritation to both you and your neighbors, but more importantly, it could be an indication of some larger problem that may ultimately lead to the breakdown of your door. Never ignore a noisy garage door; inspect it and try to find a solution as soon as possible. Once you know how to fix noisy garage doors, it is really quite easy. There are usually just a few common issues to look out for, and most of them can be resolved quickly.

Identify the Source of the Noise

The most important step is to identify the source of the noise. Once you know that, the problem usually becomes pretty obvious. Once you have located the issue, you will most likely be able to take care of it by applying one of the following fixes. Here is how to fix noisy garage doors.

Tighten Loose Hardware

Very often, knowing how to fix a noisy garage door may involve nothing more than knowing how to tighten a screw. Missing bolts or screws can cause the door to rattle as it moves along its rails. Use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten the affected bolts or screws. Be careful - ask someone to help you with the adjustments, and disconnect the door from its opener so that nobody opens it while you are working.

Replace Worn-Out Rollers on the Garage Door

If it isn’t a loose bolt causing the problem, it could be a worn-out roller, especially if you hear a squeaking or grinding noise. Start by checking the lubrication on the rollers. If adding some extra lubricant doesn’t solve the problem, check again to see if maybe the rollers are worn out. It could be that you need to replace them. If this is necessary, it is best to call a professional to do the job for you.

Adjust the Garage Door Opener

If a few basic noisy garage door fixes don’t work, you may need to adjust the garage door opener. Always refer to your operator manual before doing so. Check to see if the chain or belt drive is loose, as this could cause shaky garage door movements, which can often make a lot of noise. If there are problems with your opener, you can usually spot the problem pretty easily, but you will need to call a technician to help you fix or replace the opener.

If you need to replace the opener, it is best to opt for a steel-reinforced rubber belt drive system, rather than a chain-drive system. Going for this option is an excellent way to ensure silent garage door operation.

Professional Garage Door Maintenance and Inspection

The best way to ensure that you never have to deal with a noisy garage door is to set up regular maintenance and inspection checks with a professional garage door technician. Routine maintenance helps ensure your garage door stays in good condition, avoiding noisy doors and breakdowns.

Now you know how to fix noisy garage doors, don’t hesitate to reach out for help and advice on any other problems you may experience with your doors. Tri-Lakes Garage Doors supplies and installs quality garage doors and gates throughout the Front Range area. Contact us for more information about our products and services.