Is your garage door so noisy that it's a neighborhood nuisance? There are many reasons for noisy garage doors. Some you can repair yourself, while others may need the expertise of a professional. This troubleshooting guide can help you figure out the problem and decide upon the best solution.
Check the Opener Type
Some automatic openers are just louder than others. Those with a chain drive are the loudest, while belt driven openers are the quietest. If a replacement for the loud chain drive model isn't in the budget, you can try lubricating it. Apply a spray lubricant to the chains that connect the opener to the door pulleys. You can add a small amount of lubricant to the pulleys, too. You may need to reapply the lubricant annually, or when the opener becomes noisy again.
Oil the hinges
The door has hinges between each panel. These may make loud squeaks or even grinding noises if they become dirty and need lubrication. Check each hinge to make sure there are no signs of rust or corrosion – if so, then replacement is necessary. Spray the moving parts of the hinges with the spray lubricant and then open and close the garage door a couple of times to help the lubricant work its way through the hinges.
Make Sure It's Balanced
A poorly balanced garage door shakes, shimmies and grinds, which can all result in loud, jarring noises. To check the balance, pull the emergency cord on the garage door opener. This will disconnect the door from the automatic opener, allowing you to operate in manually. Then, open the door halfway and let it go. A balanced door should move smoothly and it should remain near the level where you let go. The door itself should also be level. If the door balance is off, you may need to bring in a repair technician to track down the cause and rebalance the door.
Clean the Tracks
Dirty tracks can be loud tracks. Stand inside the garage as the door opens. If the loud squealing or grating noises come from the tracks or wheels, dirt is the likely culprit. Sweep out the tracks with a broom to remove dirt, and then lubricate each of the wheels with the spray lubricant.
Inspect the Springs
Damaged springs may squeal, squeak, or grind. The springs shouldn't have any visible damage, including rust, uneven stretching, or signs of weakness. Do not attempt to repair or adjust the springs on your own. They are under high tension, so they can cause serious injury or even death if they are accidentally mishandled. Contact a garage door repair company, like Doors Unlimited, if you suspect there are any issues with the springs.
