Not only is a noisy garage door annoying, but it could also be a warning sign that something is about to break.  The Door Company (TDC), California’s garage door installation and repair specialists explain that this complex system of pulleys, cables, and springs can be responsible for making your garage door noisy.

“There are many causes of noisy garage doors, but it is important to locate the problem before it breaks or starts annoying the neighbors,” said TDC President, President Mark Stuenkel. “Some problems have simple solutions that can be easily implemented; however, some garage door repairs are more complex, requiring a service professional.

Steps to help quiet a noisy garage door:

1. Tighten All Parts

   • Snug up all the nuts and bolts on your garage door and check for worn parts and replace them where needed. When this is done, spray all the moving components with garage door lubricant.

2. Check for Worn Rollers

   • Many track rollers have unsealed bearings that self-destruct after years of rolling around in the garage. The wear can be so severe that the rollers actually wobble as the door operates. If your rollers are worn, consider replacing them with nylon rollers with sealed bearings, which are quieter.

3. Check the Hinges

   • Worn hinges are less common than worn rollers; however, sloppy hinges do make a lot of noise. Plus, worn hinges can cause the door to bind and wear out the tongue-and-groove joints at the door sections.

4. Check the Opener Chain

   • A loose garage door opener chain makes loud slapping sounds and causes jerky door movements that smack the rollers against the track, so start by tightening the chain.

5. Lubricate the Components

   • Spray the hinges, roller bearings, and springs with a garage door lube. Also, lubricate the torsion bar bearings and any other pivot points. Lubricate all moving parts every six months to reduce wear and keep the door quiet.

6. Check the Door Balance

   • There is a simple method of testing the door’s stability – pull the emergency cord to open and close the door manually. Try raising the door halfway before releasing it. If the door is stable, it will not move much; but if it is unbalanced, it will start to fall.

“Following these suggestions will help keep your garage door operating longer and quieter,” said Stuenkel. “However, if the issue is more complex, call us at The Door company to come out and take a look.  Remember, garage doors are heavy and complicated; many repairs require an experienced garage door professional.”