Causes of Noisy Garage Doors
Garage doors are sometimes the most noisy system on a property.
Garage doors are sometimes the most noisy system on a property. But when they start to make more noise than usual, it can be the symptom of a much bigger problem. Knowing the common causes of door noises and how to identify them can be the first step in fixing the problem.
Worn rollers
Garage doors mounted on tracks use mounted rollers to open and close. It uses low-friction materials for ease of movement, and many have ball bearings to increase smooth operation. Here are the three common materials used for rollers:
Plastic: The most affordable roller type and quickest to wear out.
Steel: A strong material, but also prone to gradual stripping and rust with use.
Nylon: A durable material that doesn’t wear out quickly and is the strongest of the three.
Depending on their material, rollers will need regular replacement. For example, plastic rollers are the most demanding, needing attention every two years. Worn-out or dry rollers often produce a squeaking or grinding noise. If worn rollers are the culprit, a lubricant or replacement can alleviate the noise.
Improper installation
A poor installation job can result in many problems further down the line. The springs may be ill-fitting and pop every time they extend, or a motor without sufficient horsepower will struggle with the weight of a heavy door.
Human error during installation can also lead to badly aligned or poorly secured components. In this case, the best course of action is to have a professional garage door service completely reinstall the door.
Insufficient lubrication
A garage door’s moving components are under constant motion and stress, with some even subject to exposure to the elements. Parts that are not regularly lubricated are at risk of rust and corrosion, typically causing telltale screeching and grinding noises.
Fortunately, it’s an easy problem to solve by applying lubrication twice a year to all moving components of the garage door. Pay particular attention to these areas:
The armbar
Hinges
Springs
The garage door lock
The top rail and its rollers
For best results, use a lubricant that’s both effective and long-lasting, such as silicone or white lithium.
Off balance
If the garage door is grinding or rattling, it may be due to the overall balance of the system. A garage door opener vibrates during operation, which can cause a door to dislodge and become unbalanced. Chain openers are particularly guilty of this phenomenon. Systems that rely on torsion springs may also become unbalanced over time.
Realigning the entire door can be a dangerous job and needs the expertise of a professional garage door service. One way to prevent this problem is to ensure the door opener is powerful enough to handle the door.
A faulty motor
If that wheezing noise comes from the gearbox, it may be a sign that the motor will soon need a replacement. Opener motors have a lifespan of roughly 10 to 15 years, depending on their power. However, a buzzing motor or a door that’s slow to open usually means contacting a trusted garage door professional for a replacement.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112.
