Noisy garage doors can be one of the biggest nuisances around your home. The constant creaking and squeaking sounds can drive even the most patient person to distraction. But before you decide on contacting top-rated garage door repair services in Vancouver or start ripping out boards and replacing hinges, it’s important to understand what could likely be causing that obnoxious noise – and how simple (or difficult) fixing it might be. Keep reading for all the helpful advice you need to restore peace and quiet in your home.
Improper Installation
Improper installation can cause all kinds of problems, especially when the door hasn’t been set up correctly, so it doesn’t move freely in its tracks. Usually, a poorly-installed garage door has too much tension, and it causes the mechanical components to grind against each other when being opened or closed.
Solution: If the problem occurs shortly after installation, contact the installer immediately and have it looked at professionally. If they are unable to address the issue, consider replacing your garage door opener with a more reliable model from a certified manufacturer. Additionally, you may want to add sound-dampening material, such as rubber weather stripping around the edges for additional insulation and noise reduction.
Loose Hardware
Another common issue that can cause loud noises in your garage door is loose hardware. Over time screws and bolts will loosen up, which leads to rattling and banging when the door opens or closes.
Solution: The best way to resolve this issue is to check all of the hardware on the garage door and tighten any loose screws or bolts. Make sure that you lubricate any moving parts with a silicon spray or similar product to ensure smooth operation. Additionally, keep an eye out for worn or broken components that need to be replaced.
Worn Gaskets/Seals
Worn gaskets and seals can cause a loud rattling noise in your garage door as well. These are usually located at the top and bottom corners of the door where it meets the frame. Over time they can become brittle or detached, causing them to rattle when the door opens and closes.
Solution: The best way to fix this issue is to replace the worn gaskets and seals with new ones. Make sure that they are properly installed and secured in place so that they don’t rattle. Additionally, you may want to add insulation material such as foam weather stripping for extra sound dampening.
Squeaky Springs
Squeaky springs can be a common problem in older garage doors or those with improper maintenance. Over time, the metal springs used to power the door can become brittle or corroded, leading to squeaking noises when the door opens and closes.
Solution: To address this issue, try lubricating the springs using silicon spray or mineral oil. Check for any signs of corrosion or rust and replace the springs with new ones if necessary.
Off-Balance Door
An off-balance garage door can lead to a lot of unwanted noise as well. This is usually caused when the springs or cables become worn out or loose leading to an unbalanced load on the opener.
Solution: To fix this issue, first check all of the connections and cables for any signs of wear or damage. If they are in good condition, adjust the tension on the springs until they reach equilibrium. You may need to replace some components if they are broken or damaged beyond repair. Once done, your garage door should be quieter when it opens and closes.
Poor Lubrication
Without adequate lubrication on the moving parts of a garage door, frequent use can lead to loud grinding sounds and much less smooth operation. Pay attention to 1) the slew of creaky noises emanating from your door and 2) whether it’s accompanied by difficulty in opening or closing it—both are common signs that poor lubrication has resulted in a need for preventative maintenance.
Solution: Make sure that you are routinely lubricating all of the moving parts on your garage door with a silicone-based spray or mineral oil. This will help to reduce the friction between them and keep them running smoothly without making too much noise. Additionally, check for any signs of rusting or corrosion that may need to be addressed with new components as needed.
No matter what is causing your noisy garage door, these are simple steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. From checking for loose hardware to lubricating the moving parts, following these tips can help you maintain a quiet garage door that operates smoothly and efficiently. With a bit of regular maintenance and care, you will be able to enjoy the quiet comforts of a properly functioning garage door.
