What to Do When the Garage Door Is Noisy

Are you someone who knows when another person arrives home because the garage door makes such a racket? It probably occurs to you that you should do something about it…one of these days. After all, it opens on demand, closes when needed, and seems “okay”.

If you’re like many others, you are also a bit worried and keep telling yourself it is something you need to address before something goes wrong with it. After all, if it gets stuck at 7:30AM on a Monday…just how are you getting to work?

Yet, you hesitate because you envision yourself trying to explain to the garage door people just what sort of sounds it makes. However, the sounds keep getting louder and angrier or more serious, so you know you’re at greater risk…it’s just that you don’t want to explain what’s going on.

Clunk, Clunk, Clunk?

Fortunately, there are actually common sounds for common issues with garage doors. As a prime example, if you hear a big thumping sound as the door closes or opens, and you have an electric garage door opener, it is likely one of the torsion spring (installed over the door of your double door)

It has probably broken and must be replaced. Note that we say “one” of these springs. That is because it is rare both to break at the same time particularly on the average 16‑foot (4.9‑meter) door.

What if you have a single door? That would be around 9 feet (2.7 meters) wide. If there is an issue with torsion spring it could still be able to lift the door in an emergency, but it is a risky scenario.

How do you know if it is the torsion spring? Just close the door and look over it. Do you see a spring or two? Does it seem like the spring is in two pieces? If so, you need to contact a garage door specialist without delay

Clink, clink, clink!

If you hear a continuous clinking sound as the door closes or opens, it is probably due to the coils of the springs. The clinking is from their rubbing together. Because most garages remain fairly humid and cool inside, it actually creates surface rust on the spring, and then when the weather changes and the humidity decreases, the dry springs rub together and make that easily recognizable sound. No rust? It could be that one of your door’s roller is defective and at risk for falling off.

Squeak, Squeak, Squeakity Squeak?

Harsh and constant, it occurs whenever the door opens and closes. It is sharper than the clinking and is often because there is inadequate lubrication on the exterior frame weather‑stripping as well as the weather-stripping between the garage door sections. Made of PVC these parts can dry out over time and will stick together and squeak.

Grinding?

If the sound is very metallic and not as loud as the squeaking, it is often due to the chain or belt of the electric garage door opener. Generally, it is because the gear pinions are skipping one of the links, forcing the opener. It might also be that a chain or belt is loose and some adjustment is necessary.

Just How Serious Is It?

These sounds can be serious, but some can be minor and easily fixed. The key is to get a professional on site within 24 hours of any of the noises. And never consider these issues a DIY repair. You really do want the expert on hand. After all, changing a spring or adjusting the lifting mechanism is serious business.

The only time some DIY is alright is where lubricating is concerned. Proper lubricants should be purchased at a garage door specialist in your area Feel free to do the following on your own:

• Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the PVC part such as the weather-stripping along the bottom, between the sections, and around the exterior frame.
• Apply a small amount of petroleum-based oil to the Metal part like the rollers, hinges and springs.

When Is a Tune-up Required?

If you suddenly realize that the garage door hasn’t been adjusted or inspected in a while (such as a few years), it is best to get in touch with a technician specializing in garage doors and garage door openers.

Most experts say it is necessary every 18 months if your garage door is over five years old. If you find you need some garage door care, just contact us at 508-966-0242.

Our residential garage door maintenance program features a 26‑point checklist, adjustments and lubrication of the major components of your garage door. If you are worried about costs, we’ll email a quotation. Alternately, feel free to visit our showroom, use our online Design Centre or take some cues from other customers who have shared photos to our image gallery.