A noisy garage door can be quite bothersome. Worse, it may indicate underlying functional or safety issues that require immediate attention.

Our seasoned Northeast Ohio garage door experts are closely familiar with just about every garage door malfunction one can think of – as well as the remedies for each. A noisy garage door is consistently one of the most common complaints from homeowners and commercial property managers alike – because the grating sound is practically impossible to ignore.

You’re going to know every time that door opens and closes that something just isn’t right. Beyond the irritating sound is the risk of an injury because whatever is causing the noise might be red-flagging a functional issue. At the very least, a problem that goes on unabated is likely only to exacerbate.

If a noisy garage door is causing you to cringe every open-close cycle, here are the most likely causes:

1. Lubrication Lapses

One of the most common culprits behind a cacophonous garage door is insufficient lubrication. The intricate interplay of hinges, rollers, and tracks demands a frictionless environment. Over time, however, these parts can become dry and worn, leading to squeaks and groans that echo throughout the garage.

Expert Tip: Regular application of a high-quality silicone-based lubricant is essential. Ensure that all moving parts, from hinges to rollers, are well-oiled. A little lubrication can go a long way in silencing your garage door’s constant clamor.

2. Roller Woes

Worn-out rollers on a garage door can cause a lot of racket. These small yet crucial components bear the brunt of the door’s weight and movement. As they age and wear down, they can generate considerable clatter.

Expert Tip: Opt for nylon rollers, renowned for their quiet operation. Additionally, ensure that the rollers are inspected regularly and replaced when signs of wear become evident. If the rollers need to be replaced, our Cleveland garage door repair and replacement technicians can help.

3. Loose Hardware

A garage door is a dynamic mechanism, and its incessant movement can loosen bolts, nuts, and screws. Loose hardware not only makes for a noisy garage door, it also compromises the door’s stability.

Expert Tip: A systematic tightening regimen is paramount. Perform routine inspections and tighten any loose components immediately to prevent both noise and potential safety hazards.

4. Getting Back on Track

Misaligned tracks can often be the source of those unnerving scraping sounds. The door should be gliding seamlessly – and silently – along the tracks.

Expert Tip: Invest time in inspecting and adjusting the tracks’ alignment using a level. Correcting misalignments can significantly dampen the noise and ensure smooth door movement.

5. Resolving Torsion Spring Tensions

Torsion springs, essential for counterbalancing the door’s weight, can be a major noise contributor when they’re not functioning optimally. Creaks, pops, and grinds emanating from these springs often signal wear or damage.

Expert Tip: Handling torsion springs requires specialized knowledge and equipment due to the high tension they hold. The best course of action is to trust torsion spring maintenance or replacement to a garage door professional to ensure safety and a quiet operation.

Bottom line:

A noisy garage door need not be an ongoing auditory assault on your senses. By addressing the root causes methodically and following expert recommendations, you can resolve the issues and get back to the quiet efficiency you generally expect from your garage doors.

Regular maintenance, judicious lubrication, and prompt attention to issues will not only silence the clatter but also extend the lifespan of your garage door.

Advance Door Co. provides commercial door products, services, repairs, and replacements to customers throughout Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Parma, and surrounding communities.

Additional Resources:

How to Lubricate a Garage Door to Keep It Operating Smoothly, Jan. 28, 2022, By Dierdre Mundorf, BobVila.com

More Blog Entries:

Cleveland Garage Door Repair Experts Help You Troubleshoot Common Problems, March 30, 2023, Cleveland Garage Door Repair Tech Blog