Your garage door is acting up again. Last time it needed a bit of oiling, but now it’s making a lot of noise. You cringe every time you open or close it. Plus, you’re afraid the neighbors might report you for disturbing the peace. Oh well.
The pros at Cactus Garage Door Repair can help put the matter to bed – no need to rack your brain over the possible causes and how to fix them. Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to understand the potential reasons your garage door is trying to break the sound barrier. Let’s look at the possible culprits and how to get the situation under control.
1. Loose Parts
If your garage door is squeaking or grinding, chances are a few of its parts are loose. Due to regular wear and tear, screws, nuts, bolts, and other hardware can loosen over time. This is often the case when you use the door often. All the up-and-down activity can also cause the components to detach.
To figure out the issue, you may unscrew the access panel on the door and check for loose parts. A deep socket, screwdriver, and a ratchet would come in handy to tighten your door’s hardware. While at it, be careful not to overtighten them as this could lead to unexpected damage.
2. Damaged or Worn Rollers and Hinges
Rollers in your garage door are responsible for its smooth operation. As your door moves, it rubs against them. When not properly lubricated, the rollers can cause a racket and wear prematurely. To fix this, apply oil or lubricating spray on the rollers. But if they’re too far gone, consider replacing them.
Opt for sealed bearings as an alternative to unsealed variants, which accumulate grime and eventually break down. The former is also great as you don’t need to keep oiling them.
If your hinges are sloppy, expect your door to bind and make a lot of noise when you open or close it. Once again, lubrication is your friend. Applying some oil can help the hinge regain its smooth motion. Otherwise, you might need to replace it with a new one, especially if you notice metal filings around the hinge joint or if it’s beginning to rust.
3. Spring Tension
Garage door springs are notorious for causing noise when not working correctly. Ever heard of the term ‘spring fatigue?’ It occurs when the springs extend and compress many times, resulting in tension loss.
Besides, springs usually have a service life of between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles. Hence they’ll eventually break down. Some telltale signs of tension loss include noisy operation, difficulty raising or lowering the door, and jerky motion.
If you suspect this is the case, call in an expert to inspect your springs before reaching for your wallet and buying new ones. The problem could require a simple adjustment to the tension. A winding bar would thus suffice to get the spring back in shape. If you’re stuck or don’t know how to go about it, have a pro (or someone knowledgeable) do it.
4. Dirty or Misaligned Tracks
If you hear a rumbling sound as your door moves, dirty tracks could be the cause. Check the tracks for dirt and debris, and clean them using a damp cloth. Remove the buildup of dirt and grime to get rid of the noise.
If this doesn’t work, consider aligning the tracks. They were probably knocked off balance or slightly bent, causing the door to rub against them.
5. Faulty Openers
Garage doors are complex systems, meaning one part’s failure typically affects the entire system. Sometimes, faulty openers can cause issues with your door’s operation. For starters, the opener relies on a chain-driven belt. If it’s losing tension, your door may produce a lot of noise during operation. For instance, failure to oil the chain can result in a grinding sound. The motor may also have trouble opening and closing the door, resulting in a deafening cacophony. An opener with a broken motor can also cause the door to move slowly and noisily.
A faulty opener requires professional attention. Consider calling a technician to diagnose the issue, and maintain or replace damaged parts as necessary. They can also provide additional maintenance tips, helping you keep your door running smoothly for years while avoiding costly repairs.
Noise indicates all is not well with your garage door. Don’t let the issue persist, as it will only worsen. Swing into action and address the problem before it spirals out of control. If you need assistance troubleshooting your door, rope in a pro. They could save you a world of trouble.
