A garage door is a huge assembly of multiple mechanical parts. All these parts work together to make it function. Generally, garage doors work fine without needing any care. But there is a certain time after which it needs attention. And when it happens, it will give you signs like weird sounds and shaky movement.
We have been in the garage door repair Laguna Niguel business for over fifteen years. And most of the calls we get from homeowners are about a squeaky, rattling or grinding noise coming from their garage doors. There can be many reasons behind this, and the good news is, you don’t always need to call a pro right away. There are a few easy fixes you can try yourself.
Let’s break down why doors become noisy and what you can do before calling us.
Common reasons behind a noisy garage door
Garage doors have a bunch of moving parts operating in unison. These are rollers, hinges, springs, tracks and a motor. Over time, these can wear down, loosen up or get dirty. And that’s when they start making annoying sounds.
Common noise culprits include:
- Worn out rollers
- Loose hardware (screws, bolts, hinges)
- Dry or dirty tracks
- Old, worn springs
- A garage door opener that needs cleaning
Here’s how you can fix these :
DIY Fix #1: Tighten Up Loose Hardware
This one’s the easiest place to start. You might not notice, but your garage door gets opened and closed several times a day. Bolts and screws can loosen over time. Start by checking all the hardware. You will easily notice a loose bolt or screw. Now grab a wrench or socket set and tighten it. Check around the hinges, brackets, track bolts and everything else. Avoid over-tightening.
DIY Fix #2: Lubricate the Moving Parts
The movement in garage door parts causes friction and these may dry up. It can be easily fixed with lubrication. Look for a professional-grade garage door lubricant. Avoid using WD-40. It can actually attract more dirt over time. Get a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant for the moving metal parts. But don’t start right away.
· Turn off the garage door opener.
· Make sure the door is in the closed position.
· Wipe with a dry cloth to remove dirt and dust.
· Apply a small amount of lubricant to the rollers, hinges, springs or the track.
· Wipe any excess lubricant.
· Test the door by reconnecting the opener.
It should move more smoothly and make less noise now.
DIY Fix #3: Check and Replace Worn Rollers
Rollers take a beating. If yours are made of nylon, they can crack or wear down over the years. Metal rollers can rust or seize up too. Either way, worn rollers are a major noise source. Inspect each roller. Notice if there are cracks or wear. Rollers with cracks or wear need to be swapped. Remove the old rollers and install new ones.
DIY Fix #4: Inspect the Tracks
Clean and smooth tracks have a noise-free operation. The problem arises only when the tracks collect dirt and debris. It can create friction and you hear a strange noise. Cleaning the tracks with a dry cloth can make the operation smoother and noise-free. However, if it doesn’t, look for a dent or misalignment in the track. If there is one, call an expert. Don’t try to fix it as special tools will be needed.
When to Call in the Pros
If the steps discussed above don’t fix the noise, it is time to call an expert. Springs, for example, are under a ton of tension and can be dangerous to mess with if you don’t know what you’re doing. If your noise issue involves the springs, cables, or anything that looks seriously off, it’s time to book a proper garage door repair Laguna Niguel service instead of risking an injury.
This is where Luxor Garage Door Service comes in. We have handled every kind of noisy, sticky and downright stubborn garage door out there. So you are in good hands if your DIY attempts don’t quite do the trick. If you are thinking of an upgrade, we offer garage door installation Laguna Niguel services as well. We can suggest the best modern, quiet, energy-efficient doors to suit your needs.
New doors also come with better insulation, smoother automatic openers and way less maintenance overall. If you want to know your options, our garage door installation Laguna Niguel experts can suggest the best ones in your budget.
Wrapping It Up
A strange noise coming from your garage door can be due to some loose hardware or a dirty track. You can fix it easily with basic cleaning, tightened hardware or lubrication. For the rest of the garage door issues, we are always here. Reach out to Luxor Garage Door Service and get it handled the best way.
FAQs
1. Why is my garage door making noise?
It can be due to several reasons like:
· Loose hardware
· Lack of lubrication
· Worn out rollers
· Misaligned tracks
2. Is it safe to fix garage door springs myself?
Garage door springs are under high tension. Fixing them without professional know-how is not recommended. It can cause serious injury. Trust only professionals for this job.
3. When should I lubricate my garage door?
Moving parts need lubrication every three to six months. If you hear squeaks, check for dried out garage door parts.
4. Can I use WD-40 on my garage door?
We don’t recommend using WD-40 on your garage door. It isn’t a true lubricant. Over time, it settles dust. Use a silicone or lithium lubricant instead.
5. How to fix a track dent with a hammer?
It is not recommended. Fixing a dent in your door track should be left to professionals. It needs expertise and the right set of tools.
6. How do I book a service with Luxor Garage Door Service?
Visit our website. You can call us on the given number, send an email explaining the issue or fill out the form on the website and we will get back to you.