A noisy garage door can be frustrating—whether it’s waking up the entire house early in the morning or disrupting your peace and quiet. If your garage door is making grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises, it’s usually a sign that something needs attention. The good news? Many of these issues are easy to fix with some basic maintenance.
However, if the noise persists, it could indicate a more serious problem requiring professional help. In that case, reaching out to a trusted garage door repair company is the best option.
In this guide, we’ll break down the seven most common reasons why garage doors make noise—and how to fix them.
1. Lack of Lubrication
One of the most common reasons for a noisy garage door is a lack of proper lubrication. Moving metal parts, like rollers, springs, and hinges, can create friction and cause loud squeaking or grinding sounds.
How to Fix It:
- Use a high-quality garage door lubricant (avoid WD-40, as it’s a cleaner, not a lubricant).
- Apply lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs at least twice a year.
- Open and close the door a few times to spread the lubricant evenly.
If the noise continues, it might be a sign of worn-out components that need professional servicing.
2. Loose Nuts and Bolts
Over time, the vibrations from regular use can cause nuts, bolts, and screws to loosen, leading to rattling or clanking noises.
How to Fix It:
- Use a wrench to tighten any loose nuts and bolts along the tracks and hinges.
- Avoid over-tightening, as this can damage components.
If the rattling persists, consider calling a garage door repair company for a full inspection.
3. Worn-Out Rollers
Garage door rollers help the door glide smoothly along its tracks. If they are worn, cracked, or rusted, they can cause a loud grinding or squealing noise.
How to Fix It:
- Inspect your rollers for visible wear and tear.
- If they look worn, replace them with nylon rollers, which are quieter than metal ones.
- Lubricate the rollers regularly to prolong their lifespan.
4. Misaligned or Bent Tracks
If your garage door tracks are bent, misaligned, or obstructed, the door may make a grinding or scraping noise as it moves.
How to Fix It:
- Inspect the tracks for dents, bends, or debris.
- If there’s a small bend, you can gently tap it back into place using a rubber mallet.
- Clean the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dirt buildup.
Severely bent or damaged tracks require professional replacement. Ignoring this issue could lead to your garage door getting stuck or derailing.
5. Broken or Worn-Out Springs
Garage doors rely on torsion or extension springs to lift and lower smoothly. If these springs are old, worn out, or broken, they can create a loud popping or banging noise when the door operates.
How to Fix It:
- If you hear a loud snap or bang, inspect the springs above the garage door.
- If a spring is broken, do not attempt to replace it yourself—garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous.
- Contact a garage door repair company immediately for safe replacement.
6. Worn-Out Hinges
Hinges help the garage door panels move smoothly as the door opens and closes. Over time, they can become rusty or cracked, leading to grinding, creaking, or squealing noises.
How to Fix It:
- Inspect the hinges for wear and rust.
- If they look damaged, replace them with new hinges.
- Apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction.
If you’re unsure how to replace hinges, a professional can handle the job safely and efficiently.
7. Faulty Garage Door Opener
Sometimes, the noise isn’t coming from the garage door itself but from the garage door opener. Older openers, especially chain-driven models, tend to be noisier than newer options.
How to Fix It:
- If you have a chain-drive opener, consider switching to a belt-drive opener, which is much quieter.
- Check if the opener’s motor is straining—if so, it may need servicing.
- If your opener is over 10 years old, upgrading to a modern, quieter model can make a big difference.
When to Call a Professional Garage Door Repair Company
If you’ve tried these fixes and your garage door is still noisy, it might be time to call in the experts. Persistent noise can indicate serious mechanical issues that require specialized tools and knowledge to fix.
Contact a professional garage door repair company to provide reliable, and affordable garage door repair services to help fix noisy garage doors efficiently. Whether it’s a broken spring, misaligned tracks, or a worn-out opener, trust their expertise to get your garage door running smoothly again.
Final Thoughts
A noisy garage door is more than just an annoyance—it could be a warning sign of a bigger problem. Regular maintenance, lubrication, and minor repairs can keep your garage door quiet and running efficiently.
By addressing the issue early, you’ll prevent costly repairs down the line and enjoy a smooth, quiet garage door for years to come!