Garage doors sustain wear and tear from regular use. And once it starts making loud and unusual noises, you should consider it a ‘cry for help’. These garage door noises can be early signs of potential damage and even looming failure if not addressed right away.
In this post, we discussed some of the most common garage door noises, what causes them, and what they mean for you. Keep reading and see if your door has the same issue!
When is garage door noise considered normal?
Garage doors are not totally quiet, especially during operation. A low hum is considered normal when opening or closing the door.
Also, garage doors may produce sounds as the weather changes. For example, metal parts may contract or expand, leading to occasional clicks and creaks.
However, if the noise is loud and becoming worse over time, you might need to get it checked by a licensed garage door technician.
Garage door noises and their causes
Here are some of the common garage door noises you may encounter and what they mean:
1. Squeaking or squealing
When you hear your garage door squeaking or squealing, it usually means the rollers, hinges, or tracks need lubrication. This happens because the metal parts are rubbing against each other without enough grease or oil, which creates friction.
To fix this, you should apply a silicone-based lubricant to reduce the noise and prevent components from wearing out prematurely.
2. Grinding or rattling
A grinding or rattling sound often indicates worn or damaged gears inside the opener. It can also point to loose hardware or bent tracks – something that a licensed technician can best diagnose.
Overall, this noise means some mechanical door parts might be failing or misaligned. You should inspect and fix these issues soon to avoid your door malfunctioning or breaking down.
3. Banging or loud thuds
Did you hear a loud bang, and suddenly your garage door won’t open or close properly? This is a hallmark sign of broken garage door springs or cables.
When springs or cables get damaged, there wouldn’t be enough force to counterbalance your door’s weight. Take note that this can be dangerous as your door can slam shut without warning.
4. Thumping or slapping sounds
Thumping or slapping noises often occur because of loose panels, worn rollers, or damaged weather stripping. When you hear these sounds, it means parts of your door are hitting each other during operation.
For an easy fix, simply tighten or replace the affected components to stop the noise. But if it doesn’t solve the issue, you should consider seeking the help of a professional.
When is it time to call for professional garage door repair?
If you’ve tried all possible fixes and your door is still noisy, it might be time to call for same-day garage door repair in Los Angeles. This way, a licensed and insured garage door technician can inspect your door and provide all necessary repairs right away.
Here are signs it’s time to call for a professional:
- Persistent loud noises despite tightening and lubricating all necessary components
- Unusual metal-on-metal sounds
- The loud noise is accompanied by jerking movements
- The noise is coming from your garage door opener
- Your door is off-track or lopsided when opening or closing.
- The garage door noise goes on and off for no reason.
- Unusual vibrations aside from the noise
- Noise occurring only at certain points in the door travel
- No DIY solution is working in fixing the noise
If you suspect that the noise is due to damaged springs, please do not attempt DIY repairs. Torsion springs are loaded with high levels of tension. Without the right tools and techniques, it can snap and cause life-threatening injuries.Overall, if you want your home to be safe, comfortable, and secure, consider calling a licensed garage door technician to fix the problem.
Also Read: What to Look For Before You Buy Garage Door Rack Displays in Canada
