When you push the button to open your garage door, you expect it to open smoothly and quietly. You rely on the push of a button to safely enter and exit your garage, but when you start hearing awful noises while your garage door is in operation, you may question how safe the area is.
There are typically four reasons why your garage door makes awful noises when it is in operation. Understanding each of these and then knowing what to do about it can help make your garage a safer and more pleasant environment.
- Type of Garage Door – The sounds your garage door makes while it is operating will first and foremost be determined by the kind of garage door you have. There are three types of garage doors – belt, screw, and chain drive. Of all the types of garage door openers, screw drives and chain drives are undeniably the loudest. These types of garage doors rely on steel parts. Screw drive and chain drive garage door openers are more affordable, and most new homes come with a chain garage door opener already installed.
A belt drive garage door supports the weight of the garage door on a rubber belt. This belt drive is very quiet while it raises and lowers the door. Of course, a belt drive garage door will cost more money initially, but it has a higher durability. A belt drive and screw drive garage door can wear down quickly as the metal parts grind against one another. You will probably have to replace your chain garage door within a few years unless you maintain it regularly. When your garage door makes squeaking and grating noises while in operation, that is a sign that parts are wearing down and need attention.
- Faulty Hinges, Springs, or Rollers – One of the most common causes of unpleasant noises with your garage door is when rollers and hinges get old and defective. A garage door is one of the most frequently used tools in your home. Most people open their garage doors multiple times a day to enter and exit, for children to play outside, to bring trash cans in or out, or as an easy entrance point for guests. With repeated wear, the hinges, springs, and rollers will wear out and create a grating noise.
Loose hardware can also cause unpleasant noises during garage door operation. Over time, nuts and bolts can loosen, creating vibrations when opening and closing the garage door. It is important to make sure that all bolts and screws are tightened. Loose hardware can pose a serious threat to anyone within your garage.
- Poor Lubrication – Because there are so many moving parts to a garage door, it is highly recommended that you lubricate the rollers, hinges, and tracks at least twice a year. Many screeching and grating sounds indicate that the parts of your garage door are not moving as smoothly as they should be. Make sure you use a garage door lubricant. Do not use WD-40! WD-40 is actually a cleaning solvent and not a proper lubricant. You need to spray a garage door lubricant that will not leave a sticky residue but one that will lubricate the garage door parts while in operation.
- Improper Balance – An unsteady door is not only loud, but it can be hazardous. If a garage door is unbalanced, either the springs are not providing enough tension to counterbalance the door’s weight, or the springs are exerting too much tension. It is imperative that you have a professional adjust the balance of your garage door so that it does not fall on you.
If your garage door is making awful noises while in operation, please call the garage door experts at HABPRO Garage Doors. We are an award-winning 5-Star Kudzu-rated garage door company that has served North Georgia and business owners for over 40 years. We know exactly what our customers need for long-term satisfaction, and we promise that you will be met with the highest standards of customer service.
Your garage door is likely the largest moving part within your home. Don’t take chances with your loved ones’ safety. Call us today!
Jeanie S.