How to Quieten a Noisy Garage Door

It’s great having the convenience of an automatic garage door, but when it decides to become noisy, the thought of that convenience quickly disappears.

Noisy garage doors are disruptive and can be a sign that things are not quite right. You (and your neighbours) don’t have to deal with the loud noises that stem from your garage door.

Here are a few things you could try to help with those rattles and squeaks:

What causes a noisy garage door?

The main culprit of a noisy garage door comes from the vibrations it makes as it opens and closes. Vibrations are normal, but over time, things can become loose and cause even more of a rattle. Worn rollers and a need for lubrication may also be a reason for the racket. Loose chains can swing about, making additional noise while causing the garage door to have jerky movements. Most of the problems are easy to fix on your own.

How to reduce garage door noise:

Tighten nuts and bolts

The first thing to check for loose nuts and bolts on the track and door itself and tighten them appropriately. Only tighten them enough so that they are snug; do not overtighten.

Inspect the metal rollers

Old metal rollers tend to create a bit of a nuisance as they get older with wear and tear. You may want to consider replacing the rollers with nylon ones as they do not require lubricant, are a lot easier to maintain and are significantly quieter than metal rollers. It is best replacing all the rollers at once, and although nylon rollers can be more expensive, the noise reduction alone makes it worthwhile.

Lubricate!

Hinges, tracks, springs, and rollers should all be properly lubricated. Without it, the metal on metal sound will not only drive you insane but also cause damage eventually.

Do not use grease. Stick with a lubricant that is appropriate for metal. Wipe off any excess with a rag. If your door is chain-operated, use lubricant sparingly on the chain and check that it is not loose. If your door operates on a belt, do not lubricate this. Instead, just make sure it is taut.

Use rubber

Pieces of rubber placed strategically can help absorb vibrations and reduce noise. Insert them between the motor block and the motor brace attached to the ceiling that connects to it. Cylindrical rubber with two independent screws can be purchased and used to keep the rubber in place.

Check the rubber insulation strip

If the insulation strip on the bottom of the garage door is worn, then it will cause the garage door to hit the ground loudly. This is easy to replace by sliding out the old one and putting in a new one. Always purchase more than you think you need to ensure it fits. Rubber tends to shrink, so leave several centimetres on the end to accommodate.

A little garage door maintenance can go a long way. They will help prevent any noisy garage doors in the first place with routine inspection and tightening. Every month, dedicate a few minutes to a visual inspection. Every few months, spend a bit more time tightening any loose nuts and bolts and lubricating parts as needed.

If you suspect that your garage door noise problems are stemming from something more serious, then leave the job to the experts. Doors Direct are here to help with a wide range of issues with our garage door repair services. We’ll send an expert to investigate the issue and get your garage door as quiet as it can be again in no time.

We can also offer a regular garage door servicing to ensure your garage door stays in good working order. Contact our team to discuss your concerns and see how Doors Direct can help.

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