Have a noisy garage door? That can be so annoying. And it’s not like it’s making you any friends in the neighborhood. A noisy garage door could be a sign you need a completely new door. Some doors get old, rusty and just need replaced with a new garage door installation. But most likely the door can be repaired to quiet it down. Preventative maintenance goes a long way. It’s amazing what you can do with a can of oil and a lug wrench. Most of these repairs are DIY. Here are 6 things you can do to quiet down your noisy garage door with easy garage door repair.
Tighten Any Loose Parts
The first thing you should do is take a lug wrench and tighten down any loose parts that might be rattling on your garage door. You’ll want to tighten any hinges, bolts, etc. You should also tighten the opener chain according to the instructions in your garage door manual.
Lubricate the Door
Next, take a garage door lubricant to all the moving parts of your garage door — including the rollers, along the track, the chain and the springs. Use a paint brush to get in all the cracks and be sure to use a paper towel or cloth to catch the drips. Avoid using WD-40 however. This can cause your door to prematurely rust. Only oil your garage door with an approved garage door lubricant available at most hardware stores.
Test the Door Balance
Disconnect the garage door from the opener. Open the door up halfway and allow it to hang in midair. Does it lean to one side or another? If so, your door is off balance. This can put excess drag on that side of the garage door, which contributes to the noise. Contact a garage door repair professional to balance the door properly.
Check the Type of Garage Door Opener You Have
The type of garage door opener you have can be a big factor in how noisy it operates. Chain driven openers are inexpensive but very noisy. Consider installing a new garage door opener that is either belt driven or direct drive. These types of openers may cost more but the peace and quiet is worth it.
Inspect Your Springs
Older rusty springs can make an irritating sound on your garage door. You should have the springs inspected and replace if needed. Always have your garage door springs replaced by a professional. They are under an incredible amount of tension and can cause serious bodily injury if they suddenly snap.
Call a Professional
If your door is still too noisy, call a garage door professional for an assessment. He or she may be able to suggest other affordable solutions to help dampen the sound such as anti-vibration pads or nylon rollers. It’s also possible it’s just time for a new door. Garage doors aren’t designed to last forever. You should consider installing a new garage door every 15 to 25 years.
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