Tag: noisy garage door

  • Stop Ignoring Repairs, Call A Garage Door Service Today

    We empathize with those who absolutely detest have to deal with repairs. You use your garage door multiple times a day and likely take it for granted. After all, you get to sit in your car and open the door thanks to the push of a button. Long gone are the days of opening and closing the hundred-pound door manually. When something goes wrong, it’s easy to ignore it and assume it will go away, but that’s never the case.

    You should have your overhead door regularly maintained and inspected by a garage door service. If you’re not already doing that, learn some of the ways you can find out if there’s something wrong with your system. If you know that a repair is needed, you’ll be able to get it done before a major issue arises which will require replacement. 

    Keep An Ear Out for A Noisy Garage Door 

    Your garage door is fine with an average hum or occasional loud sound but once it becomes a constant that you just can’t ignore, it’s time to call a garage door service. A noisy garage door is an extremely serious problem and is likely doing more damage than just annoying your eardrums. A noisy garage door could mean that there’s something wrong with the springs, overhead door opener, or tracks. These are key garage door parts that should be in optimal condition. 

    Check your tracks and notice if they are dirty, bent, or damaged. If the tracks are dirty, they can be cleaned with a household cleaner and a rag. Don’t lubricate your tracks – this will prematurely rust them and will force a costly replacement. That being said, if your door tracks are bent or significantly damaged, they will need to be replaced by an expert who can have them fit in tightly. Ignoring this could lead to a door off track if that hasn’t happened already. If the tracks aren’t the issue, take a look at the rollers, they could be worn out. Rollers can be replaced by a garage door repair technician. Most hardware stores and online shops will carry affordable garage door rollers that won’t break the bank. 

    Pay Attention to Garage Door Springs

    The springs are responsible for doing the heavy lifting when it comes to door operation. Every few months you should inspect them and ensure they’re in place. Be sure to also look out for rust. If any garage door parts are rusty, an overhead door service should replace them immediately. A broken spring can cause serious issues, including loud noises. Your door could collapse at any time, so err on the side of caution and stop using it until a professional can take a look at it. 

    Get Issues Fixed Fast

    If you notice anything wrong with the overhead door, it’s time to have an inspection. A professional garage door service will determine the issue and have the problem parts replaced or repaired in a timely manner. Ignoring issues may seem like the wise thing to do in the moment but it’s something you’ll regret when the door comes crashing down, or worse: it injures you. In most cases, it’s recommended that you let professionals handle repairs, as DIY fixes are only for those who have experience. 

  • Important Things to Check to Diagnose Your Noisy Garage Door

    • Lubricate all moving parts: Look at the infrastructure of your garage door and identify the moving parts, like the rollers, trolley carriage, hinges and springs. Any time you have metal moving against metal, it needs to be lubricated every so often to lessen friction and slow the degradation of the metal. There’s nothing wrong with using WD-40 for this, but there are petroleum-based lubricants that are specifically for garage doors as well. (Note: Never use a petroleum-based lubricant on your rollers if they are nylon- it will break them down faster.)
    • Identify any rusted, bent or degrading parts: As you move around your garage door lubricating things, it should be easy to spot any places there may be rust or degradation of the metal, like the hinges, springs or rollers. If a part is looking worn, you should have it replaced before it becomes a larger issue.
    • Check the garage door’s springs: Specifically, see if the springs are rusted, stretched out or bent. If your garage door makes noise or seems to hit the ground really hard when you close it, you likely need your springs replaced. This is not only a damage hazard to your door but a safety hazard to you as well.

    Whatever your issues end up being, make sure that from now on you regularly check, lubricate and maintenance your garage door and all its parts to keep it running smoothly for a long time. And as always, call us at EDH-Serrano Garage Door Repair with any questions, concerns or repair needs! We are the best garage door repair service in the El Dorado Hills area and we pride ourselves on making your garage door repair or replacement experience as quick and easy as possible!

  • Noisy Garage Door? 6 Steps to Quiet It Down

    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.