If you have an automatic garage door opener, then you know that there are a lot of moving parts that can make noises.
And when your garage door makes noise, it can be very annoying, uncomfortable, and at times, scary!
Since automatic garage doors are like any other machines with parts that need to be well-oiled and maintained, they will make noises from time to time.
But don’t worry; we have listed a few ways to quiet down your garage door and make it run more smoothly.
1. Check the Tracks for Debris
Checking the tracks for debris helps more often than not. Often, dirt, leaves, grass, and other small items can build up on the tracks and cause the door to make noise as it opens and closes. Just see if that’s the case in your situation and get rid of any unwanted debris.
2. Lubricate the Door, Opener & Chain
If cleaning the tracks doesn’t do the trick, try lubricating the door and the opener. You can use a silicone-based lubricant or a similar product on the garage door and opener. This should really help quiet down the door while operating. Make sure to lubricate all of the moving parts, including:
- Hinges
- Springs
- Rollers
- Bearings, etc
A dry or rusted chain is another common cause of a noisy garage door.
The chain opener lies at the heart of the garage door opener system. It consists of a chain (or belt) that runs along a rail, opening or closing the garage door. To keep your automatic opener working smoothly, it is essential to lubricate it regularly with a good garage door opener lubricant.
3. Adjust the Tension on the Opener
Over time, the tension on your opener’s chain or belt can loosen, causing your door to become unbalanced and produce a loud banging noise when opening or closing. Luckily, adjusting the tension on your garage door opener is a relatively straightforward process that you should be able to do yourself.
All you need is to locate the adjustment screws on your openers chain or belt tensioner. Once you’ve located the screws, you may need to experiment a bit to find the perfect tension, but your garage door should be much quieter once you do.
4. Replace Worn Out Parts
If your garage door is still making noise after you’ve tried all the above, it may be time to call the professionals at Elite Garage Door to replace some parts. Worn-out rollers or hinges can often be the culprit behind a noisy door. You can purchase replacement parts at most hardware stores or call a professional to do it for you.
5. Change the Door Springs
Are you still struggling with the noisy garage door? The springs might be to blame if your door makes a loud banging noise when it opens or closes!
Worn-out or broken springs can cause the door to shake and make a lot of noise. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the springs by following these steps:
- First, you’ll need to identify the type of springs your garage door has. There are two types of springs – torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are located above the door, while extension springs are located on either side of the door.
- Next, buy the correct size of the right spring type for your door.
- Installing the new springs can be tricky, so it’s essential to follow the instructions that come with your purchase. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
- Once the new springs are in place, test them out by opening and closing the door a few times. If they’re working correctly, then congratulations! You did a great job.
6. Replace the Noisy Garage Door Opener with a Quieter One
Automatic garage doors have openers that typically work using a chain or a belt drive with each type of opener having its own noise level.
Chain openers are usually the noisiest, followed by belt openers being the quietest. Replacing your noisy garage door opener with a better quality opener can help drastically reduce the noise your garage door makes.
7. Use Nylon Rollers for Less Noise
If your garage door has steel or plastic rollers, they are probably the noise source, as these can be deafening. So, what should you do? Switch to nylon rollers!
This cost-effective method includes installing nylon-covered rollers in place of plastic or steel ones. You will be surprised to see how nylon rollers can make your garage door noiseless and smoother.
8. Install Door Seals
Door seals are weatherproofing strips that you attach to the bottom of your garage door. They create a tight seal that helps to block out noise so you can work and sleep in peace. These can be found at most hardware stores and are easy to install, effectively helping you eliminate the grinding garage door noises!
SUMMING IT UP
A garage door needs proper maintenance to function quietly. People often ignore the basic things that help keep a garage door quiet. Remember to lubricate it regularly, check for any loose hardware, and ensure the tracks are free of dirt and debris, or that noise can quickly become a problem.
If it’s hard for you to figure out the problem on your own, get in touch with an experienced professional and things shall be taken care of.