Stop All the Racket Coming from Your Garage Door

Garage door and garage door opener

A garage has some things in common with a car. Both of them can have odd irregularities or noises that we get used to. As long as our garage door opener works, it can be easiest to ignore new sound. However, as you know, with a car you need regular maintenance even if it seems to be running perfectly.

However, you might be one of the people who has an extra loud garage door – so much so that the neighbors know you’re home. If that is you, we have some great tips and tricks for quietening down all the racket. This might let you have a good night’s sleep, even when someone pulls into the garage at two in the morning.

Where metal parts touch, there must be lubrication

The first thing you need to do to extend the life of your garage door system is lubricate parts. Your garage door installer would have done this when it was installed, and this can help operation for a year or longer. However, after that time, you need to take this maintenance task into your own hands. Just like any object that is used on a regular basis and in various types of environments, moving parts need to be lubricated. This applies especially to any metal parts that touch other metal components.

What shouldn’t be used? You will want to stay away from WD-40, as it is a degreaser. You should also avoid auto grease, which some people put on the garage door tracks. If you have already applied this, you should take a rag and remove it. The roller is expected to roll in the track, not slide.

What lubricant should be used? You probably already have a lubricant hanging around that will work fine: motor oil, just like you use for your lawnmower, car, and snowmobile.

Apply motor oil to the hinges, rollers and lift springs. You don’t have to use a ton. You can use a cloth to apply the oil onto and around the springs. Use another cloth for your rollers and hinges. Makes sure to clean up any excess oil so it doesn’t drip on one of your vehicles when it is open. The best thing to do is carry out this maintenance task twice a year, just before and after winter. This is a better option than using too much oil and doing it once.

You also want to consider the weatherstripping on the external frame. This is super important if it is made of PVC. You need to use a silicone-based lubricant for this to keep it soft and protected. It can also be used for other doors in your home. For example, your front door and screen on the track. It won’t cause stains and will help doors slide easier.

You should also know that any experienced garage door technician will provide you with 2 types of lubricants2 types of lubricants for your garage door.

Tighten bolts and screws

After lubrication is complete, you can move to tightening your screws and bolts. There are many moving parts in the garage door and each of them has to be tightened properly. You should pay the most attention to any hinge screws and make sure they are not loose. In addition, make sure to look at the horizontal tracks that are on the ceiling and held by metal brackets. These will have bolts on the ends. If you notice the tracks are moving at all while the door does, you should tighten the bolts as soon as possible.

Knowing when to swap out the rollers

One of the most common sources of noise can be attributed to metal rollers, even though it may not be the obvious answer. Take time to look at the steel rods which are holding your rollers. Are all of the parts attached together in a secure way? Are they rolling rather than sliding in the rail? If it looks like things are working as expected, all you should need is lubrication to handle things.

However, if you don’t think your metal rollers are doing the best job, nylon rollers could be for you. You’ll have a choice of two types: 11‑ball bearing steel rollers that are covered with a white nylon and a black rollers of nylon without any ball bearings. If you have a door that measures 9’ x 7’, the black will do the job. However, if you have a double garage door, you’ll want to choose the white rollers instead.

Last, it’s time to consider the garage door opener

The truth is that there can be a lot of noise that comes from an opener that is incorrectly adjusted. As such, you will need to carefully examine each component. If you have an opener that is less than seven years old, there’s not much you will need to do here. You don’t need to oil or lubricate anything. However, you should check out your belt or chain drive to see if it needs to be tightened. If you need help, take out the maintenance guide that came with it. If you cannot find it, visit the manufacturer’s website to download it. Below we will also go over a method for soundproofing.

If the garage door opener is more than seven years old or you have no idea how old it is, take the time to look at the motor housing. You’ll first remove the cover made of plastic that sits over the light bulb. In most cases, the year the opener was manufactured will be listed here. If your opener is more than 15 years old, it’s time to switch it out. This will help with safety as well as giving you access to new technology that has come out since 2006. You should also consider whether there is a chain‑cable or chain located on the trolley which pulls the door. Is the track made of three sections that use bolts to hold them together?

If you do need to switch out your door opener, you want to consider a ½ HP model that include a one-piece track and reinforced rubber belt drive.

There are also other things to think about and have included in a quotation provided by a garage door expert. For instead, is there a bedroom or other room over the garage? If so, you may want to look into attaching the track system and door opener to your ceiling. If you use rubber noise isolators, which can substantially cut down on noise transmission.

Would you rather have an expert take care of the problem?

Then we are the garage door specialist in your area who can assist you. Don’t delay and contact us toll‑free at 519-326-5888! We can provide you with a 28‑point tune‑up program for your garage door that will get it back in tip top condition so you can sleep soundly.

We know garage doors better than anyone else. We will be able to advise you and explain the best choice to make based on your precise needs while respecting your budget. As well, we can send you a quotation by email.

Alternately, you can come and meet us at our showroom. Thinking of a new garage door? Then use our Design Centre to choose the style that suits you best. Lacking inspiration? Then peruse our image gallery to get lots of ideas.

Add new comment

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.

Copyright Garaga Inc. | Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use | Sitemap