Modern technology has greatly reduced the sound your garage door makes as it opens and closes, but as the various garage door parts kick into motion, there will always be a bit of noise. However, if that once gentle hum has transformed into a noise that rattles the windows and makes the dogs bark, there’s likely something wrong with your garage door.
If you don’t like what you’re hearing, contact Overhead Door of Portland to inspect your garage door system, determine what’s making it so loud, and make repairs so you can put away the earplugs.
Why Is My Garage Door Loud?
There are several issues that can cause a noisy garage door, often related to wear and an inadequate maintenance routine. We’ve been making repairs to garage doors for more than 90 years, and here’s what we frequently find when we do an inspection:
Lack of Lubrication: Dry rollers, hinges, or tracks can squeak or grind from the metal-to-metal contact. Without proper lubrication, each part may become damaged, wear down unevenly, crack, or even break.
Worn Rollers: Old or damaged rollers (especially metal ones) can make a lot of noise. This is especially true with metal rollers. Nylon rollers are becoming much more popular today, and using them to replace metal rollers can help reduce the sound your garage door makes.
Loose Hardware: A garage door is in motion so frequently that the screws, bolts, or nuts that hold the system together can begin to loosen over time. If things are not tightly in place, there will be added vibration resulting in a rattling sound as the door goes up and down.
Unbalanced Door: For a garage door to work efficiently, it needs to be properly balanced, providing even tension on the springs. If the door is off balance, it not only strains the various components but also creates a banging or squealing noise as it moves.
Damaged Tracks: While many of the problems with garage doors happen within the moving parts, the stationary tracks can also be problematic. Bent or misaligned tracks can cause the door to scrape or jerk, resulting in that awful metal-on-metal grinding sound.
Old Springs or Hinges: The wear and tear on springs can weaken or warp them, and exposure to the elements can leave them rusty. Worn-out torsion or extension springs and squeaky hinges can add to the noise. If left unchecked, it can impact the garage door’s cabling, which helps support the weight of the door.
Improper Installation: Sometimes, the problem with a noisy door begins the first time it moves. If the system wasn’t installed correctly, the door movement may be louder than expected. If hearing your garage door makes you cringe or cover your ears, it’s time to have an expert take a look and adjust any installation mishaps.
Choose a Quiet Garage Door Design
Keeping your garage door system well-maintained can go a long way in reducing the noise it makes, but making wise choices up front on the type of door you want can also help ensure smooth and quiet operation. Some garage doors are quieter than others due to several key design and component differences.
The opener can have a big influence on how silently a garage door operates. Garage Door Openers used to be available in just chain-drive or screw-drive, but today’s belt-drive openers are a better option for those wanting to reduce noise. A direct-drive opener is an even quieter option since the motor moves along the track, producing less vibration and less noise.
The type of garage door you choose can also impact the sounds it makes. Wood doors have natural sound-dampening properties. Consider the sound of silence you experience during a walk in the woods. Insulated steel doors are another good choice since they absorb sound. Either is a better option than hollow steel or uninsulated doors if quiet operation is your priority.
Replacing metal rollers with nylon reduces friction and vibration and gives a garage door smoother and quieter movement. As those rollers move along the tracks, they perform better and sound better if the tracks are high-quality and well-aligned to reduce rattling and squeaking.
Finally, for ultimate noise reduction, choose a garage door opener system that includes vibration-dampening mounts. Usually made from rubber, neoprene, or similar elastomeric materials, the mounts are placed between the motor and the ceiling or support brackets to keep motor noises from transferring to the structure of your home. Not only is noise reduced, but dampening vibrations can reduce wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your garage door.
There are many reasons your garage door may not be whisper quiet, but making repairs or replacing a worn-out door can transform the shake, rattle, and roll to a gentle hum. We recommend you rely on a professional who is familiar with the various parts of your door. We can inspect your entire garage door system and help you determine if it’s time to repair or replace your garage door. The skilled team at Overhead Door of Portland will keep your garage running smoothly through regular maintenance and timely repairs. If it’s time for a new door, contact our experts to help you choose one that matches your home, your tastes, and your noise tolerance!