Top Reasons For A Loud Garage Door
The modern garage door is a complex piece of machinery, full of moving parts. Each part is an opportunity to make noise, especially when those parts are metal moving against other metal parts. When your garage door makes noise, there are many more possible reasons than you might think. Here are a few common causes of garage door noise:
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- Garage Door Opener Type: There are multiple types of garage door openers and each makes a different level of noise. The least expensive, chain-drive garage door opener, is sturdy and reliable in any climate, but by nature it produces noise. The belt-drive garage door opener produces the least amount of noise.
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- Worn Parts: Garage doors have several rollers along each side that carry the door along its guide rail. These rollers wear down over time and will significantly increase the noise the door will make when worn. Another potential source of noise is the hinges that hold the panels of the garage door together. Hinges can be easily lubricated or replaced if needed. Also check that all bolts and nuts along the track hardware are snug and have not shaken loose.
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- Door Balance: An unbalanced garage door can also cause a lot of noise. Checking for door balance is easy. Disconnect the door from the drive (usually by pulling the red emergency cord hanging down) and raise it manually. If it falls, your door is likely unbalanced. This repair is best left to a professional garage door technician.
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- More Complicated Problems: Other, more complex issues that might cause noise are possibilities like problems inside the drive unit with gears or sprockets, spring coils grinding, or roller bearings worn down. The complexity and danger involved in these repairs requires a professional to repair them. Do not attempt these repairs by yourself.
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As with any home repair, make an honest assessment of your abilities before beginning any of these repairs. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you’re unsure about what to do. Garage doors do have some parts under tension that can be very dangerous if not handled properly.