Garage doors are not necessarily the quietest thing in the world, but sometimes they start to make unusual noises. They include clunks, squeaks, and thumps. This is not something to be ignored. It is probably something simple that can be easily corrected, but it could be an omen for more trouble ahead. Here are some common causes for the racket.
The springs are an essential part of the operation. Over time they can become rusted. Without regular inspection and lubrication, they will eventually snap, and then you will have a greater problem. Even with preventive maintenance, they will wear out over time. If you have a concern about your garage door springs, don’t try to fix them on your own. Call a professional.
Tracks and Rollers
The doors are balanced on two tracks with rollers to help them rise and shut. If the tracks become out of alignment, the door will become unbalanced. This can cause serious damage, so contact a garage door repair specialist sooner rather than later.
Those same tracks can become clogged with dust that turns into mud or debris blown in. Sometimes that mess will migrate onto the rollers. This will cause squeaks that can be remedied with good cleaning and lubrication.
Along with the other parts of the garage door, you will have a chain, screw, or belt drive. This is the device that keeps the door moving. If it is a screw drive, it can begin to grind against the rack. For a belt-driven opener, you will hear a high-pitched whine. For the chain, it is susceptible to rust. Contact a repair service to be safe.
Check All Moving Parts
If all the moving parts of the garage door are in good shape but you are just hearing too much from what is going on in the garage, like workshop or repair or even just conversations, then you can help abate that din rather simply.
• Because of all the hard surfaces in a garage, like the concrete floor, the sound will intensify, and noise will filter into the rooms next to the garage. Even if there is drywall installed, adding some insulation will help reduce the sound reverberating. It will also be beneficial to the vehicles, mechanical items stored there, and any agri-chemicals you keep.
• If your door works on a chain belt, consider replacing it with a belt to reduce the noise level.
• The rollers control the speed of the door going up and down. If the rollers are metal running on metal, the door will make a noise as it rises and closes. If you replace the metal rollers with nylon, you will add some degree of quiet.
• As mentioned, the concrete floor makes a great echo chamber. Installing polypropylene tile will help absorb some additional sound. For an even better option, add synthetic landscaping fabric beneath the polypropylene tiles.
• You may also want to consider replacing extension springs with torsion springs.
• Check the door that leads from the garage into the house. If it is a hollow core, replacing it with a solid core will help muffle the sounds and give you a bit more protection as well. When in doubt, contact a garage door professional today.
