A garage door that squeaks, grinds, or makes other annoying noises can be a big problem. Not only does it make your garage less pleasant to use, but it can also indicate that something’s wrong with your door’s internal components. Two common causes of garage door noise are issues with the rollers and hinges. These parts play crucial roles in how your garage door moves; when they aren’t functioning properly, they can become loud and difficult to operate. 

In this post, we’ll show you how to diagnose and fix issues with your garage door rollers and hinges to stop the noise and ensure smooth, quiet operation.

Why Is My Garage Door Noisy?

A noisy garage door is often a sign that the rollers and hinges are either damaged, dirty or need lubrication. Over time, these components can wear out or become misaligned, leading to squeaking, grinding, or banging sounds. If you’ve noticed your garage door making noise, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it so you can fix it properly.

There are a few key reasons why your garage door might be making noise:

Worn-out Rollers: The rollers guide the door up and down the tracks. Over time, they can become worn or cracked, causing a grinding or squeaking sound as they move along the track.

Rusty or Damaged Hinges: Hinges connect the sections of the garage door. If the hinges are rusted, cracked, or misaligned, they can make loud creaking noises when the door moves.

Lack of Lubrication: Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the rollers or hinges themselves, but with the lack of lubrication. Without regular lubrication, the moving parts can create friction, causing the door to make noise.

Inspect the Rollers

Alt text (Inspecting Garage Door roller)

Rollers are often the biggest culprit for a noisy garage door. They are small wheels that help the door slide up and down the tracks smoothly. Over time, these rollers can become worn out, cracked, or rusty, which can cause a grinding or squeaking noise.

How to Inspect Your Rollers

Start by carefully examining the rollers on both sides of the garage door. Look for signs of damage, such as:

• Cracks or chips in the roller material
• Rust or corrosion on the roller surface
• Excessive wear, such as flat spots or rough edges

If the rollers are metal, look for rust. Rusty rollers can make the door move unevenly, and create noise as they grind along the track.

How to Fix Worn or Damaged Rollers

If the rollers are worn out or damaged, it’s best to replace them. While replacing the rollers isn’t an overly difficult task, it requires special tools and some experience, so if you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to call a professional to handle it.

If the rollers are dirty you can clean them roller with a soft cloth. After cleaning, apply a lubricant made specifically for garage doors. This will help reduce friction and prevent the rollers from making noise.

Check the Hinges

Hinges are another important part of your garage door. They connect the different sections of the door and allow it to bend as it moves up and down. If the hinges are rusty, bent, or misaligned, they can cause a loud squeaking or creaking noise.

How to Inspect Your Hinges

Look at the hinges carefully to check for the following:

• Signs of rust or corrosion
• Loose screws or bolts
• Cracks or damage to the hinge itself

If any of the hinges are rusted or damaged, they will need to be replaced. If the screws are loose, tighten them to stop the door from moving unevenly.

How to Fix the Hinges

If your hinges are rusted, try cleaning them and applying a lubricant. If replacing the hinges will be necessary. the rust is severe or the hinge is cracked, Replacing hinges is relatively simple, but if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to call a professional.

Lubricate the Rollers and Hinges

Even if your rollers and hinges aren’t damaged, they may need lubrication. Lack of lubrication is a common cause of noisy garage doors. When the parts aren’t properly lubricated, they can create friction, which leads to squeaks and grinding sounds.

How to Lubricate Your Garage Door

Choose the Right Lubricant: Use a lubricant specifically made for garage doors. Avoid grease or oil, as these can attract dirt and dust, worsening the problem.

Lubricate the Rollers and Hinges: Apply the lubricant directly to the rollers and hinges, ensuring the moving parts are well-coated. You can also lubricate the tracks where the rollers slide to reduce friction.

Wipe off Excess Lubricant: After applying the lubricant Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. This will help prevent dirt from sticking to the parts.

Lubricating your garage door should be done at least once a year, but if you use it frequently, you might want to lubricate it every six months to ensure smooth, quiet operation.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Once you’ve addressed the immediate issues, it’s important to maintain your garage door regularly. Keeping up with maintenance will help prevent future noise and keep the door working properly for years to come.

How to Maintain Your Garage Door

Inspect the Rollers and Hinges Regularly: Every few months look for signs of wear, rust, or damage. If you notice any issues, address them immediately before they get worse.

Lubricate Moving Parts: As mentioned earlier, regular lubrication is key to keeping your garage door quiet. Apply lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and tracks once or twice a year, or more often if necessary.

Clean the Tracks: Dirt and debris can build up in the tracks, causing the rollers to move unevenly. Clean the tracks with a soft brush or cloth to keep everything moving smoothly.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your garage door continues to operate quietly and efficiently.

Conclusion

A noisy garage door is often a sign that something’s wrong with the rollers or hinges. Whether the rollers are worn out, the hinges are rusty, or the parts just need lubrication, there are simple steps you can take to fix the problem. Regular inspections and maintenance can keep your garage door running smoothly and quietly for years.

If you’re not comfortable making these repairs yourself or need help with anything related to your garage door, don’t hesitate to contact Garage Door Pros. We’re here to help with all your garage door needs, from noisy rollers and hinges to complete garage door repairs and maintenance.

For more information or to schedule a service, call 425-200-5902 today! Let us help you keep your garage door in top shape!