Garage Door Noises: What They Mean and When to Take Action
Your garage door is one of the hardest-working parts of your home, opening and closing thousands of times a year. But if it starts making strange noises, it might be trying to tell you something. Ignoring these sounds can lead to costly repairs or even a total breakdown. Here’s what different garage door noises mean and when you should take action.
1. Grinding or Scraping
Possible Cause: Worn-out rollers or misaligned tracks.
Action: If your garage door sounds like metal scraping on metal, it could be due to dry or worn-out rollers. Lubrication might help, but if the noise persists, it’s time for a professional inspection.
2. Loud Banging or Thudding
🔧 Possible Cause: Broken or loose springs.
🚨 Action: Springs are under extreme tension and can be dangerous to handle. If you hear a loud bang, check if your garage door is struggling to open. A broken spring needs immediate professional replacement.
3. Squeaking or High-Pitched Whining
🔧 Possible Cause: Lack of lubrication.
🚨 Action: This is one of the easier fixes—apply a high-quality garage door lubricant to the rollers, hinges, and springs. If the noise continues, parts may be wearing out.
4. Rattling or Vibrating
🔧 Possible Cause: Loose hardware.
🚨 Action: Your garage door has many moving parts, and over time, nuts, bolts, and brackets can loosen. A quick tightening may solve the problem, but if components are worn, they may need replacing.
5. Clicking or Ticking Sounds
🔧 Possible Cause: Issues with the opener.
🚨 Action: If your garage door opener clicks continuously, it could be struggling with electrical issues or a failing motor. Don’t ignore this—it could lead to your opener stopping completely.
6. Humming Without Movement
🔧 Possible Cause: Motor failure or blocked path.
🚨 Action: If your garage door hums but doesn’t move, the motor could be failing, or the door might be stuck due to an obstruction. Check the sensors and tracks before calling a professional.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Garage door noises don’t go away on their own—they usually get worse. If your garage door is making strange sounds, 614 Garage Door can help diagnose and fix the problem before it leads to major repairs. Call us today at 614-362-3667 to schedule a professional inspection.
