It’s a sound many Loveland homeowners know well: the sudden, jarring symphony of groans, squeaks, and bangs from the garage door as you leave for work in the morning. While some noise is to be expected, loud or unusual sounds can be a sign that something isn’t right. Ignoring these noises can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road—or worse, a sudden door failure.
As your local garage door experts in Loveland, Colorado, we’ve heard every sound imaginable. We’ve put together a guide to help you identify the most common garage door noises, what they mean, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Squeaking or Squealing
This is arguably the most common and often easiest-to-fix garage door noise.
- What It Means: A high-pitched squeak or squeal is almost always a sign of friction. It typically comes from rollers, hinges, or springs that lack proper lubrication. These metal parts are rubbing against each other or the tracks as the door moves.
- How to Fix It: The solution is simple: lubrication. Using a quality silicone-based or lithium grease lubricant, apply a light coat to the hinges, rollers, springs, and bearings. Avoid using WD-40, as it’s a degreaser and can attract dirt, causing more problems in the long run. After lubricating, cycle the door a few times to work the lubricant in.
Grinding or Scraping
A grinding or scraping sound is a more serious indicator that something is physically off-kilter.
- What It Means: This noise often points to a problem with the tracks or rollers. It could be caused by a bent track, a loose bolt, a broken roller, or a build-up of dirt and debris in the tracks. The metal parts are literally grinding against each other.
- How to Fix It: First, visually inspect the tracks for any dents or bends. Clean out any debris with a rag. Make sure there are no cracks or breaks in the rollers. If you see a minor bend in the track or a loose bolt, you may be able to gently fix it yourself. However, if the track is significantly bent or the rollers are damaged, it’s a clear sign you need a professional repair to prevent the door from coming off its tracks entirely.
Popping or Banging
A loud popping or banging sound, especially when the door is opening or closing, is a major red flag.
- What It Means: This is a classic sign of a broken garage door spring. The torsion springs above the door or the extension springs on the sides are under immense tension. When they snap, they release all that energy at once, creating a very loud bang that can sound like a gunshot. It could also indicate that the cables are tangled or binding as they unwind.
- How to Fix It: DO NOT attempt to fix this yourself. Garage door springs are extremely dangerous. They are under high tension and can cause serious injury or even death if handled improperly. If you hear a loud bang and your door won’t open or feels incredibly heavy, your spring is likely broken. It’s time to call a professional immediately.
Rattling
A rattling noise can sound like a series of small, rapid bangs and is usually a sign of something being loose.
- What It Means: This noise is often caused by loose nuts, bolts, or screws on the door’s hardware, particularly the hinges. The vibrations from the door’s movement cause the loose components to rattle.
- How to Fix It: Go through the door’s hardware with a socket wrench and a screwdriver. Gently but firmly tighten all the nuts and bolts you can find, especially on the hinges and the brackets holding the tracks to the wall. Overtightening can strip the screws, so be careful.
When to Call a Pro
While simple lubrication and tightening can fix many garage door noises, some problems require the expertise of a professional. If you live in the Loveland, Colorado area, you should call us if:
- The noise is from the springs or cables. These are high-tension parts and should only be handled by a trained technician.
- The door is crooked, uneven, or comes off its tracks.
- The noise persists even after you’ve lubricated and tightened all the parts.
- You hear a loud bang or snap and the door no longer works.
Don’t ignore the warning signs. Addressing a garage door noise early can prevent a major malfunction and ensure the safety of your family. If your garage door is making a symphony of sounds, give us a call today (970) 367-8600 for a professional inspection and repair. We’ll get your garage door running smoothly and quietly again.