Nothing is more annoying than hearing your garage door squeak and creak every time you open and close it. Beyond being a nuisance, loud squeaking could be a sign that your garage door needs some TLC. In this post, we’ll discuss the most common causes of squeaking garage doors and provide solutions you can try yourself or hire a professional garage door repair technician in Midlothian.
Check the Wheels and Rollers
One of the primary reasons for a squeaky garage door is worn-out or dirty wheels and rollers. Over time, the wheels and rollers that help guide and support the door’s movement along the tracks can accumulate dirt and debris. This gunk prevents smooth rolling and leads to friction and noise.
Start by inspecting all the wheels and rollers attached to the bottom and sides of your garage door. If they look dirty or worn down, clean them with a degreaser and lightly sand any built-up grime. You can also try lubricating the wheels and rollers with white lithium grease once cleaned. This simple fix often eliminates squeaks. Replace wheels or rollers if they appear severely damaged.
Tighten or Replace Hardware
Loose or missing hardware on your garage door can cause vibrations that result in squeaks and creaks. Check all the bolts, nuts, and screws securing the door tracks, rollers, hinges, and springs. Tighten any that feel loose using the appropriate tool. Also, inspect all metal components for signs of wear and replace anything that looks cracked, bent, or about to break. Proper tightening and replacing weak hardware can resolve noise issues.
Inspect and Lubricate Hinges
The hinges that connect garage door panels are another common source of squeaks. Over time, hinges can lose lubrication and become corroded from weather exposure. Inspect each hinge for wear and tear. If you see rust or movement that’s not smooth, the hinge likely needs attention.
Clean hinges with degreaser and lightly sand any surface rust. Then, lubricate hinges using white lithium grease or silicone spray. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can attract dirt. Pay attention to hinges that support the most weight at the bottom of the door. Proper lubrication of hinges often quiets a squeaky door right away.
Adjust or Replace Springs
The torsion springs that help lift your garage door can cause noise issues if they’re wearing down or improperly adjusted. It’s important never to attempt adjusting or replacing springs yourself as they’re under high tension and can cause serious injury. Call a professional garage door repair technician for an inspection.
Springs may need to be tightened, replaced, or both if old. A technician can properly diagnose any spring problems and perform all work safely. Spring repairs ensure smooth door operation free of vibrations that lead to squeaks and creaks. It’s worth the investment for safe, quiet use of your garage door.
Inspect and Adjust Cables
The steel cables connecting garage door springs to the door itself can also cause noise over time. Cables may become loose, frayed, or misaligned. A technician should inspect cables for signs of wear during a spring service. Cables may need tightening, replacing, or realigning to remove slack that contributes to noise. As with springs, never attempt cable repairs yourself.
Add Weatherstripping
Over years of use, the rubber or foam weatherstripping around the perimeter of your garage door can wear down or fall out. This allows light and air to enter gaps, which also lets noise escape. Inspect weatherstripping and replace any sections that look cracked, loose, or missing entirely. New weatherstripping seals up your door for a quiet, energy efficient seal.
Consider a Professional Inspection
If your garage door continues to squeak after trying the DIY solutions above, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection and service. A technician from your local garage door repair company like Midlothian Integrity Garage Door Repair can thoroughly examine all components for issues you may have missed. They have the proper tools and expertise to fully diagnose problems, perform any needed repairs or part replacements, and leave your door running smoothly and quietly once more. Regular professional maintenance helps prevent bigger problems and noise down the road.
With a little TLC and the right repairs, you can silence an annoyingly squeaky garage door. Start with simple cleaning and lubrication, and call a pro if issues persist. Keeping your garage door well-maintained ensures safe, dependable, and quiet operation for years to come.
