If you hear a strange noise whenever you open and close your garage door, your garage door opener may have a problem. There are several common garage door opener problems that can occur over the years, many of which cause the opener to make noise.
The garage door opener is what powers the operation of your garage, so it will prevent you from operating your garage if it needs repair or replacement.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at how to fix a noisy garage door opener.
How to Fix A Noisy Garage Door Opener
Is your normally quiet garage door opener suddenly making a racket when you open it up? Every garage door opener will make some noise when you open and close the door, but it shouldn’t be alerting the neighborhood that you’re going into the garage.
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Here’s how to fix a noisy garage door opener and get some peace and quiet.
Identify the Type of Garage Door Opener You Have
There are several different types of gararage door openers, so you first need to identify which type of opener you have installed.
The type of opener you have will affect how you go about fixing the problem, as well as the amount of noise they’ll make during normal operation.
For example, many homes have a chain drive opener. These openers are very cost-effective, but they are louder than other models out there. Belt drive openers work in a similar way, using a rubber belt instead of a chain. This makes them quieter in comparison. Screw drive openers are popular too, as they need much less maintenance. They make more noise than a belt-drive, but less than a chain drive.
Lubricate The Moving Parts
If your garage door opener is making more noise than usual, the first thing to do is lubricate all the moving parts of the door. This includes things like the hinges, rollers, tracks, and springs. The noise can be the sound of torsion springs crashing together, and applying a lubricant can be enough to stop it.
Pay special attention to the garage door opener chain. This is something else that can be the source of the noise. Lubricate the chain and the pinions, to ensure that it’s covered. If you have a belt-driven opener though, don’t apply anything to the belt as this can actually damage the opener.
Ensure you choose the right lubricant for your door. You can buy specific garage door lubricants, which are lithium grease-based. Ensure you pick the right lubricant to get the effect you want.
Tighten Up Hardware
When you open your garage door, the noise may actually be coming from the hardware in your garage door. Take a look at all the hardware that’s holding your door together. All bolts and nuts need to be tight to ensure that the door is in the best possible condition. If they are loose, the noise you’re hearing is the door rattling as it moves.
Tighten up all your hardware, and try the door again. In many cases, this will be enough to stop the noise.
Examine Tracks And Rollers
Tracks and rollers may also be the source of the noise coming from your garage door, rather than the opener itself. Take a look at yours, and see if they’re worn out or damaged at all. Like all other parts of your garage door, you will find that they wear out over time. Do they need to be replaced?
Also, make sure that the garage door is moving within the tracks as it’s designed to do. If it has come away from the tracks, that will be causing more noise. The same happens if the tracks are bent or damaged in any way. If it’s only a slight dent or bend, you can hammer it out yourself. If you’re ever unsure though, always call on a professional to help you.
Add Some Noise Insulation
The fact of the matter is some garage door openers are just loud. If you think everything else is fine, then you can add some noise insulation to the system. These systems are usually cylindrical pieces of rubber that attach between the engine block and the brace used to hold the opener to the ceiling. They shield vibration from the components, which ensures there’s less noise for you when you open and close the door.
Maintain Your Garage Door
One of the best ways to stop noisy garage door openers is to regularly maintain your garage door. If you’re keeping on top of maintenance, then you shouldn’t come across most of these problems.
Maintaining your garage door includes visually inspecting all parts, looking for wear and tear. If anything is becoming damaged, you’ll want to change it out. Tighten up all hardware that’s coming loose, and lubricate all the moving parts.
Keeping up with maintenance will ensure that your garage door will last for its full lifespan, as well as stopping that noise from happening. This is something that every homeowner should do regularly.
Replace the Garage Door Opener
While you’ve done your best to take care of the problem, sometimes the opener is just coming to the end of its lifespan. Consider how long that opener has been installed. Most door openers will last around 10 to 15 years, with some making it to 20 years with good maintenance. If it’s getting on in years, it’s time to replace it.
As you look into replacing the garage door opener, consider if you want to change out the type of opener you’re using. For example, if you’re currently using a chain drive, maybe you want to swap to a screw or belt drive for quieter operation. You can also go for a different model, such as jackshaft openers that are mounted to the wall, rather than the ceiling.
Call in The Experts
Still not sure what’s causing the noise with your garage door opener? Then it’s a good idea to call in your local garage door repair service.
A professional will have the experience needed to identify the problem and let you know your options, whether that involves gararge door opener repair or garage door opener replacement. They’ll also be able to advise if the opener needs to be replaced. If so, it’s always a good idea to have professionals install it for you. That way, you know you’re getting the very best installation.
If your garage door opener is making more noise than usual, don’t worry. Use these troubleshooting tips to locate the problem, and put it right as soon as possible.