Noisy Garage Door? Causes Fixes and Maintenance Tips for Coastal Residents in Florida and Alabama

A loud garage door can mean more than just a small problem—it might point to bigger issues made worse by salt in the air and lots of moisture. When your garage door starts making weird noises, you need to fix it fast to stop more damage and keep it working smoothly.

We at Dually Doors know how to find and fix noisy garage door problems, and we offer services that meet the unique needs of homeowners near the coast. We have the know-how and use top-notch replacement parts to bring peace to your home.

Common Causes of Noisy Garage Doors

Figuring out why garage doors make noise is key to fixing the problem. Here's a list of reasons garage doors in beach areas like Florida and Alabama might start to get noisy:

• Loose Hardware: The constant shaking and moving can make nuts, bolts, screws, and hinges come loose over time. This leads to rattling or clanking noises. Salty air speeds up this process, causing things to wear out faster.
• Worn Rollers: Rollers help the garage door move along its tracks. They can make grinding or scraping sounds when they get damaged or worn out. Rollers might rust more in areas near the coast, making the problem worse.
• Lack of Lubrication: You need to oil things to keep them working. If you don't, the parts rubbing against each other can cause squeaks and other annoying noises.
• Misaligned Tracks: Tracks that don't line up or have bends can make the door scrape or thump, resulting in loud, jarring sounds.
• Unbalanced Door: A garage door that's not balanced right can put stress on the opener causing uneven movement and too much noise.
• Broken or Worn Springs: Springs are key to balancing out the door's weight. They can make loud bangs or grinding sounds when they break or get worn down as the door tries to work.

DIY Fixes for Noisy Garage Doors

Some noise problems need a pro to fix them, but homeowners can try these quick fixes on their own:

• Tighten Loose Hardware: Get a socket wrench to make nuts, bolts, screws, and hinges tight. Don't make them too tight or you might break something.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Put silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant on the rollers, hinges, and other moving parts. Don't use WD-40 because it can make dirt and grime stick.
• Clean and Inspect Rollers: Use a damp cloth to wipe the rollers and check if they're worn out or broken. If they are, put in new ones.
• Align Tracks: Check if the tracks are straight with a level. Fix the tracks so the door moves.

These do-it-yourself tips can be helpful, but it's best to leave some repairs to the experts. This includes adjusting springs or replacing major parts. Doing so ensures safety and keeps your garage door working.

When to Call a Professional

Some situations require expert help:

• Balance Issues: When your garage door is out of balance, getting a technician to check and adjust the springs or counterbalance system is best.
• Faulty Door Openers: Noise from the opener might point to problems with the motor or sensors. A pro can figure out what's wrong and fix these parts.
• Damaged Tracks or Cables: Bent or misaligned tracks and broken cables can be dangerous and need fixing by experts.
• Persistent Noise: If your fixes don't stop the noise, you need a pro to take a look.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Taking care of your garage door is crucial to keep it working well if you live near the coast:

• Seasonal Inspections: Plan professional check-ups twice a year best done before and after hurricane season.
• Lubrication and Cleaning: Get a pro to grease up and clean your garage door setup during these check-ups.
• Hardware Tightening and Replacement: Keep your system strong by often tightening or swapping out loose or old hardware.
• Weather Stripping Replacement: Put in new weather stripping when it's worn out to keep things sealed tight and running quiet.