Garage Door Squeaking and Other Common Problems

A garage is one of the major benefits to owning a home, but when your garage door becomes noisy, it can quickly become a nuisance and even an embarrassment. Luckily, when a garage door begins to squeak or make noises, this does not necessarily indicate a problem; this can be caused by normal everyday use. Keep reading to learn more about garage door squeaking, how to fix it, and other common garage door problems. 

Why is My Garage Door Squeaking?

There are several reasons why your garage door may be squeaking. By knowing what the potential reasons are, you will be able to rectify the issue quickly and inexpensively. The following are common reasons for garage doors to squeak: 

Rusted Nuts, Bolts, and/or Hinges

When any of the nuts, bolts, or hinges on the garage door frame or track have become rusted, it can cause the garage door to squeak when operating. To help stop the squeaking, use a lube in spray or grease form. 

Stuck Debris

Any type of debris, such as dirt, mud, rocks, leaves, or bugs, that gets stuck in any part of the garage door system, including the chain, frame, rollers, or track, will cause significant friction when raising or lowering the door. You can use your hands or a broom to remove any wedged-in debris; this will help to end your squeaking problems. 

Warped Wheels and/or Rollers

If the wheels or rollers on your garage door become dented, bent, or warped, it will cause the door to go up and down in a skewed direction, resulting in metal-to-metal friction. This friction will result in constant squeaking, until the warped wheels or rollers have been replaced. 

Broken Track

Squeaking noises may also be caused by the garage door track if any part of it has been cracked, broken, or splintered. Depending on how severe the damage is, you can choose to have the track either repaired or replaced. 

Out of Alignment

Whether your garage door is a few years old or several years old, one of the primary reasons for your garage door to squeak is due to alignment issues. Misalignment can happen when parts become worn or if they were installed incorrectly. When a garage door is misaligned, it causes the metal parts to unnaturally rub against other metal parts, which inevitably causes the annoying squeakiness. 

How to Fix a Squeaky Garage Door

If you are experiencing a squeaky garage door, try using the following steps: 

Tighten Nuts and Bolts

Using a wrench and socket set, retighten all of the nuts and bolts on your garage door. 

Lubricate or Replace the Rollers

Lubricate the steel roller shaft where it sits in the hinge, lift cables at the bottom bracket button, bearings on the spring system, and the full length of your springs.

Lubricate or Replace the Springs

Lubricate the torsion and extension springs on your garage door. If your springs need to be repaired or replaced, ensure that the work is completed by a trained garage door professional.

Lubricate or Replace the Hinges

Lubricate your hinges if they are in good condition. If your hinges need to be repaired or replaced, ensure that the work is completed by a trained garage door professional. 

Other Common Garage Door Problems

Here are some additional common problems that you may experience with your garage door: 

Worn-Out Rollers

Rollers on a garage door wear out overtime due to everyday use. If they are neglected, the signs of wear quickly worsen. When the rollers get to the point where they stick, the garage door may stall or jump off the tracks due to pressure applied by the opener when it’s in motion. Ensure that you never try to replace the rollers yourself, as this can result in serious injury. 

Garage Door Won’t Move

Sooner or later, most people experience this issue at least once. If your garage door won’t move at all, this may be caused by a power surge, a blown fuse, or the outlet connected to the opener has stopped working. If these fail to provide the solution, check the circuit breaker or use the reset button on the garage door opener. 

Uneven Movement

When a garage door opens or closes, it should not hesitate or move in spurts. If you are experiencing this issue, there may be an issue with the springs or with an object blocking the garage door tracks. 

Garage Door Opener Doesn’t Work

Sometimes the problem may not be with your garage door, but rather with your garage door opener. Common reasons for a garage door opener to not work include an activated lock switch, an unplugged motor, a damaged photo-eye sensor, or a malfunctioning circuit breaker. 

Let the Professionals Lend a Hand

If you’re like most people, your garage door is the main way to enter and exit your home. When your garage door isn’t working properly, it can turn your whole day upside down. But finding a solution to a broken garage door doesn’t have to be stressful! Our team of professionals at The Garage Door Guy Corp is here for your convenience and peace of mind. Whether you are in need or a repair or replacement, we have you covered! Contact our office today at 501-412-2475 with all of your garage door repair or installation needs.