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Why Your Home's Garage Door May Squeak?

Why Your Home's Garage Door May Squeak?

We at Mehr’s Garage Doors know how annoying it is when your garage door squeaks. This common issue can make you feel bad and could be a sign of deeper problems. In this complete guide, we’ll examine why garage doors squeak, provide valuable answers, and offer expert advice on keeping your door running smoothly and quietly.

Common Causes of Garage Door Squeaking:

Dry or Worn Rollers:

The regular use of garage door rollers causes them to wear out quickly. When they become dry or broken, rollers can make an annoying squeak. Older metal rollers are usually to blame. Although nylon rollers typically operate more quietly, they can cause problems if worn out.

Loose Hardware and Hinges:

Regular use can cause movements that can loosen nuts, bolts, and screws all over your garage door system over time. The annoying squeaks are caused by loose hardware, which allows parts to move and rub against one another. This issue is especially likely to affect hinges.

Misaligned or Bent Tracks:

 Tracks control how your garage door moves. If they are misaligned or bent, the rollers may join or rub together, producing squeaking sounds. Impact damage or the base of your home shifting are two common causes of this issue.

Rusted or Damaged Springs:

Torsion and extension springs are significant to the operation of your garage door. When these springs are damaged or rusty, they might make squeaking sounds as they move the door up and down.

Lack of Proper Lubrication:

Lubrication must be done regularly for smooth, quiet performance. Many homeowners must pay more attention to this simple repair job, resulting in dry, noisy components.

How to Diagnose the Source of the Squeak?

Visual Inspection: First, we recommend conducting a complete visual check. Check all the moving parts for signs of damage, wear, or dislocation. Watch out for the springs, rollers, and hinges.

Listening Tests: Close and open your garage door by hand and pay close attention. The place where the squeak comes from can help you find the broken part. Remember to check the moves for both opening and shutting.

Manual Operation Check: Unplug your garage door motor and lift the door by hand. This can help you determine whether the squeak is caused by resistance or binding.

Lubricating Your Garage Door:

Choosing the Right Lubricant:

We always recommend a silicone—or lithium-based garage door lubricant. These products are made to handle the steady movement and changes in temperature that your garage door experiences. WD-40 is not a long-lasting lubricant and can attract dirt, so avoid using it.

Parts That Need Lubrication:

Lubricate the following essential components: rollers, hinges, springs, bearing plates, arm bars, and pivot points. Regularly cleaning these places can reduce squeaking and improve the door’s overall performance.

Proper Lubrication Techniques:

Use only a little lubricant to avoid drips and a mess. For rollers, put it on the shaft where it goes into the bracket. Lubricate the center points of the hinges. To avoid drawing dust and debris, wipe away any extra. To keep your garage door functioning at its best, we recommend lubricating it at least twice a year.

Adjusting and Tightening Hardware:

Checking and Tightening Bolts and Screws:

Bolts and screws should be checked and tightened. At Mehr’s Garage Doors, we know that garage door squeaks are often caused by hardware that isn’t tight enough. We recommend that you check your door’s nuts, bolts, and screws frequently. Carefully fix any loose hardware with a socket wrench or screwdriver. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip threads or damage components.

Aligning Tracks:

Misaligned tracks can cause your door to squeak and operate inefficiently. To ensure proper alignment, we recommend checking the tracks with a level. If you see gaps between the rollers and the track or if the track looks bent, it is time for a fix. Remove the bolts holding the track to the wall, make any necessary changes, and then put them back up.

Adjusting Spring Tension (Professional Help Recommended):

Spring tension is significant for the balance and working of your door. Squeaking and extra stress on your opener can result from improperly tensioned springs. But changing springs is dangerous and should only be done by professionals like us here at Mehr’s Garage Doors. Call us for a safe, professional fix if you suspect a spring issue.

When to Replace Parts?

Signs You Need New Rollers:

With the proper care, rollers usually last between 10 and 15 years. Get new ones if you can see wear, cracks, or chips. Roller replacement may be required if the squeaking continues after lubrication. Changing to nylon rollers can make the door run more smoothly and quietly. 

When to Replace Hinges:

Unless badly damaged or corrupted, hinges can only sometimes need replacement. However, if your hinges have a lot of rust, cracks, or holes, it’s time for new ones. We can quickly inspect and repair the hinges to ensure your door works smoothly and quietly. 

Replacing Worn Springs:

Springs usually last 10,000 to 15,000 rounds before needing to be replaced. If you can’t lift the door, the door moves unevenly, or there are gaps in the coils of the torsion springs, the springs are worn. Due to the high stress on garage door safety, we strongly recommend garage door spring replacement for your safety. 

Preventative Maintenance Tips:

Regular Cleaning:

We can’t stress the importance of keeping your garage door clean at Mehr’s Garage Doors. We recommend wiping down the door panels, tracks, and hinges with mild detergent and water every three to four months. 

This keeps your door looking great and stops dirt and grime from building up, which can lead to squeaking and other issues. The tracks need extra care because debris can get in the way of the rollers moving smoothly. 

Lubrication Schedule:

To keep your garage door running quickly and quietly, we recommend maintaining a regular lubrication schedule. For most domestic doors, lubricating all moving parts every six months is best. 

You may need to lubricate your door more often if you use it usually or live in a place with harsh weather. For the best results, use a lubricant made just for garage doors. 

Annual Professional Inspection:

While regular maintenance done by you is essential, we at Mehr’s Garage Doors strongly recommend that you have a professional check every year. 

Our experts can identify possible issues before they become serious ones to keep your door safe, quiet, and efficient. During these checks, we carefully check all of the components, make any required changes, and recommend any parts that may need replacement soon. 

When to Call a Professional?

Safety Concerns with DIY Repairs:

It’s dangerous for do-it-yourselfers to do some repairs on garage doors because they are heavy and operate under high stress. Repairing or replacing springs, wires, or openers is never a good idea. 

If treated incorrectly, these components can seriously hurt you. Mehr’s Garage Doors is the best place to call for safe, professional help with any repair you need clarification on. 

Complex Issues Requiring Expert Help:

You can only sometimes fix problems with your garage door yourself. Call the experts if you see severe track misalignment, broken springs, snapped wires, or non-functioning openers. 

Regarding Mehr’s Garage Doors, we have the tools, knowledge, and experience to safely and correctly make these tricky fixes. You shouldn’t put your safety at risk or cause more damage to your door. Let our professionals handle the tough jobs. 

Conclusion:

As a result, Mehr’s Garage Doors is dedicated to helping you keep your garage door quiet and efficient. Regular maintenance, lubrication, and professional checks at the right time are essential for keeping things running smoothly and avoiding squeaks. 

Although the homeowner can complete many maintenance chores, more costly repairs are best left to the experts. Mehr’s Garage Doors can care for your garage door needs in St. George and keep your front door safe and quiet. 

FAQ’s:

How often should I lubricate my garage door? 

If you use your garage door frequently or live in an area with extreme weather, we recommend lubricating it every six months or more regularly. 

Is it safe to adjust garage door springs myself?

No, garage door springs are very tight and could be dangerous. Always call professionals like Mehr’s Garage Doors for spring changes or replacements. 

What’s the best lubricant for a garage door? 

We recommend using a garage door lubricant made of silicone or lithium. WD-40 is not a good option because it only lasts briefly and can attract dirt. 

How long do garage door rollers typically last? 

Garage door rollers typically last 10 to 15 years with the proper upkeep. It might be time for a replacement if you hear continuous squeaking or see signs of wear. 

When should I schedule a professional garage door inspection? 

Mehr’s Garage Doors recommends that a professional check your door once a year to ensure that it remains safe, efficient, and quiet.