Nothing is more annoying than hearing that high-pitched squeal every time you open or close your garage door. But fear not – garage door squeaks are usually easy to fix yourself without having to call an expensive garage door repair professional. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of squeaking and how to troubleshoot and solve the issue.
Check the Wheels and Rollers
One of the primary reasons for a squeaking garage door is worn-out or dirty wheels and rollers. Over time, the wheels and rollers that help guide and support the door as it moves up and down can accumulate dirt and debris. This gunk prevents the wheels and rollers from turning smoothly.
To check them, simply lift the door about halfway and then try spinning the wheels and rollers by hand. If they are difficult to turn or make noise as you spin them, it’s a good sign they need to be cleaned or replaced. Use a wire brush or rag dampened with mineral spirits to clean the wheels and rollers. Be sure to remove all dirt and residue. If they are cracked or flat spots have developed, replacement may be necessary. Replacing wheels and rollers is an easy DIY project and costs around $15-30 for a set.
Lubricate All Moving Parts
Another common cause of squeaking is a lack of lubrication where the door contacts the tracks, rollers, hinges, and springs. Over time, the lubricant breaks down and friction increases, resulting in squeaks.
Take some garage door lubricant grease and apply it generously to the tracks, rollers, hinges, and springs. Move the door up and down a few times to work the grease into all contacting surfaces. This simple lubrication fix often silences squeaks for a few months. Be sure to reapply lubricant every 6 months to maintain smooth, quiet operation.
Check for Loose Hardware
Squeaks can also occur if mounting hardware like hinges, brackets, or springs become loose over time. Vibrations as the door moves cause the loose hardware to rub against other metal components, creating noise.
Inspect all visible hardware for looseness. Give bolts, nuts, and screws a quarter turn with a wrench to tighten as needed. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can put undue stress on the door and cause other problems down the road. A little dab of threadlocker on bolts helps prevent them from loosening again.
Inspect Track Alignment
If the tracks are not running straight and true, it can lead to squeaks. Over time, the tracks may shift slightly out of alignment from normal use. When the door rollers run along a crooked track, it causes friction that produces noise.
Check that the tracks are parallel to each other by measuring the gap between them at the top and bottom. The gap should be consistent along the entire length. If not, you may need to adjust the tracks back into proper position. On some doors, the tracks are easily removable to straighten out any bends using a hammer.
Consider Garage Door Repair for Complex Issues
For squeaks that persist after trying lubrication and inspecting for common issues, it may be time to call a professional garage door repair technician based in Portsmouth. They have the special tools and expertise to diagnose more complex problems like worn cables, off-track doors, damaged tracks, or issues with the opener or springs. Professional garage door repair starts around $100 on average.
With a little TLC and some basic troubleshooting, you can usually silence an annoying squeaking garage door yourself. But for stubborn squeaks, don’t hesitate to contact a local garage door repair company. A quiet, well-functioning garage door is worth the investment to protect your home and vehicles.