Tips for Making Your Garage Door Quieter

Before you reach for the silicone spray, check that your garage door is clean on the inside and outside. Washing the door regularly with water, a soft cloth, and a brush helps prevent corrosion and remove any impacts from dirt accumulation. 

Regular lubrication is the most effective way to reduce noise from your garage door. There are quite a few moving parts, such as garage door hinges and rollers. Over time these can dry out, as can the garage door tracks,, leading to squeaks and grinding noises. Regular lubrication minimises friction, helping to make your garage door quieter.

Use a silicone spray only; avoid using grease. Start with the garage door rollers and lightly lubricate the garage door tracks. After lubricating the rollers and tracks, apply a light amount to the garage door hinges to ensure smooth and quiet movement. Panelift and Panelift Icon sectional doors have internal hinges between each panel. These require minimal lubrication The key is to lubricate these parts directly without over applying the lubricant. Too much lubrication can cause a build-up of dirt.

Wipe any accessible springs with an oily cloth. Unless you have the manufacturer's instructions, avoid lubricating the garage door opener's chain or belt. Improper lubrication can increase noise and reduce the lifespan of the opener. Instead, schedule a professional garage door service if it has been some time since the chain or belt was lubricated.

Loose hardware can cause rattling and vibrations. While lubricating the rollers, garage door hinges, and garage door tracks, inspect them to ensure they are all firmly secured. Loose parts can cause uneven operation, generating grinding and groaning noises.

It also helps to check the mounting of the garage door and the opener. Springs that are worn or need adjusting can also add to the noise, but these require professional maintenance. Never try to replace or adjust any springs yourself, as this can be a safety hazard.

Garage door insulation doesn't directly address mechanical noise but might offer some reduction of noise while the door is opening or closing. However, insulation can reduce external noise and contribute to a more energy-efficient home.

You can do a few things yourself to make your garage door quieter. But they don't replace the need for having your garage door professionally serviced every two years. 

A professional technician can make critical spring adjustments and address issues causing noise. This includes assessing all components for wear and safely replacing worn parts. They can also check that the door is balanced, along with lubricating any parts you couldn't.

They can also advise if your garage door opener needs replacing. An old opener may lack the power to open the door smoothly and efficiently. The door will groan and shudder more, while the motor might strain, making the whole operation much noisier than it once was.