Don’t Get Spooked by Noises: What Strange Garage Door Sounds Really Mean

October is the season for haunted houses and spooky sounds, but your garage door shouldn’t be one of them. If your door groans, squeaks, or rattles every time you open it, that’s not a ghost. It’s a sign your garage door needs attention. Here’s what those noises usually mean and when it’s time to call a pro.

Squeaks and Screeches

If you hear high-pitched squeaking, it often comes from dry rollers or hinges. Over time, the moving parts lose lubrication, which causes friction and noise. A quick fix is to apply a silicone-based garage door lubricant to rollers, hinges, and springs. Avoid using WD-40, it breaks down grease instead of protecting it.

Grinding or Grating Sounds

A grinding noise usually points to worn rollers or misaligned tracks. If the rollers aren’t running smoothly, they’ll scrape against the track. This not only makes your garage door loud, it also puts extra strain on the opener. If you see rollers that look cracked, wobbly, or rusted, it’s time to replace them.

Rattling or Banging

Loose bolts, nuts, and brackets can make your garage door sound like it’s shaking apart. Sometimes, tightening the hardware can quiet things down. But if the banging is coming from springs or cables, leave it to a professional. Springs are under extreme tension, and trying to adjust them yourself can be dangerous.

Popping or Clunking

If your garage door makes a loud pop when it opens or closes, it could mean the torsion spring is wearing out. Springs play a huge role in lifting your door’s weight, and when they fail, your opener has to work overtime. This is one repair that should never be DIY - it takes special tools and training to handle safely.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Noises

A noisy garage door isn’t just annoying. It’s often the first sign that something is wearing down. Addressing the issue early can save you money, prevent bigger breakdowns, and extend the life of your door. Plus, a smoother, quieter garage door means less stress on your opener and fewer surprises down the road.

Call in the Experts

If your garage door is making more noise than your Halloween decorations, it’s time to get it checked. At Ramirez Overhead Door, we provide professional garage door inspections and repairs across Long Island. From replacing rollers to adjusting springs, our technicians know how to keep your door safe, reliable, and quiet.

Don’t wait for a total breakdown. Schedule your garage door service today and enjoy some peace and quiet this fall.