How To Fix A Squeaky Garage Door
If your garage door is making squeaking noises, you can often take some simple steps to help fix the problem. However, if you tried all the following tips and the noise persists, it may be time to call in a professional.
1. Clean The Tracks
The tracks on your garage door are the grooves into which your door rollers move to open and close the door. Any excess dirt or debris can impede their movement and cause the door to squeak. The first thing you need to do is clean the track. You can use a combination of white vinegar and water to do this. After spraying the tracks with this solution, scrub them down with a brush to loosen the dirt that has built up over time. Repeat this process as needed to make sure the tracks are clean. You can also use an automotive brake cleaner to loosen stubborn dirt that may be stuck in the tracks. This works well to remove the grime but be careful not to apply any lubricant to the track itself, since this can make the track difficult to work with and cause your door to squeak even more!
2. Lubrication
If your garage door squeaks when you open it, then you will want to lubricate the rollers, which carry the door up and down. The lubricant should be applied to the small ball bearings in each roller. You will typically also need to lubricate the bearing plates and springs on the top part of your garage door. This will increase their lifespan. And similarly, the hinges, the metal parts that hold the door in place along the track, should be lubricated using a lithium-based grease or silicone grease.
3. Check Your Hinges
If you have a hinge that is squeaking, you can fix it by applying WD-40 to it. This will eliminate the squeaking sound and help the hinge function properly again. First, you need to move your garage door into the up position. This makes it easier to work on the hinges without shifting or sagging the garage door panels during the process. Next, secure the door with clamps below the bottom rollers on the tracks so it won’t move while you are working on it. You can also wedge a long board underneath the door to hold it in place. Then, remove and replace each hinge one at a time. This will minimize the amount of shifting and sagging that occurs when you are replacing all of the hinges at once.
4. Replace The Rollers
The rollers on your garage door help it glide up and down the tracks. When they’re worn or damaged, they can cause squeaking and grinding noises. If your garage door needs new rollers, follow these steps to replace them yourself. Remove the bottom four rollers by bending open the track. Be careful to bend only one edge of the track. Use a screwdriver or a pry bar to remove the old rollers. Slide a new one in place and close the track. Once you’re done, you can lubricate the rollers so they’re working properly again. Ideally, you should do this about twice a year. If you don’t lubricate them, they can wear out quickly and need to be replaced sooner. Nylon or steel rollers can last about ten years, depending on how many times you open and close your garage door.
5. Replace The Springs
Torsion springs help offset the weight of a garage door, making it easy to open and close by hand or with an automatic opener. Over time, springs lose their effectiveness and need to be replaced. In the case of torsion springs, it’s best to call in a professional to do this job. It’s not safe to attempt it yourself, and a small mistake could lead to serious injury. If you do decide to replace the springs, be sure to choose the right type for your garage door.
Categorised in: Garage Door Inspection, Garage Door Maintenance, Garage Doors