If you’re like most homeowners, your garage door is one of the first things you use in the morning and the last thing you use at night. So, when it starts making a strange noise, it can be pretty frustrating. This blog post will discuss what to do when your garage door makes a grinding noise.
Call In An Inspection
You should never hesitate when you feel something’s wrong with your garage entrance, but rather call professionals to check it out. People living in Charm City tend to immediately call the most reliable garage door repair Baltimore MD can offer in order for these professionals to conduct a thorough inspection. Having a pro look into a malfunctioning garage door is always the best option and calling in an inspection should be your first instinct if you hear grinding noises coming from it.
The benefit of calling in an inspection right away is that such a thing can prevent further damage, thus reducing costs related to repairs. Furthermore, a professional who knows what they are doing will help you determine whether the grinding noise is indicative of a larger problem.
Troubleshoot
There are some common garage problems, among which is probably the cause for the grinding noises yours is making. Troubleshooting is the best way to start solving this issue. Check the door balance by opening and closing it manually. It should move easily without any resistance or excessive force. If it doesn’t, adjust the spring tension or have a professional look at it.
You should also inspect all of the moving parts for signs of wear and tear including rust and corrosion. You can also test out the opener itself. Make sure that everything is connected properly and functioning correctly according to your user manual before troubleshooting further.
Tighten The Bolts And Screws
One way to fix garage door grinding noises is to tighten the bolts and screws that hold your garage door together. You’ll want to check all of them, especially the ones on the bottom section of the door. If they’re loose, tightening them can often help reduce or eliminate any grinding sound.
When doing this, make sure to use a socket wrench and not just an adjustable wrench. This will ensure that you have the right amount of torque and won’t accidentally over-tighten the bolts or screws. If tightening them doesn’t fix the issue, it may be time for a professional to take a look at your garage door.
Check Your Garage Opener
You should also look at your garage opener when your garage door makes grinding noises. The culprit may be an issue with the motor of your garage door, so checking the opener can tell you a lot. Ensure to check the cables and pulleys, too, as they should be properly connected and move smoothly.
If they are not working properly, then it is time to call in a professional. It is also important to look at if there are any signs of wear or if any parts have become detached from the opener.
Balance It Out
Balancing out the door is done in a few simple steps. These are the following:
- Check the current balance
- Adjust the springs
- Replace any broken or worn components
- Test to ensure that the door is balancing properly
This small improvement can make a huge difference in how your garage door operates. When balancing it out, you’ll notice that the grinding noises will be greatly reduced as the door opens and closes.
Lubricate The Door
It’s also a smart move to regularly lubricate the door as a preventative measure. A lubricant will help keep metal parts from grinding against each other, which can be the source of disturbing noise. Lubricating the door is easy to do and requires no special tools or skills.
You’ll need oil specifically designed for lubricating garage doors and it can usually be found at any hardware store. Just apply it evenly to all moving parts, such as tracks, hinges, rollers, and springs.
Clean The Door
It’s also important to clean your garage door often because dirt, debris, and other buildups can cause it to make grinding noises. To do this, start by cleaning off any dirt or grime on the tracks with a soft cleaning brush. You should also inspect the tracks for any blockages that may be preventing the door from opening and closing smoothly.
Once the tracks are clear of obstructions, you can use a household cleaning solution and a soft cloth to wipe down both sides of the door panels. This will help ensure that your garage door is in proper working order and not making noise due to excess dirt or debris buildup. Doing this regularly will also help extend its lifespan as well.
A grinding noise on your garage door may sound scary, but with an inspection and some troubleshooting, you’ll get to the core of the issue. Make sure to tighten all bolts and screws and check the opener as well. Balance the door and keep it lubricated at all times. Finally, clean both the door and the area around it!
