Noisy Garage Door? Common Sounds and What They Mean

A noisy garage door is usually asking for attention. Squealing often means dry parts, grinding can mean worn rollers or opener parts, rattling often means loose hardware, and a loud bang can mean a broken spring. Here is what common sounds mean, what is safe to do, and when to call a professional.

What your garage door sounds mean

1. Squealing or screeching. Dry hinges, rollers or springs. A lubricant made for garage doors often helps.
2. Grinding. Worn rollers, debris in the track, or worn opener parts.
3. Rattling or vibrating. Loose hardware on the door or opener, or a loose panel.
4. Popping or creaking. Dry or worn springs and hinges, or a door slightly out of balance.
5. Scraping. The door may be rubbing the track or frame, which can mean it is out of alignment.
6. A loud bang. This is the classic sign of a broken spring. Stop using the door.

What you can safely do

• Wipe debris from the tracks with a cloth.
• Apply a lubricant made for garage doors to hinges and rollers.
• Look for loose bolts on the opener and tighten them if you can do so safely.
• Listen for where the noise comes from, and note when it happens.

When to call DDS Garage Doors

Call us if the noise continues after cleaning and lubrication, if the door shakes, jerks or looks uneven, or if the sound is a bang or a loud grinding. A technician can find the cause during an in-person estimate. Regular garage door maintenance can help catch worn parts early, and our garage door repair service covers rollers, hinges, tracks and springs.

Frequently Asked Questions