We often use our garage doors without even thinking about it or worrying whether everything is working correctly or not. You press the button on your remote and poof! The door opens. Then you hear some bizarre noises… Don’t panic! First of all, you should understand that the movement of the garage door and the action of your door opener involve a certain amount of noise.
Here’s a list of eight things you can look at to determine the source of these noises. It will only take you a few minutes
1. Spring system
Whether you have a torsion spring system (located above the door) or an extension spring system (located above the horizontal tracks), check to make sure the springs aren’t broken.
2. Rollers
Check the rollers on each side of the door to see if any of them are broken or in poor condition.
3. Horizontal tracks
Looking from the back of the garage, make sure that the two tracks are well‑aligned and parallel. Also verify that the bolts in the triangular steel braces that hold up the tracks are firmly tightened.
4. Hinges
Check to make sure that none of the screws holding the rollers in place have come loose.
5. Lifting cables
On each side of the door, inspect the lifting cables to make sure they are winding correctly around the reels located at the top of the vertical tracks. Also check to see if either of the cables is frayed.
6. Door opener rail
If the carriage assembly that pulls the door consists of three pieces, check to see if the bolts holding them together are firmly tightened.
7. Door opener drive
Whether your system is chain‑driven or belt‑driven, make sure the tension is correct. Ideally, there should be some give in the chain or belt, which shouldn’t be stretched tight as if it were a guitar string. However, it should be taut enough so that it doesn’t hang out of the door opener carriage.
8. Exterior weather‑stripping
Check to see if the weather‑stripping on the exterior framework is well‑attached to the door frame.
If you don’t find anything broken or seriously out of adjustment, you may be wondering what you can do on your own to help make your garage door work better. It’s simple: a good lubrication of the metal parts that move the most‑the rollers, hinges and springs. All you need is a little motor oil (e.g. 10W‑30) and a rag.
On the other hand, if you find any significant or unusual problem, don’t try to repair the broken part yourself, especially if it has anything to do with the spring system. Doing so can jeopardize your safety and that of your family.
At Hicklin Door Services, we offer a “tune-up” program, which consists of diagnosing any problems with your garage door, lubricating all the major moving parts and repairing any broken components. Before making any repairs, you will be given a verbal account and explanation of all the repairs to be made.
Don’t wait until your garage door stops working just when you need it most! Call us now at 515-276-3700 or schedule a service call!
For a preventive maintenance or repair service done by professionnals contact us now. We serve DesMoines, Ankeny and Ames areas.
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