After you’ve lived in your home for a while, you’ll notice when parts of it start acting differently. If your garage door starts making odd noises, it’s worth investigating, especially because the sounds could indicate a mechanical issue. Due to the weight and power of these doors, call for professional repairs if you hear any of the following sounds.

A Guide to 3 Garage Door Noises

1. Thumping

If your garage door lowers normally but makes a thumping sound as it gets close to the ground, it’s a sign that something is wrong. This may indicate a faulty automatic opener, which is allowing the door to slip ahead down the track. However, if your door doesn’t have an automatic opener, you may need to have the springs adjusted or replaced. In this case, stay out from under your overhead door, and call a professional for repairs immediately.

2. Grinding

A sign of worn brake pads and rotors in cars and other machinery, grinding is the sound of metal on metal. When it comes to garage doors, this could mean the track is bent, a hinge is broken, or one of the rollers is malfunctioning. It might also indicate that the chain or belt in the opener is not the right size. If you hear grinding or notice metal shavings on the floor, schedule an inspection.

3. Squeaking

Luckily, a squeaking noise usually doesn’t indicate the need for major repairs. In most cases, it simply means the overhead door is getting older, and the lubrication is all used up. A maintenance technician will be able to listen closely and find out exactly which parts should be oiled, such as the pulleys, hinges, or springs. In some cases, squeaking also indicates the need to replace weather stripping around the perimeter, which keeps rain and other elements out of your garage.

If your garage door is making odd noises, Fred C Johnson Co of Jessup, MD, is prepared to help. They’ve provided installations and repairs since 1964, and they remain a family owned and operated business. In addition to residential garage doors, they also offer commercial overhead doors. To learn more about their products and services, visit the website, or call (410) 792-2126 today.