Despite retracting into the house, garage doors endure ample outside wear. This damage can cause them to produce shrill noises when opening and closing. If your system is making an uncommon sound, here are a few possible causes.

Why Do Garage Doors Squeal?

1. Malfunctioning Chain

The chain in a system pulls the door along a track, so it can open and close. This motion produces friction, and it’ll squeal loudly if the chain is too tight or loose or misaligned. The sound usually starts after several years of regular use.

2. Imbalanced Doors

Garage doors must be balanced on both sides to function smoothly. This balance has to be fine-tuned periodically to keep it even. If one side is lowering or raising faster than the other, the system will produce unpleasant noises and damage to the equipment.

Check the balance by disconnecting the door from the power source and letting it hang halfway down the opening. If it slides toward the floor or moves upward, it’s probably imbalanced.

3. Rusty Components

The garage door system’s moving parts must be well lubricated to operate easily. The metal door and track are vulnerable to rust and corrosion since they’re exposed to moisture and the elements year-round. If lubricant isn’t applied at least twice a year, the nuts, bolts, and rollers will become rusty and noisy.

4. Accumulated Debris

Part of the door is in the garage’s ceiling, and windblown debris can collect and settle in this area over time. Dirt, leaves, and twigs in the tracks and rollers cause excessive friction, which will slow the door’s movements. Friction from buildup is often signaled by a loud or shrill noise whenever the door opens or closes.

 

If your door isn’t operating smoothly, turn to Alaska Garage Door & Repair in Anchorage. These professionals have helped homeowners maintain their garage systems since 1973. They’ll assess your door and its mechanisms to diagnose the issue, then perform any necessary repairs or adjustments. Call (907) 345-2350 to get more information about their services.