Why Is My Garage Door Noisy?

Your garage door & garage door opening system are meant to open and close smoothly with little to no noise. However, normal wear and tear & other factors like loose or broken garage door parts can seem to all of a sudden make your garage door noisy! Maybe it’s just a slight banging you hear when you go to open your garage door or perhaps it has started to squeak whenever the door is operated at all. No matter the sound, not only is a noisy garage door annoying it can also mean it may be in need of lubrication or repairs.

If your garage door is loud when opening & closing it could be time to upgrade your garage door insulation!

There are many reasons your garage door may be noisy, from improper maintenance to normal wear & tear, a bent track, becoming off-balance, or a loose part (rollers, nuts, chains, hinges, springs, etc.). The key is to listen to the type of noise being emitted and to take note of when the noise is happening during the open/close cycle. If you hear a banging noise it could mean that your door is off track or you may be in need of garage door panel replacement. A rattling noise usually means there are loose nuts or bolts or the opener support rails or chains could be loose. A scraping noise could indicate an unbalanced garage door which can be extremely dangerous. Clinking can indicate rust build-up causing garage door springs to rub together! And a popping noise usually signals a torsion spring has snapped and you should call a garage door repair service immediately. Any type of broken/snapped garage door spring or unbalanced door should be looked at and repaired by an experienced garage door expert as soon as possible.

Causes of A Noisy Garage Door

Improper Maintenance
Normal Wear & Tear
Bent Tracks
Loose Parts – rollers, nuts, chains, springs
Door Is Off-Balance
Opener Needs Repair/Replacement
Hinges/Rollers Need Lubrication

The Importance of Garage Door Maintenance

Garage doors are subject to the different weather elements, everyday use, and here in Arizona the extreme heat during the summer months. These things all collectively work together and wear on the many parts that compromise your garage door. That being said to ensure that your garage door is in proper working order & is performing as efficiently as possible it is important to schedule regular garage door maintenance with a trusted garage door company. Regular garage door maintenance helps to ensure that any repairs needed are spotted sooner rather than later which can help prevent serious injury or accidents as well as costly garage door repairs or replacement. Maintenance also helps to ensure that your garage door tracks are free of dirt & debris which can hinder movement & create a noisy garage door!

Lubricating Your Garage Door

Remember when your garage door starts making noise it’s trying to tell your something. If a little lubrication is needed it is important to add it anywhere needed as soon as possible.

Garage door parts that are rubbing together causing friction & heat, are bound to break completely, causing a dangerous more costly issue. This is also why it is important to lubricate your garage door and its moving metal parts regularly and not just in times of distress.

While it is always advised to work with a reputable garage door repair company, should you look to lubricate your garage door parts yourself we highly suggest that the garage door is disconnected from any power source before beginning. And while WD-40 may be used to help lubricate parts we suggest using lithium grease. Lithium grease will not cause dirt build-up over time like WD-40. Should you find a lot of dirt build-up, a little bit of brake cleaner goes a long way to help remove built-up grime.

In the end, your garage door is responsible for much of the heavy lifting in life (literally) and should be taken care of and maintained to ensure the safety of people and personal property. And proper garage door maintenance & lubrication can help to extend the overall lifespan of your door while also ensuring it is always in proper working order.

The Difference Between Torsion Springs & Extension Springs

When it comes to your garage door there are many moving & working parts that all play a big role in the opening and closing of the door both safely & efficiently. That being said when one of these parts is in need of repair or replacement, your garage door usually does not work properly or efficiently and can also pose a big safety risk. One of the most frequent garage door issues that will definitely hinder the use of your door & cause possible safety hazards, is broken springs.

There are two different main types of garage door springs. Both types of springs play a significant and big role in the overall motion of your garage door. And because both of these types of springs are big and hold a lot of force & tension they are also quite dangerous to try to replace or repair yourself. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves let’s first discuss the two different types of garage door springs.

Extension Springs

Your garage door extension springs are found running parallel to the garage door track. They are long & skinny and extend/ stretch whenever the garage door is opened or closed. With this action the springs store energy to help with the movement of your door. Extension springs come in a variety of different spring options such as, open-looped, double-looped, and clipped end extension springs. While there are many different sets of instructions & videos available showing how to replace or repair these springs on your own, there are a few important things to keep in mind. You need to be careful of falling garage doors, cuts from rusted metal on the spring or garage door track, and activated garage door openers during the repair process. Because of these hazards, it is always best to seek the help of a garage door spring repair expert.

Torsion Springs

You may have anywhere from 1 to 4 torsion springs incorporated with your garage door depending on the strength, weight, and size of your door. These springs can usually be found on the metal shaft directly above the door opening. On either side of the metal shaft are aluminum drums. The springs are wound around the drums to a certain torsion setting. These springs come in a variety of different options including, standard torsion springs, early set torsion springs, steel rolling door torsion springs, and torque master torsion springs. These springs are the most dangerous of the two springs to try to repair or replace yourself and definitely should be handled by a professional. Not only do you run the risk of activating the garage door opener, or a falling garage door, changing these springs on your own exposes you to serious safety risks. Because of the amount of tension these springs hold they often break which results in a flying spring or metal.

The most common residential garage door spring problems usually include any of the different extension springs and standard or early set torsion springs. The steel rolling door torsion springs and torque master torsion springs are most common in commercial or industrial doors. The springs on commercial or industrial doors absolutely should be repaired or replaced by a professional garage door repair technician.

Help Minimize Heat With Garage Door Insulation

The Arizona summer is upon us and with it comes increasing temperatures and higher energy bills. Summer temps can feel like a scorching hot oven, especially if you plan on spending any time in your garage. Many people utilize their garage space using it to exercise, work on cars, as a workshop for various tasks, and even as a man cave.

During the summer months you can expect your garage to be between 10-20 degrees hotter than the temp outside!

Living in Arizona we know the highs can get into the 120’s which means your garage space can reach up to 140 degrees on some days! Not only does a temperature that high make being in your garage unbearable it also makes it unsafe! And let’s face it, if your garage is connected to your house like most peoples are, it makes keeping your house cooler a little harder. This means that your air conditioning system works harder and in turn you see your energy bill go up even more so during summer months. And let’s be real, no one likes a higher energy bill!

Did you know the summer heat can greatly affect your garage door’s opening system?

The heat creates issues with the electronics involved and can hinder the opening and closing mechanisms and even cause the motor to overheat. Another expense is added if you call for garage door repair or an adjustment!

What Can You Do To Make Your Garage Cooler During Summer?

Use & Time of Day- The early morning hours up to about 10am prove to be a much cooler time to spend in your garage. Opening your garage door a little to allow some of the trapped hot air to escape also helps. Definitely avoid being in your garage between 3-6pm when temperatures are the highest making your garage a dutch oven!

Garage Door Colors/Material- Believe it or not the color of your garage door and outer exterior matter! Darker colors tend to conduct more heat. Installing a lighter-colored door or choosing to paint it a lighter shade can reduce some heat. Same goes for the material of your door. Steel doors are heat conductors whereas wood doors are natural insulators.

Ventilation System- Your garage ventilation system or lack of one can be a huge factor in the rising temperatures in your space. An active ventilation system is a bit pricer than the normally used passive systems but also a lot more economical and efficient.

Installing a Fan- While a fan can only help to a certain extent it does help to improve the airflow and circulation, which can help to break up that hot stagnant air! Removing clutter and creating a more open space can help airflow as well.

And…

The #1 Way to Help Minimize Heat…Garage Door Insulation

Garage door insulation is the number one way to help combat that horrible summer heat. All of a sudden you can see yourself spending time in your garage again! On top of helping to decrease the higher temperatures in your garage, insulated garage doors offer so many other benefits as well!

Benefits of Insulated Garage Doors Include:

Greatly reduce heat transfer
Lower energy bills
Insulation helps quiet noisy garage doors
Reduces outside noise
Helps keep cold air out during winter
Better constructed as opposed to uninsulated garage doors

Now that you are aware of some of the benefits of an insulated garage door what do you need to know when choosing the right insulation?

R-Value- The R-Value of a garage door is key! What does R-Value mean? This is basically the number that measures the insulation in your door. The higher the R-Value the better the insulation. In fact, an R-Value of R18 or higher can help reduce radiant heat, ultimately helping to keep the inside of your garage a lot cooler.

Thank you.

Overall Insulation– An insulated garage door can do wonders for the temperatures within your garage but in order for them to work to their maximum potential it helps if the walls of your garage and attic space are insulated as well.

Type of Insulation- The type of insulation matters. While the R-Value measures the performance of insulation it helps to understand which types are best. For example, convex reflective foil-faced foam utilizes radiant heat which helps to reflect the heat away from your garage. Flush foam insulators help to absorb heat from conduction, while reflective foil has a 97% reflective rate.

If you are looking to survive the summer heat while still being able to utilize your garage spaceit’s highly beneficial to look into replacing your garage door with a higher R-Value door or by adding insulation to your existing one.

One more positive factor to consider when deciding on insulating your garage door… it helps add to your homes overall value!

If you have any other questions or want to insulate or upgrade your existing garage door, give Parker Garage Doors a call! We’ve been providing honest, affordable service in Phoenix, Lake Havasu and throughout the valley for over 20 years. We are family owned and operated and know our stuff when it comes to garage doors.

What Do I Need To Know About Buying A Garage Door?

Most homeowners will have to purchase a new garage door at least once, maybe twice while living in their home. If you are in the market to buy a new garage door, chances are, you are in unfamiliar territory. We will help you understand the many aspects of buying a garage door so you can be confident when you are buying a new door.

One of the best investments you can make for your home his replacing the garage door or the front door. In this article, we will discuss the six most important factors you should take into consideration when shopping for your garage door.

Garage Door Measurements

It is important to know the size of your garage opening before beginning the journey of buying a garage door. If you hire Parker Door’s & More to install your new garage door, we will take measurements before beginning the job, but we recommend you take measurements for your records. Not all garage door companies operate the same. Knowing the size of the garage door will be the first step to knowing the expected cost and what materials will work best for the job.

Material Used

The material you decide to use will have an affect on the appearance and the maintenance requirements for the door. It is important to determine the best garage door material for your home. The types of material you can choose from is steel, aluminum, wood and composite wood.

Steel Garage Doors

Steel is probably the most used when it comes to garage door’s. There is a large variety of colors, insulation options and prices. Most companies are able to add wood grain patterns to give the appearance of wood being on the garage door. Steel doors can be painted to match the color combination of your homes exterior. Steel garage doors do not warp or crack, making it a very durable option. Because these types of doors are hot dipped galvanized steel with primer baked on, it will not rust or will not need to be repainted frequently. The biggest complaint there is with steel doors is that they are capable of accumulating dents and they are not easy repairs. Purchasing a garage door with thicker steel will help you avoid this issue. Consider asking what is the ‘gauge number’ of the garage door. The ‘gauge number’ determines its thickness.

Aluminum Garage Doors

Aluminum is the most popular choice if you prefer a modern-looking garage door. The panels on an aluminum garage door can be made with a variety of different material giving the garage door a stylish appearance. Aluminum doors are also rust resistance and extremely lightweight. The cost the maintain these doors are more expensive than steel doors.

Wood Garage Doors

Wood garage doors usually come with a higher price tag and more maintenance requirements, but they offer a superior curb appeal. Wooden doors can easily be painted and stained to your desired results. They are vulnerable to accidental damage and are easily repaired. Wooden garage doors can have a very long lifespan if cared for correctly.

Composite Wood is a great substitute for wood because of its durability and it is very easy to maintain. These door’s usually contain a steel interior then overlaid with artificial wood.

Once you come to a decision on the size and the type of material needed, you can now decide if you want to buy a garage door that is ready for installation, or if you want to have one custom made to fit your needs.

Price Tag

Buying a new garage door does not have to be an large investment. The average cost for a single car garage door is usually less than $500, depending on the brand. Simple garage door openers can be found for around $100 in most cases. Pricing of the garage door can also vary depending on size, material used, insulation and decorative elements. Garage door opener price can change depending on horsepower and additional features that might be included. The average cost for a two-car garage with an automatic opener professionally installed can be estimated at $1500-$2000.

Garage Door Openers

Now that you picked the perfect garage door, now it is time to pick the perfect garage door opener. First, it is important to know the difference between garage doors that are operated by chain, screw or belt drive. Chain drives works by attaching a chain to a metal trolley. This is the most affordable but is much noisier than the other choices. Screw drives uses a steel rod to raise and lower the garage door. This needs to be lubricated on a regular basis. Belt drives use a rubber belt to open and close the garage door along the rails. There is no metal to metal contact, causing a quieter, smoother operation. You can also add a keypad outside the garage door just in case you lost your garage door remote of your key to the house.

What Is Insulation?

The number one question customers ask us when purchasing a new door is ‘should I insulate the door?’ The answer is simple. Yes! In most cases, the garage is attached to the house. Insulation protects the house from wasting energy. If you use our garage as an additional room, then you must insulate your garage door. Be sure to check the ‘R-value’ when insulating. The higher ‘R-value’, the better the insulation. Not only does it help with energy waste, it increases durability, improves security and helps reduce noise.

Additional Features

Although the material chosen will have an effect on the style and appearance of your garage door, you can choose to add windows, hardware and customized paneling to increase the uniqueness of your garage door. The ‘carriage style’ garage doors are very popular right now. These additional features can really give your garage door a new look. There are also option to connect the garage door system to Wi-Fi which allows you to open your garage door from your smartphone.

Call Parker Door’s & More Now!

Now that you are educated in the process of buying garage doors, choosing the right one will now be an easy task for you. Call 602-870-9848 for more information on our garage door installation services. We service Phoenix, AZ and its surrounding areas. We also provide service in the Lake Havasu and Parker, Arizona. Call or contact us online for more information now!

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