8 Common Garage Door Noises and What They Mean

Table of Contents

• A Grinding Sound
• A Squeaking Noise
• A Rattling Sound
• A Banging Sound
• A Slapping Sound
• A Vibration or Hum
• A Popping Noise
• A Screeching Sound
• Get Solutions to Garage Door Noises Today
• References

 

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If a homeowner opens and closes their garage door three or four times a day, that is well over a thousand uses every year. With that much activity, it is no wonder these hardworking systems eventually start making themselves heard.

While some garage door noises are perfectly normal, others serve as early warning signs that something needs attention. Understanding what your garage door is trying to tell you can help you address minor issues before they become major headaches—and potentially save you hundreds of dollars in the process. 

At Door Tech, we have heard every squeak, rattle, and bang imaginable. As your trusted garage door contractor, we want to help you decode these sounds so you know when to grab the WD-40 and when to call in the professionals. Let’s explore the five most common garage door noise complaints and what you can do about them.

1. A Grinding Sound

If your garage door makes loud noise when opening or closing that sounds like metal grinding against metal, you are likely dealing with worn rollers or inadequate lubrication. Garage door rollers travel along the tracks hundreds of times each month, and without proper lubrication, they create friction that produces that distinctive grinding sound.

Solution: Start by inspecting the rollers. If they are made of metal and appear worn or damaged, they may need replacement. Consider upgrading to nylon rollers, which operate more quietly and require less maintenance. 

Apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts, including the rollers, hinges, and springs. Avoid using WD-40 as a long-term solution, as it is a solvent rather than a true lubricant. If the grinding persists after lubrication, it’s time to contact a professional for garage door repair.

2. A Squeaking Noise

Squeaking is perhaps the most common complaint we hear from homeowners. This high-pitched sound typically indicates that your door’s moving parts need lubrication. Hinges, springs, and rollers all require regular maintenance to function smoothly and quietly.

Solution: First, check the tracks for debris and wipe them clean with a damp cloth. This simple garage door maintenance services routine can eliminate most squeaking sounds and extend the life of your components. 

Next, implement a quarterly lubrication schedule. Use a silicone-based or lithium-based lubricant specifically designed for garage doors.¹ Apply it to the hinges, rollers, springs, and the bearing plates at the end of the springs. If squeaking continues despite regular lubrication, you may have worn components that need professional attention.

3. A Rattling Sound

A rattling sound often indicates loose hardware somewhere in your garage door system. With all that opening and closing throughout the year, nuts, bolts, and screws naturally work themselves loose. The vibration from the door’s movement causes these loose pieces to rattle against each other or the door itself.

Solution: A professional garage door technician will conduct a thorough inspection of all visible hardware. Using a socket wrench, they will need to tighten any loose bolts, nuts, or screws they find on the tracks, roller brackets, and hinges. 

It is important to pay special attention to the lag screws that secure the garage door openers to the ceiling—these can loosen over time and create significant rattling. However, it is vital to be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip the threads or crack the brackets. 

4. A Banging Sound

A loud banging garage door noise, especially when closing, often points to a more serious issue with your door’s struts or springs. Horizontal struts reinforce the door, and if they are damaged or loose, they will bang against the door during operation. Similarly, worn or broken torsion springs can cause the door to slam down rather than lower smoothly.

Solution: Strut issues require professional attention, as improper installation can compromise your door’s structural integrity. Spring problems are even more critical—never attempt to repair or replace garage door springs yourself. These components are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled. 

Contact an overhead garage door technician immediately if you suspect spring issues. For residents searching for “garage door repair Anderson SC,” Door Tech offers same-day emergency service for these critical situations.

5. A Slapping Sound

If you hear a slapping sound, particularly during opening or closing, your weatherstripping may be worn, loose, or improperly installed. This rubber seal runs along the bottom and sides of your door, and when it deteriorates, it can flap against the door or garage floor.

Solution: Inspect the weatherstripping around your entire garage door. If it is cracked, torn, or has become detached, it is time for replacement. Weatherstripping is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, and can increase your home’s energy efficiency.²

6. A Vibration or Hum

A vibrating or humming noise that does not correspond with actual door movement typically stems from your garage door opener. This might indicate a problem with the motor, the drive mechanism, or the mounting hardware.

Solution: First, check that the opener is securely fastened to the ceiling. Tighten any loose mounting brackets. If the noise persists, the problem may be with the drive system itself—whether chain, belt, or screw drive.

Chain drives are naturally noisier than belt drives. If you have an older chain-drive system and noise is a concern, consider upgrading to a belt-drive opener. If your opener is more than 15 years old and making unusual sounds, replacement might be more cost-effective than repair.

7. A Popping Noise

Popping sounds are sometimes caused by the natural expansion and contraction of your door’s materials in response to temperature changes. This is particularly common with metal overhead doors, as the Upstate experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Solution: If popping only occurs during extreme temperature changes and is not accompanied by operational issues, it is likely normal and nothing to worry about. However, if the popping is constant or the door struggles to operate, you may need professional assessment. Sometimes, popping indicates that the hardware has loosened due to the expansion and contraction cycle.

8. A Screeching Sound

A screeching sound often indicates that your garage door tracks are misaligned or that the rollers are binding in the tracks. This garage door making noise issue should not be ignored, as misaligned tracks can cause the door to jam or fall off the tracks entirely.

Solution: Visually inspect your tracks to ensure they are properly aligned and parallel to each other. Look for gaps between the rollers and the tracks, or any areas where the track appears bent or damaged. Minor adjustments can sometimes be made by loosening the track mounting brackets and gently tapping the track back into position, but significant misalignment requires professional garage door repairs. Track work involves precise measurements and proper tensioning, so do not hesitate to call in experts if you are uncertain.

Get Solutions to Garage Door Noises Today

The best way to manage garage door making noise issues is to prevent them in the first place. Schedule annual professional inspections, maintain a quarterly lubrication routine, and address minor issues promptly before they escalate. A well-maintained garage door should operate relatively quietly.

Remember, your garage door is not just a convenience, but rather a crucial component of your home’s security and energy efficiency. By staying attuned to the sounds it makes and responding appropriately, you can ensure it continues to serve your family safely and reliably for years to come. When you need expert assistance, Door Tech is here to help with all your garage door needs.

References

1. “Is Lithium Grease the Best Multi-purpose Grease?” Machinery Lubrication.com, February 2014, https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/29658/multi-purpose-grease.
2. “Do-It-Yourself Savings Project: Insulate and Air Seal Floors Over Unconditioned Garages,” U.S. Department of Energy, retrieved on October 7, 2025, from: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-savings-project-insulate-and-air-seal-floors-over-unconditioned-garages.