Why Your Garage Door Is Noisy — And How To Quiet It Down

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Why Your Garage Door Is Noisy

A noisy garage door at your Los Angeles, CA area home typically indicates worn rollers, loose hardware, or a lack of lubrication—issues that require professional attention. Fortunately, the experts at Mesa Garage Doors offer a range of reliable garage door services, including quality repairs and more.

Here are some common reasons why your garage door is noisy, what the noises mean, and when to contact a professional for repair services.

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Common Reasons Your Garage Door Is Noisy

Here are some common problems that may cause garage door noises.

Worn Rollers

Garage door rollers guide the door along the tracks. However, they can begin to wear out over time, corrode, or undergo damage. This may result in several jarring noises whenever the door opens or closes. If you suspect you have worn-out rollers, our team is available to replace them with newer options made of steel or nylon to reduce noise and improve longevity.

Loose Hardware

Parts like screws, nuts, and bolts can become loose over time due to the constant vibrations that occur when your door is in operation. Check your hardware regularly to make sure everything is tight and in good condition. In most cases, simply tightening the existing hardware can eliminate the noise.

Inadequate Lubrication

Rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks require garage door lubrication for proper operation and to minimize friction and noise. If these parts aren’t adequately lubricated, they’ll start to rub against each other and make odd noises. Check that all moving parts are properly lubricated and use a specifically formulated garage door lubricant, such as white lithium grease, to resolve the issue.

Other Common Causes

Another reason your garage door is making noise could be due to an imbalanced door or improper door installation. Bent or misaligned tracks may also cause the door to rub, while broken or worn torsion or extension springs may produce odd noises. A common garage door opener noise may occur when the opener’s chain or belt is worn, loose, or improperly adjusted.

What Different Garage Door Noises Might Mean

  • Squeaking, screeching, or vibrating: Commonly caused by worn, broken, or corroded rollers.
  • Rattling or banging: Often a result of loose hardware that should be tightened or replaced.
  • Grinding or screeching: Caused by improper lubrication of moving parts inside your garage door.
  • Slapping or rattling: Due to improper installation or an unbalanced door.
  • Creaking or popping: Caused by bad or stretched garage door springs.

When To Call in a Professional

  • Noises persist or get worse: Indicates a more serious underlying problem requiring professional help.
  • Unusual or very loud noises: Should be addressed as soon as possible.
  • Loud bangs: Could be due to a broken spring or cable — potentially dangerous to handle alone.
  • Door is jerky or uneven: This could indicate a serious mechanical issue that needs expert repair.
  • Visible damage: Should be inspected and addressed by a professional technician.

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How Insulation and Modern Doors Can Reduce Noise

Quality insulation and modern garage doors can reduce noise and restore your home’s peaceful environment. The right garage door insulation, such as foam board or fiberglass, absorbs excess vibration and minimizes rattling and other noises. Insulation also creates a physical sound barrier, reducing the movement of sound waves and minimizing the transfer of noise from the outside and inside of the garage.

Modern garage door designs feature numerous updated elements specifically designed for noise reduction. Extra-durable steel frames, unique support systems, and updated hardware — such as the Stealth Hinge Garage Door System — are among the many new features that help keep garage door noises to a minimum. Other features include nylon rollers, belt-drive garage door openers, and DC motor openers.

Preventive Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Garage Door Quiet

  • Keep all moving parts lubricated using white lithium grease or a silicone-based spray.
  • Schedule regular garage door inspections to find issues early and repair them before they become serious.
  • Clean the tracks regularly using a brush or cloth to remove dirt and debris, and use a degreaser as needed.
  • Inspect the rollers for wear and tear, and replace them as needed — nylon rollers are quieter than steel.
  • Balance your garage door for smooth, quiet operation.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors Today

If a noisy garage door is causing problems at your Los Angeles area home, Mesa Garage Doors are the go-to experts for noise-reducing upgrades. Whether you need repairs, a tune-up, or a full garage door replacement, we’re ready to serve you. Contact us today to schedule service or request an estimate for new garage doors.

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The Role of Garage Door Springs in Functionality and Safety

The Role of Garage Door Springs in Functionality and Safety

As your garage door rolls up and down, a system of components works together to keep it from slamming shut. One of the most important components is the springs, which help counterbalance the door’s weight. These tightly wound coils help control the door’s force, allowing you to open and close it with minimal effort. Understanding how garage door springs work helps you identify signs of early wear or failure, allowing you to call to schedule garage door spring replacement before minor problems become major safety concerns.

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Why Garage Door Springs Are Essential

Without springs, your garage door wouldn’t function correctly. Springs counter the door’s weight, helping it open and close as you raise or lower it. When the door closes, the springs increase tension to stop it from slamming shut, and when it opens, they use the energy to help it rise. They absorb the load, allow it to operate smoothly, and reduce the risk of safety hazards.

Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs

Depending on the design of your garage door, it either uses torsion or extension springs. While they both serve the same purpose of countering the door’s weight, they function differently.

Torsion Springs

Most residential garage doors use torsion springs to handle the heavy lifting. These springs resemble tightly wound coils and run horizontally above the door’s opening, twisting around a metal shaft. When the door closes, the springs wind up to store energy, which they use to lift the door when you open it. Torsion springs are often more costly than extension springs, but have a higher safety rating and longer lifespan.

Extension Springs

You’ll often find extension springs on older garage door systems, mounted to either side of the door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. Unlike torsion springs, which rotate to create tension, these springs fully extend when the door closes and store energy. When you open the door, that stored energy helps pull it upward. While extension springs are more budget-friendly, they have more exposed moving parts, which can pose a safety hazard if not properly maintained.

Signs Your Garage Door Springs May Be Failing

Garage door springs typically last seven to ten years before they need to be replaced. Knowing the signs that your springs are nearing the end of their lifespan can help you avoid safety concerns or inconveniences like being stuck inside or out of your garage.

Some of the top symptoms of broken garage door springs include:

  • Strange noises: If you hear screeching, clanging, or grinding noises when you open or close your garage door, your springs may be worn out or broken.
  • Faulty opens: If your garage door won’t open or opens only a few inches, the springs are likely failing or broken.
  • Jerky movements: Faulty springs can cause your garage door to have jerky movements when opening or closing.
  • Slamming shut: A door that slams down when you close it is often a clear sign of broken or failing springs.
  • Uneven operation: If your garage door appears crooked or uneven when in use, a failing spring may be to blame.

garage door spring

Risks of DIY Spring Replacement

While trying to replace garage door springs on your own may be tempting, it’s best to contact a reputable garage door specialist in your area. Springs are under a large amount of tension, and replacing them without proper tools and expertise is extremely dangerous. If they snap or release unexpectedly, they can seriously injure you or those nearby.

Without a clear understanding of how the system functions or specialized tools like winding bars, vice grips, and garage door spring safety equipment, you can also damage the entire door system. Improper spring replacement can lead to misalignment, broken components, or system failure. Due to unauthorized work, you’ll likely end up with a costly repair bill and a voided warranty.

How Garage Door Springs Contribute To Safety

Garage door springs help keep you and your household safe by preventing sudden, uncontrolled movements that could injure anyone nearby. They control the door’s force as it opens or closes, preventing it from suddenly falling, crashing, or slamming. By counterbalancing the weight, they also prevent excess strain on other components. The opener and cables don’t have to work as hard, helping reduce wear and tear and extending the lifespan of your garage door system.

When To Schedule Garage Door Spring Maintenance or Replacement

Routine maintenance is key to keeping your garage door springs in top condition. Every year, contact a garage door company near you to schedule a professional tune-up. They’ll assess the springs, test them for proper function, and look for any potential issues that may cause problems down the line. With regular inspections, you’ll catch potential problems early and extend the lifespan of the springs.

Some of the top signs your garage door springs are due for a tune-up include:

  • Visible damage: If you notice gaps or cracks in the spring coils, schedule an appointment to rule out a failing or broken spring.
  • Rust or corrosion: Orange or red discoloration is a sign of rust buildup, which can weaken the metal and cause the springs to snap if not addressed.
  • Loud operation: Creaking, grinding, or screeching noises are a sign of worn or failing springs that require inspection.
  • Door imbalances: If your door feels excessively heavy, is hard to lift manually, or looks uneven when open or closed, contact a professional to make sure your springs are working correctly.

If your springs are nearing the end of their lifespan or showing signs of severe damage, your garage door pro will likely recommend replacement. Replacing your garage door springs before they completely break down helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your family safe from potential accidents.

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Schedule a Spring Inspection with Mesa Garage Doors Today!

Don’t let faulty springs put your household at risk. Call Mesa Garage Doors to book a comprehensive inspection! Our experts offer professional garage door maintenance, repairs, and replacements throughout Anaheim and surrounding areas. Whether your springs show signs of wear or you’re simply due for an annual tune-up, we’ll keep your door safe, balanced, and rolling smoothly.

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How to Choose the Best Garage Door Spring for Your Needs

Choosing the right garage door spring lets this relatively small part perform heavy lifting, providing your doors with smoother and safer operation. At Mesa Garage Doors in Anaheim, California, we help homeowners choose the best garage door springs for their needs.

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Types of Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are mechanical components that compose part of your garage door’s counterbalance system and make it easier to open or close the door. There are two types of garage door springs, each with different features, installation requirements, and ideal applications.

Extension Springs

Extension springs are long, coiled springs mounted above the horizontal tracks on either side of the garage door. These springs support the garage by stretching and contracting. When the garage door closes, the extension springs out and absorb energy, then release the stored energy and contract to lift the door.

There are three types of extension springs:

  • Open-looped extension springs
  • Double-looped extension springs
  • Clipped-end extension springs

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs utilize torque, otherwise known as rotational energy, to lift the garage door. Typically mounted above the door opening and on a metal torsion shaft, torsion springs are rigid and tightly wound coils. When the door is closed, the spring is wound tightly to store potential energy. When the door opens, the coils release the torque by twisting the spring along the axis of the shaft.

There are several types of torsion springs to consider:

  • Standard torsion springs: The most common garage door spring style, standard torsion springs are durable, reliable, and suitable for heavy doors.
  • EZ-Set torsion springs: Designed for easier and less technical installations and adjustments. It uses a winding unit with fewer turns.
  • TorqueMaster springs: A unique torsion spring system that encases spring systems in metal tubes for additional safety.

Signs You Need New Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs wear out gradually from many cycles of closing and opening the door. As the springs begin to fail, your garage door’s operation may show these warning signs:

  • Door struggles to open: The door won’t lift fully, lowers slowly on its own, or stays shut.
  • Loud bang or snap: A sudden loud noise from the garage may indicate a spring has broken.
  • Door drops suddenly: If the door slams down or closes too fast, the springs have likely lost tension.
  • Uneven opening: The door may rise crookedly or jam if one spring fails.
  • Motor straining: The opener sounds like it’s working hard, but the door doesn’t move.
  • Visible gaps in the springs: A break or stretch in the coil often means the spring is at the end of its lifespan.
  • Cables are loose or detached: This can result from spring failure, especially in extension spring systems.

garage door spring

Factors to Consider When Choosing Garage Door Springs

Selecting the correct springs involves balancing safety, performance, and cost-efficiency.

Garage Door Weight

Garage door weights vary widely depending on the style and materials. Extension springs may be suitable for lightweight doors, while heavier doors may require the strength of torsion springs. If the spring is too weak or too strong for the door, it may cause the opener to strain, wear out more quickly, and fail prematurely.

Durability

Cycles refer to the full opening and closing of the garage door. Torsion springs offer high durability and longevity, lasting an average of 10,000 cycles or about 10 years, but sometimes reaching 20 years or more with high-quality parts. Extension springs typically require more frequent replacement and last between 5,000 and 10,000 cycles.

Performance

Torsion springs provide smoother and quieter performance than extension springs, which are sometimes louder and more prone to mechanical vibrations. Consider noise sensitivity — quieter operation may be more beneficial if your garage is attached to your home or located near bedrooms.

Safety

Torsion springs don’t stretch outward and are less likely to snap or cause injuries. Extension springs may require additional safety cables to prevent dangerous snapping if they break.

Space

The vertical mounting configuration of extension springs is compatible with small garages with limited overhead space.

Cost

Although torsion springs cost more upfront than extension springs, they often last longer and cost less over time.

Importance of Professional Garage Door Spring Installation

Garage door spring installation is a complex and potentially dangerous task that requires professional skills and experience. Springs operate under high tension, and improper handling may result in severe injuries or damage to your garage door system. Professionals rely on standardized safety practices and specialized tools to minimize hazards.

Duringprofessional garage door spring services, technicians’ expertise allows them to comprehensively assess your garage door system and select the right spring based on the door’s size, weight, and design. Proper garage door spring installation also involves calibrating the entire system for smooth performance. Technicians verify correct and safe operation by inspecting and adjusting tracks, cables, and other components.

Benefits of Quality Garage Door Springs

High-quality springs support your garage door system’s everyday performance and long-term reliability.

Optimal Operation

A quality spring evenly supports the door’s weight, minimizing strain on the opener, cables, and rollers. Such support improves the door’s response time and enables smoother opening and closing.

Enhanced Safety

Well-manufactured springs reduce the risk of sudden failure and dangerous situations by supporting the door’s weight and maintaining tension.

Extended System Lifespan

Better materials and design allow springs to withstand thousands of open-close cycles with minimal wear. Slower wear means that your springs last longer and require fewer frequent replacements throughout your garage door’s lifespan.

Fewer Repair Costs

High-quality springs may have higher upfront costs, but they often need fewer replacements and protect the rest of your system. Preventing premature wear on other parts reduces the risk of component failure and lowers long-term repair costs.

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Schedule Garage Door Spring Replacement With Mesa

With decades of experience and a commitment to precision, Mesa Garage Doors provides high-quality spring replacement and other services tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an inspection for your garage door springs.

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How to Recognize When Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

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How to Recognize When Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

Anaheim, CA, is home to Disneyland Resort, but the “City of Kindness” is also where many homeowners live, play, and work. If you’re a resident of Anaheim or another part of Southern California, it’s important to understand how to recognize when you may need garage door spring replacement. The experienced team at Mesa Garage Doors has some helpful tips about garage door springs and signs they may need replacement.

Why Garage Door Springs Are Essential to Your Door’s Functionality

Garage door springs work to counteract the weight of a heavy garage door. This makes it easier for the door to lift and lower, whether you do so manually or whether you use a garage door opener. If the springs are missing or broken, it’s much more difficult to lift the door. These springs provide smooth, seamless operation of your garage door, regardless of whether it’s manual or via a remote-controlled opener device.

Common Signs That Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

Here are some of the most common signs of a broken garage door spring and how to tell if a garage door spring is bad. If you notice any of these signs, the springs likely need replacement.

The Garage Door Won’t Fully Open

Since the springs bear most of the weight of your garage door, it won’t open if they’re broken or damaged. If the weight of the door is not supported properly, the opener may stop working to prevent the motor from burning out. If you notice that your garage door won’t fully open, it may be because you need to replace the springs.

Visible Gaps in Springs

Just like other types of springs, your garage door springs should be tightly wound. If you notice a visible gap in the springs, they could be about to snap or break in half. Inspect your garage door springs regularly to confirm that there are no gaps, and if you see any, contact Mesa Garage Doors right away for a professional replacement.

Garage Door Opens or Closes Unevenly

If you have torsion springs, they run parallel to the floor and across the door, and if you have extension springs, they run perpendicular to either side of the door. Whichever type of springs you have, they’ll cause the garage door to open or close unevenly if they’re broken or worn out.

Door Operates Erratically

Most modern garage door openers have a sensor that detects excess weight. However, if yours doesn’t have this feature, it may try to keep opening and closing the door, even if the spring is broken. If you notice that your garage door suddenly drops to the ground or lowers too fast, it may need a spring replacement.

Obvious Signs of Wear

Aside from gaps, your garage door springs may exhibit other signs of wear and tear, such as rust and corrosion. You might even hear the springs snap when you try to operate the door. Look for obvious signs of wear and tear, such as gaps, squeaking sounds, rust, stretched-out springs, or noisy garage door operation that may indicate it’s time to replace the springs.

garage door spring

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Typically Last?

The average garage door spring’s lifespan is between 7 to 10 years, or approximately 10,000 cycles. Torsion springs tend to last longer than extension springs. Oil-tempered springs can last approximately 10 years or 15,000 cycles. The lifespan of your garage door springs depends on a few factors, including how often you open and close your garage door, how often you get garage door spring maintenance, and how much wear and tear the springs endure.

Dangers of Ignoring a Worn or Broken Garage Door Spring

It’s important to know when to replace garage door springs to prevent further problems. Here are some of the dangers of ignoring a worn or broken garage door spring.

  • Serious injury: Your garage door springs store a lot of energy under tension, and when they break, the door will fall suddenly and with a lot of force.
  • Severe damage: A broken or malfunctioning spring can cause the garage door to slam shut or become unbalanced, which may damage the door, the garage, your driveway, or items that are stored inside.
  • Frustrating operation: Broken garage door springs make it extremely difficult to open and close the door, either manually or with the garage door opener.
  • Safety threats: A malfunctioning or unbalanced garage door is a serious safety hazard that can become extremely dangerous if it falls.
  • Costly repairs: If you ignore a worn or broken garage door spring, it can lead to much more complex damage later, costing you even more money in repairs.
  • Security risk: When your garage door is difficult to open or close, it poses a risk to your home’s security and may encourage break-ins.

DIY vs. Professional Garage Door Spring Replacement

You may wonder whether you can replace your garage door springs yourself. While it’s certainly possible, torsion springs use high tension, which poses a risk of serious injury. These springs store a lot of energy, which makes DIY replacement particularly dangerous. The experts at Mesa Garage Doors have the appropriate tools, skills, knowledge, and professional experience to replace your garage door springs efficiently and safely. We’ll accurately diagnose the issue and determine the right type of spring you need, then perform a thorough test to ensure everything is operating smoothly.

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Contact Mesa Garage Doors Today

If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door and believe you may need a garage door spring replacement, the team at Mesa Garage Doors is here to help. We proudly serve customers in Anaheim and throughout the Southern California area. To schedule professional service for your garage door, contact us today!

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