We’ve all been there. You’re pulling into the driveway, hit the garage door opener, and instead of the smooth whirr you expect—you hear a screech, a rattle, or a loud bang.
It’s frustrating. And honestly, a little alarming.
So, what do those garage door noises mean? Are they serious? And more importantly—how can you fix them?
Let’s break it down in simple terms and solve this common garage door problem once and for all.
That Awful Grinding Sound: What’s Going On?
If your garage door sounds like metal scraping on metal, it could be the rollers or tracks. Over time, garage door rollers can wear out or come off-track. This causes extra friction, leading to a harsh grinding noise.
Pro Tip: Don’t ignore this. Friction damages your door system and could lead to more expensive repairs.
Check out our garage door repair services if you’re hearing persistent grinding.
Clicking or Ticking Sounds? Here’s What That Means
A repetitive clicking sound may point to an issue with the garage door opener. It could be a loose chain or worn gear. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a remote signal error or bad wiring.
If you’re lucky, it’s an easy fix. But if it’s a mechanical issue, it’s best to have a garage door technician take a look.
Learn more about opener issues on our garage door opener repair page.
Banging or Thudding Noises? That’s Not Good
A loud bang might sound like someone dropped a bowling ball in your garage. That usually means a broken torsion spring.
Springs carry the weight of your door. When they snap, they release a lot of energy. That’s the loud sound you hear. And yes—it’s dangerous to fix this yourself.
Never try to replace a garage door spring yourself. It can lead to serious injury.
Contact Unique Garage Doors immediately if you suspect a broken spring.
Squeaky Hinges and Screeching Doors: The Classic Problem
This is the most common complaint: your garage door squeaks or screeches every time it opens or closes.
The likely culprit? Lack of lubrication.
Over time, the moving parts—springs, hinges, rollers—dry out. A little garage door lubricant can go a long way. But if the noise returns quickly, there might be deeper wear and tear at play.
Schedule a garage door tune-up to keep things running smoothly.
Rattling or Vibrating? Don’t Overlook This One
If your garage door rattles or vibrates, check the nuts and bolts. They often loosen over time due to constant motion.
Also, check the opener motor. A misaligned motor can vibrate and shake the entire system. This doesn’t just cause noise—it can shorten your opener’s life.
Tightening everything and re-securing the opener might do the trick.
Need help? We offer expert garage door servicing in BC.
Why It’s Important Not to Ignore Strange Garage Door Noises
Garage doors are heavy and under high tension. A small issue—like a loose roller or broken spring—can cause major damage if left unchecked.
Plus, ignoring these signs may void warranties or lead to full garage door replacement down the road.
You might be surprised how many homeowners call us only after the door gets stuck—or worse, falls off track.
Get ahead of the problem. Book a garage door inspection with our trusted technicians in Surrey, Langley, or Coquitlam.
DIY or Call the Pros? When to Get Professional Help
Here’s a simple rule: if it’s a noisy garage door that won’t open or close properly, call in an expert.
You can handle basic garage door lubrication or bolt tightening. But anything involving springs, cables, or opener electronics is best left to professionals.
At Unique Garage Doors, we handle everything from noisy garage door troubleshooting to full garage door installation.
Final Thoughts: Noisy Garage Door? We’ve Got You Covered
We get it—those noises can be annoying and even scary. But they’re also your garage door’s way of saying something’s wrong.
So, if your garage door is making strange sounds, don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action now.
Ready to solve your noisy garage door problems for good? Schedule your service today.
We proudly serve Burnaby, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Vancouver, and beyond.