Will a new opener make my garage door quieter?

It depends on where the noise comes from. The opener is only one source. The door itself, with its rollers, hinges, springs and tracks, makes plenty of sound on its own, and that noise stays the same no matter what opener moves the door.

Noise a new opener can reduce

• Metal-on-metal chain rattle and vibration through the rail.
• Grinding from a worn drive gear inside an older unit.
• Motor sound, since some models with DC motors and belt drives run quieter.

Noise a new opener will not fix

• Squeaking or screeching from dry or worn rollers and hinges.
• Rattling from loose door hardware or panels.
• Popping or banging from springs or a door out of balance.
• Vibration carried through the ceiling from loose mounting hardware.

How to tell the difference

Watch and listen while the door runs. Notice whether the sound comes from the motor unit and rail overhead or from the door as it travels. If you have a bedroom or living space above or beside the garage, describe where you hear it when you call, so the door and opener can be considered together. A door with intact hardware may benefit from a tune-up before or instead of a new opener. For more on the door side, see quieting a door with a bedroom above.

Read more

• Noisy garage door repair
• Opener installation in Roseville
• Belt vs. chain drive openers

Related questions

• Should I get a garage door opener with battery backup?
• Can I keep my garage door when replacing the opener?
• Why did my garage door opener stop working after a power outage?
• Why does my garage door open by itself?
• What size garage door opener does a large door need?

Have a different question? Call (916) 838-8182 or browse all garage door questions.