Garage doors telegraph problems through sound before they fully fail. Here's a rough guide to matching the noise to the likely cause.
Usually points to the track or rollers — either a roller that's worn down and no longer rolling smoothly, or a track that's slightly bent or misaligned. See off-track door repair if the grinding is paired with the door looking crooked.
This is almost always a spring letting go. If the door won't move afterward, that confirms it. See signs your spring is about to break for what usually precedes this.
The most benign of the common noises — usually just a sign that rollers, hinges, or the spring need lubrication. This is a normal part of the maintenance we cover in a tune-up, and a squeak alone rarely signals a bigger issue if it's addressed before it gets worse.
Usually loose hardware — brackets, bolts, or the track fasteners working loose from months of vibration. Rattling on its own is a minor fix, but it's worth having checked since loose hardware can eventually let a roller slip out of the track.
This often points to a stripped internal gear in the opener motor, or the drive belt/chain having slipped off. See opener troubleshooting for more on this specific issue.
Usually the motor straining against resistance it can't overcome — a jammed track, a locked door, or in some cases a spring that's failed and left the door too heavy to lift.
If you're not sure which of these matches what you're hearing, a quick phone description is often enough for us to narrow it down before we even schedule a visit.
Call and describe it — we'll help you figure out what's likely going on.
Call (000) 000-0000