For many homeowners, the garage door is the main entry point to their home. Automatic garage door openers provide convenience and security, but when the safety sensors malfunction, it can put your family at risk. As a leading garage door company, Garage Door Repair Lancaster understands the importance of properly functioning garage door safety sensors. Our expert technicians are sharing their knowledge to help you identify sensor issues and understand the repair process.
How Garage Door Sensors Work to Keep You Safe
Garage door sensors, also known as photo eyes, are small devices installed near the bottom of your garage door track on both sides. These sensors emit an infrared beam that detects objects in the door’s path, signaling the garage door opener motor to stop and reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam while the door is closing. This safety feature is required by federal law on all garage door openers manufactured after 1993 to prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or vehicles.
When functioning properly, you’ll see sensor lights glowing steadily on both sensors, indicating they are powered and aligned. If the photo eyes are not aligned, are blocked by dirt or debris, or have damaged wiring, the door may behave erratically, failing to close or reversing randomly. Garage door experts emphasize the importance of addressing sensor problems promptly to ensure the safe operation of your automatic garage door.
Common Causes of Garage Door Sensor Problems
Garage door sensors are designed to last for years, but like any mechanical or electronic device, they can experience problems due to normal wear and tear, accident damage, or other issues. Some of the most common reasons garage door sensors stop working properly include:
Sensor misalignment
The sensors must be aligned precisely, with the infrared beam aimed directly from one sensor to the other. If the sensors are bumped or shifted out of alignment, the door may not close properly.
Dirt or debris-blocking sensors
Dust, cobwebs, leaves, or other debris can accumulate on sensor lenses over time, blocking the infrared beam. Regularly cleaning the sensors with a soft cloth can prevent this issue.
Wiring problems
Broken wires, loose connections, or wires chewed by pests can interrupt the power supply or signal transmission between the sensors and the garage door opener motor.
Sensor damage
Sensors can be cracked or damaged by impacts from vehicles, bikes, or other objects. They can also degrade from sun exposure or extreme temperatures over time.
Incompatible replacements
If one sensor is replaced, it’s crucial to use a compatible model from the same manufacturer. Mixing old and new sensors or different brands can cause them to malfunction.
If you notice your garage door behaving strangely, like not closing fully, reversing randomly, or the sensor lights blinking or off, it’s time to call a garage door expert for sensor repair.
Diagnosing and Repairing Garage Door Sensor Issues
At Garage Door Repair Lancaster, our certified technicians follow a thorough process to diagnose and repair garage door sensor problems efficiently:
- Visual inspection: We start by visually checking the sensors for obvious damage, misalignment, or obstructions. Sometimes, simply cleaning the sensor lenses or realigning them solves the issue.
- Power check: Using a multimeter, we test the sensor’s power supply to ensure it’s receiving the proper voltage. If not, we trace the wiring to identify any breaks, loose connections, or damage.
- Wiring inspection: If the power supply is good, we carefully inspect the sensor wires for any signs of damage or wear. Broken wires will need to be replaced or spliced, and loose wires will be secured.
- Sensor testing: We test the sensors using a piece of cardboard to interrupt the infrared beam and observe if the door reverses. If it doesn’t, the sensors are likely bad and will need replacement.
- Sensor replacement: For damaged or malfunctioning sensors, we install new, compatible photo eyes. Our service trucks are stocked with high-quality sensor replacements from top brands like LiftMaster, Genie, and Chamberlain.
- Adjustment and testing: After installing new sensors, we carefully adjust their alignment and test the door several times to ensure proper operation and safety.
With our expertise and attention to detail, we can often complete garage door sensor repairs in a single visit, restoring your door to safe, reliable operation.
The Importance of Professional Garage Door Sensor Repair
While it may be tempting to try DIY sensor repairs, it’s best to leave this crucial safety feature to the professionals. Garage door sensors are delicate devices that require precise adjustment and wiring. Attempting to repair them yourself could result in further damage or improper function, putting your family at risk. Additionally, garage doors can be dangerous to work on without proper training and tools, with high-tension springs and heavy panels that can cause serious injury.
Trusting a professional garage door company like Garage Door Repair Lancaster ensures your sensors will be repaired correctly and safely. Our technicians are trained to work on all makes and models of garage doors and openers, and we use only high-quality replacement parts for lasting repairs. We also offer competitive pricing and stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee.
Preventive Maintenance for Garage Door Sensors
In addition to prompt repairs when issues arise, regular preventive maintenance can help extend the life of your garage door sensors and prevent problems. Some simple sensor maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning the sensor lenses monthly with a soft cloth to remove dust and debris
- Checking the alignment of the sensors regularly and adjusting as needed
- Inspecting the sensor wires and connections for signs of wear or damage
- Testing the sensors by interrupting the infrared beam with a piece of cardboard to ensure the door reverses
- Scheduling annual professional tune-ups to lubricate moving parts, check springs and cables, and test safety features
By taking a proactive approach to garage door sensor maintenance, you can catch potential problems early and keep your door operating smoothly and safely.
Upgrade Your Garage Door Sensors for Added Safety and Convenience
If your garage door is older or has outdated sensors, consider upgrading to the latest safety sensor technology. Newer garage door openers often include features like battery backup, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smartphone control, in addition to more advanced photo eye sensors.
Some of the benefits of upgrading your garage door sensors include:
Improved safety
Newer sensors are often more reliable and sensitive, providing better obstacle detection and reducing the risk of accidents.
Compatibility
Upgraded sensors will be fully compatible with your garage door opener, ensuring optimal performance.
Convenience
Some advanced sensors include features like LED lights that indicate when the sensors are aligned and working properly, making maintenance easier.
Connectivity
Upgraded garage door openers with Wi-Fi allow you to control and monitor your garage door from your smartphone, including checking the sensor status.
If you’re considering a garage door sensor upgrade, contact Garage Door Repair Lancaster for expert guidance and installation services. We’ll help you choose the best sensors for your specific needs and budget.
Why Choose Garage Door Repair Lancaster?
For reliable garage door sensor repair in Lancaster, trust the experts at Garage Door Repair Lancaster. We offer:
- Maximum 2hr response time
- Same-day service, 7 days a week
- Open on weekends and holidays
- Certified, experienced technicians
- High-quality sensor parts in stock
- Competitive, upfront pricing
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Trust the Garage Door Sensor Repair Experts
For reliable, affordable garage door sensor repair in Lancaster, trust the experts at Garage Door Repair Lancaster. Our certified technicians are dedicated to keeping your garage door operating safely and smoothly, with fast response times and quality workmanship. We repair and replace sensors on all types of garage doors and openers, using only top-quality parts and equipment.
Don’t let faulty garage door sensors put your family’s safety at risk. Contact Garage Door Repair Lancaster today at (661)-735-1876 to schedule your sensor repair service. We offer convenient same-day appointments, 24/7 emergency repairs, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our work. Call now for peace of mind knowing your garage door is in expert hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my garage door sensors are bad? Signs of bad garage door sensors include the door not closing fully, reversing randomly, flashing sensor lights, or the motor running but the door not moving. If you notice any unusual door-closing behaviors, contact a professional for inspection.
Are garage door sensors required by law? Yes, garage door sensors are federally mandated safety features on all doors manufactured after 1993. They are required to pass routine inspections and must be maintained and repaired if faulty.
Can I replace just one garage door sensor? If only one sensor is damaged, it’s recommended to replace both sensors at the same time with a new matching pair. This ensures proper alignment and compatibility for optimal safety function.
What is the life expectancy of garage door sensors? With proper maintenance and care, garage door sensors can last over 10 years. However, sensors are worn items that naturally degrade over time and will eventually require replacement to ensure safe operation.
How much does garage door sensor repair cost? The cost of sensor repair varies depending on the specific issue, type of sensors, and parts needed. Sensor alignment or cleaning starts around $75, while full sensor replacements average $150-300. We provide upfront estimates before completing any work.
