Does your garage door fail to open when you push the button on the remote? You could benefit from learning how to realign garage door sensors.
Garage Door Doctor is available 24/7 for emergency repairs. Keep reading to learn why your opener won’t work correctly and how we can help.
What Are Garage Door Sensors?
Garage door sensors send a signal from one side of the door to an opposite sensor located directly across from it. They produce a horizontal infrared beam. United States law requires them because they increase personal safety.
If someone steps under a closing garage door, they break the infrared line and force the door to reverse direction. This prevents personal injury or damage to a car trying to get under before the door closes.
Why Garage Door Sensor Alignment Matters
With proper alignment, the invisible beam can’t keep the garage door system safe. It makes a home or business liable for any injury or damage, possibly incurring additional fees for violating compliance guidelines. Keeping one sensor aligned with the other is an excellent investment.
What Causes Garage Door Sensors To Break?
Misalignment isn’t the only issue with sensors, though it’s among the most common. The following problems can affect the safe operation of your garage door:
- Dirt and debris buildup: Dust and grime can accumulate on the sensor’s surface, preventing dirty lenses from safely operating the garage door.
- Impacts or jarring: If a basketball, car, or other object hits the mounting bracket, the two sensors may become misaligned.
- Loose or damaged wires: If the wires that power the sensors fray or loosen, intermittent power can prevent them from working correctly.
- Environmental factors: Rain, extreme temperature shifts, and snow can damage the sensors. They may require more than realignment.
- Old age: If you’re wondering how to realign garage door sensors, first consider their age. A replacement may provide a more cost-effective solution.
- Power supply problems: Issues with a home’s breaker box or a power outage will prevent the safety feature from sending and receiving signals.
Steps Professional Take To Realign Garage Sensors
How does a professional restore sensors to their properly aligned condition? While every situation has nuances that require expert adjustments, they’ll generally follow this step-by-step guide.
1. Turn Off the Power
To ensure the safety of everyone, the technician will shut off the power before they align garage door sensors. They’ll likely shut off the circuit at the breaker. You’ll still have power in the rest of the home.
2. Inspect the Sensors
The expert will ensure the garage door sensor alignment isn’t the only problem. With a detailed inspection, they can find and address the root cause. They can usually perform any additional work in the same appointment.
3. Loosen the Mounting Brackets
The technician will loosen the screws holding the mounting bracket so they can align the garage door sensors properly. With the bracket too tight, they can’t adjust the sensors. If the screws are already loose, it could reveal the cause behind your misalignment.
4. Align Garage Door Sensors
Sometimes, sensors need adjustments of less than 1/8 inch. It requires precision and a little trial and error. Thankfully, most modern sensors have a green light that indicates when they align.
5. Secure the Screws and Mount
If you’re wondering how to realign garage door sensors, don’t forget to tighten the screw on the mounting bracket. Without this step, you’ll need to align garage door sensors again soon. Securely connected sensors ensure the solution lasts longer.
6. Test and Adjust
The technician should always test their work and ensure its quality. If they still find problems with how the door opens, they’ll either continue adjusting or look for a different problem. They should confirm you’re satisfied with the work before leaving.
Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Need Adjustment
How does a homeowner know their garage doorway has misaligned sensors? They stay vigilant for the following signs:
- Look for a flashing indicator light. This provides the most obvious indication.
- The garage door may close only partially before opening again. The sensors may detect an obstruction that’s not there.
- Look for a visible difference in the direction or angle of the sensors.
- In some models, homeowners may hear a beeping sound alerting them to the issue.
Schedule Repairs for Your Garage Door Opener Today
Now that you know how to realign garage door sensors, contact Garage Door Doctor. Our experts can complete the process without issues or complications. We provide prompt service and competitive pricing for all our garage door services.
To book an appointment, call (317) 342-4995 anytime, day or night.