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How to Tell if Your Garage Door Sensor is Out of Alignment

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A garage door sensor
How to Tell if Your Garage Door Sensor is Out of Alignment

Ever had that frustrating moment when you pull into your garage only to find that the door won’t close when you hit the remote control? You double-check the remote, the power, and even the weather, but nothing seems amiss. One culprit might be a simple misalignment in your garage door sensor. At DoorTek Garage Door Service, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch installation, maintenance, and repair services, including expertise with garage door openers. A common issue that homeowners face is a garage door sensor that is out of alignment. These sensors are crucial for the safe operation of your garage door, ensuring it doesn’t close on a person or object. Here, we’ll explain what garage door sensors are, what leads them to misalign, and how you can fix this issue or when to call professionals like us.

What are Garage Door Sensors?

Garage door sensors are small electronic devices located near the base of the door frame on either side of the garage doorway. They emit an infrared beam across the length of the garage opening, which helps to detect any object in the path of a closing garage door. If the beam is interrupted, the sensors prevent the door from closing, which is critical for personal safety and avoiding property damage.

What Happens When Garage Door Sensors Are Misaligned

When garage door sensors become misaligned, they can no longer form a straight line, which means they might fail to detect obstacles correctly. This misalignment might cause the garage door to refuse to close, close and then immediately reopen, or in some cases, not operate at all. It is essential to ensure that garage door sensors work properly to maintain the safety and functionality of your garage door system.

What Causes Garage Door Sensor Misalignment?

Garage door sensors can become misaligned due to a variety of reasons, often stemming from everyday use and external factors. Physical disturbances are the most common cause; something as simple as accidentally bumping into a sensor with a tool, lawn equipment, or even the car can knock it out of alignment. Vibration from the door’s operation can also gradually shift the sensors over time. Additionally, environmental factors like extreme temperatures, humidity, or even the settling of the house’s foundation can affect the positioning of the sensors. Regular maintenance and checks are essential to ensure that these critical safety components remain in proper alignment, functioning to prevent unwanted accidents and door malfunctions.

How to Identify Sensor Misalignment

Before you can fix your garage door sensors, you need to know there’s a problem in the first place. You can tell if your sensors are misaligned by checking several indicators:

  • The garage door reverses before touching the floor or as soon as it starts closing.
  • The sensors’ lights will indicate a problem: one or both sensors might flash a yellow light instead of a solid green light, signaling misalignment.
  • Visual inspection might show that the sensors are not facing each other directly across the garage door frame.

How To Align Garage Door Sensors

Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide on how to align garage door sensors, helping you ensure that your garage door functions correctly and continues to provide safe access to your garage.

  1. Turn Off Power Supply: Before adjusting your garage sensors, cut the power to your garage door system to avoid any accidental injuries.
  2. Loosen the Sensor Brackets: Use a screwdriver to slightly loosen the mounting brackets that hold each sensor. This allows you to adjust their position without completely detaching them.
  3. Align the Sensors: Gently pivot the sensors until they are facing each other exactly across the garage door opening. Make sure they are at the same height and angle.
  4. Check the Lights: Once you believe they are aligned, check the lights on the sensors. You are aiming for a steady green light, which indicates that the infrared beam is unbroken and the sensors are aligned.
  5. Tighten the Brackets: Once aligned and functioning properly, securely tighten the screws on the sensor brackets to ensure the sensors stay in place.
  6. Test the Door: Turn the power back on and test the garage door by opening and closing it a few times. Place an object in the path of the closing door to make sure it reverses. This confirms the sensors are now properly aligned.

When to Call a Professional for Help With Garage Door Sensors

Sometimes, aligning garage door sensors might require more than a simple adjustment, especially if the door continues to malfunction after you’ve tried to align the sensors. This could indicate an issue with the door sensor wiring, the power supply, or other components of the garage door system.

Contact Us for Garage Door Sensor Alignment Services in Lynchburg, VA, and Nearby Areas

If you find yourself facing persistent issues or if you prefer to have a professional align your garage door sensor, DoorTek Garage Door Service is here to help. We provide reliable and efficient service in Lynchburg, VA, and the surrounding areas. Contact us for any garage door sensor alignment, maintenance, or repair needs to ensure your garage doors operate safely and smoothly. Let us take care of your door needs so you can enjoy peace of mind.

  • Avatar Newton Green ★★★★★ in the last week
    I’m extremely pleased with the work that Jake, Jonah, and Dylan did on my garage door. They replaced the old chamberlain LiftMaster system with a much better direct drive system that is much quieter, and also fixed the garage door, which … More had been bent slightly, after being struck by my car. They were able to put another brace and bottom seal on the garage door, saving me thousands of dollars in having to buy a new door. They were able to come out the next day with an estimate for me, and conducted all the repairs on the very next day. All three men were very friendly, professional, prompt, and highly competent! I can’t recommend this company more highly. Thanks again!
  • Avatar Tom Gordon ★★★★★ a week ago
    I had a broken spring on the garage door that wouldn't allow use of the door. They were great from the time I called, showing up on time, providing and estimate and doing a great job getting g the door like new. Jonah and Dylan were … More a great team, professional and a great relection of this company. I highly recommend Doortek if you have an issue with your garage door.
  • Avatar Paul Sykes Sr. ★★★★★ a week ago
    They called ahead and said they could come earlier than my schedule appointment. They went right to work and were done in no time. I told them that I didn’t like it. I loved it!
  • Avatar Paula Conway ★★★★★ 2 weeks ago
    Doortek was phenomenal! Came right out on time, diagnosed and fixed the problem on the spot. We were also able to discuss replacement doors and get an estimate. Jonah and his crew are true professionals! Thank you guys!
  • Avatar Diane Freed ★★★★★ a month ago
    Totally satisfied and happy with new product installed by Doortek! Jonah and his team were excellent to work with, communicating well (even over a holiday!) timely service, efficient, left our garage as clean and neat as when they arrived. … More Highly recommend this company.

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