When garage door sensors are out of alignment, the door can malfunction, leaving your home or business vulnerable and causing major inconveniences. Luckily, aligning your sensors is a simple process that can save you time and money and keep your door functioning properly. This guide walks you through the steps to align garage door sensors and provides maintenance tips to ensure your system runs smoothly year-round.
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The Purpose of Garage Door Sensors
Sensors detect anything that crosses their path, keeping you and your belongings safe by stopping the door if something is in the way. It’s all about preventing accidents and ensuring smooth operation.
Sensors also improve the overall functionality of your garage door. They prevent unnecessary wear and tear by stopping the door from making repeated contact with obstacles. Ensuring that sensors are correctly aligned helps you avoid costly repairs down the line and keeps your door operating as it should.
Realigning Your Garage Door Sensors
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you realign your garage door sensors and get your system working again:
- Locate the sensors: Garage door sensor eyes are typically mounted about 6 inches off the ground on both sides of the door. Each sensor should have a small light that indicates it’s working correctly.
- Check for obstructions: Before adjusting the sensors, ensure nothing is blocking the infrared beam between them. This could include dirt, debris or even spider webs.
- Inspect the sensor lights: A properly aligned sensor will show a solid light. If one or both lights are blinking, this indicates misalignment.
- Loosen the screws: Using a screwdriver, carefully loosen the sensor brackets on both sides. This will allow you to move the sensors freely.
- Align the sensors: Move the sensors until both lights remain steady — you can use a level or simply eyeball it. The key is ensuring they’re both directly facing each other.
- Fasten the screws: Once the lights on both sensors are steady and solid, tighten the screws to secure the sensors in place.
- Test the system: Close and open the garage door to ensure the sensors function correctly. If the door closes without issue, your sensors are properly aligned.
Resetting garage door sensors doesn’t always require professional service. However, if you encounter a problem, contact the experts at Easy Open Door.
Garage Door Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your garage door goes beyond sensor alignment. Regular maintenance — ideally completed by the professionals — can extend the life of your system and prevent unexpected issues from arising. Here are some essential tips to keep your door in top shape:
- Lubricate moving parts: Apply lubricant to the tracks, rollers and hinges every few months. This will reduce friction and help the door operate smoothly.
- Inspect the door balance: Disconnect the door opener and manually lift the door. If it doesn’t stay in place or seems heavy, the door may be out of balance. Call a professional to adjust the springs.
- Tighten hardware: Check all the nuts and bolts on your garage door and opener. Over time, they can become loose due to the door’s movement, leading to issues if left unaddressed.
- Test the auto-reverse feature: This safety feature is designed to stop and reverse the door if it encounters resistance while closing. To test, place an object like a block of wood under the door. If it doesn’t reverse, it’s time for a professional inspection.
- Clean the tracks: Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks, causing the door to move unevenly. Wipe down the tracks regularly to prevent this issue
Let the Experts Help
If your door’s safety sensors remain misaligned or you notice issues with the door’s performance, it’s always better to leave it to the experts. At Easy Open Door, we pride ourselves on delivering honest, professional and reliable garage door services. Our team of dedicated experts is ready to help you with everything from installation and repairs to maintenance and inspections.
We offer a one-year labor warranty on all doors and openers we install. Contact us today to learn more about what we do and request service when you’re ready.
