You routinely use your garage door without even noticing it, but behind that convenience there’s a well-defined garage door sensors that need attention to safety.
However, the problem is these sensors are easy to overlook until they entirely stop working. Malfunctioning sensors are not just inconvenient, but they are very unsafe as well.
The good part is you don’t have to be a tech-savvy to keep them in a good condition. All you have to do is run some routine checks with simple maintenance practices to retain your garage door sensors.
In this write-up, we’ll walk you through simple steps to maintain your garage door sensors for better safety.
Introduction To Garage Door Sensors
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially when it comes to home safety.”
Conforming to this quote of Benjamin Franklin, it’s important to have regular checks of your garage door sensors, as they are used frequently but often go overlooked.
Garage door sensors are the potent devices designed specifically to detect obstructions in the door’s path and prevent it from closing when something is underneath.
Hence, it’s crucial to understand how to align garage door sensors to extend their lifespan and maintain a safe home environment.
The Importance Of Proper Alignment
As per the data released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, malfunctioning garage door sensors cause 20,000 injuries annually due to poor maintenance.
The misaligned sensors have flawed communication causing poor identification of objects, resulting in frequent malfunctions like the garage doors not closing properly. This is a potential safety hazard and can end up in injury or other significant damage.
Hence, precise sensor alignment is an essential and critical safety measure.
Common Problems With Garage Door Sensors
According to a recent survey by Overhead Doors, 58% of homeowners experienced garage door issues in the last year and their top concern was sensor malfunction.
Malfunctioning sensors can lead to sudden issues like garage door reversing unexpectedly, not closing of garage doors, or behaving erratically. You can easily fix these problems with simple sensor interference.
Dust accumulation, physical obstacles, or wear and tear are some of the common reasons that hinders the overall performance of sensors. Their efficacy is impacted by the regular exposure to outdoor elements, which leads to similar problems.
You can prevent injuries and avoid significant hassles by addressing these common issues proactively and ensure a smooth functioning of your garage door system.
Fun Fact!Many homeowners use the garage doors even more than the front door. You’ll be surprised to know that 70% of people use garages to enter their homes every day.
How To Check Sensor Alignment?
It’s crucial to verify whether your garage door sensors are aligned correctly, and you can do that by,
- Conducting a manual test to observe the functionality of your sensor.
- Try to close the garage door carefully and watch the sensor indicator lights.
- If the light flickers or it doesn’t remain steady during the door closing, it signals a misalignment.
- Inspect for visible obstructions such as debris and dirt, which might be blocking the sensor path.
Simple Steps To Correct Sensor Alignment
Employ the following steps to realign your garage door sensors!
- Turn Off Power: Firstly, turn off the garage door opener’s power supply as a safety measure.
- Loosen the Screws: Then loosen the screws with a screwdriver securing the sensors gently. It will help them move flexibly during realignment.
- Realign the Sensors: Now, shift the sensors until the indicator lights are solid and are focused directly on each other. It signals that alignments are positioned correctly.
- Tighten the Screws: After properly aligning the sensors, retighten the screws to keep the sensors in their new position.
- Test the System: Finally, reassure the power and functionality of garage door sensors by testing the system.
When To Seek Professional Assistance?
Calling in a professional help is the best idea when you notice continuous malfunction in your garage door sensors even after putting in best efforts to align and maintain them. This will help fix the underlying, complex issues that may include wiring problems and malfunctioning hardware.
Remember that constant malfunctioning issues need immediate professional assistance by a qualified technician who can skillfully diagnose and fix the problem.
Conclusion
Maintaining the optimal condition of your garage door sensors is essential for safety and efficient operation. That’s why it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of aligning and maintaining your sensors. This will prevent accidents in the future and give longevity to your garage door system.
So wait no more! Opt for routine maintenance and timely professional assistance for operational reliability of your garage door sensors.
How often should I check my garage door sensors?
You should check your garage door sensors monthly for obstruction or damage and annually by a professional for comprehensive maintenance.
Can I fix my misaligned garage door center myself?
Yes, you can fix the minor adjustments all by yourself, however, for major repairs you should reach out for a professional help.
Can the weather affect the sensor’s performance?
Yes, environmental factors like temperature, humidity, direct sunlight, heavy rain, snow, and precipitation can affect the sensor’s performance. Consider adding the shades to keep them protected.
What tools do I need to realign my garage door sensors?
You’ll need a screwdriver, a soft cloth for cleaning, and a level to realign your garage door sensors.
