Your garage door is one of the biggest moving devices in your home. When protecting your family — inquisitive children and carefree pets — it’s essential to ensure that your garage door sensors are in working order. These little gadgets pack a lot of power, stopping the door from closing on whatever gets in its way. At Peel Garage Doors, we know that keeping your garage doors well-maintained is the key to a safe and secure home. Consider why garage door sensor maintenance is essential and how to guard against it.
Why Garage Door Sensors Matter
Garage door photo-eye sensors are the little black boxes near the ground on either side of the garage door frame. Mounted on either side of the door, 4–6 inches above the floor, these sensors project an invisible beam across the door opening. If anything obstructs that beam, the door automatically backs up — avoiding accidents, mishaps, or damage to your stuff.
For a family with kids and pets, sensors that work equate to peace of mind. From the bike-riding child who travels under the door to the dog that tries to run out at the last second, properly working sensors can help avoid serious injury.
Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Need Maintenance
If you see any of these, it’s time to take a look at your sensors:
- The garage door does not close, or it reverses unexpectedly.
- The sensor lights are non-illuminated or flashing (usually green or orange).
- The door closes lopsided or makes an unfamiliar noise.
- There are smudges, cobwebs, or dirt on the sensor lenses.
Simple Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Sensors in Top Shape
Keeping your garage door sensors up to date isn’t too tricky. Just follow these easy precautions for consistent safety:
Clean the Sensor Lenses Frequently: The infrared beam can be reflected by dust, dirt, and cobwebs. Wipe the lenses with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Do not use materials that may damage the surface, such as abrasive or metallic brush or scouring powder.
Check for Alignment: The sensors need to be directly across from each other and at the same level. The beam doesn’t sit properly if they are inadvertently jostled or loses position. Hand-tighten the brackets until both sensor indicator lights are solid and not blinking.
Inspect the Wiring: Search for frayed wires, loose connections, and damage from moisture or rodents. You should leave any wiring problems alone and contact a skilled technician to fix or replace what is broken.
Test the Reversal Mechanism: Put something (such as a roll of paper towels) in the door’s path and try to close it. The sensors should pick up the object, and the door should reverse at once. If it doesn’t, you should have it serviced.
Keep the Area Clear: Ensure no toys, garden tools, or anything else are blocking the sensors. The beam, no larger than small items, can obstruct the beam, and the door will not close properly.
When to Call Peel Garage Doors
A pro should address some sensor malfunctions and wiring issues because of the associated electrical danger. The team here at Peel Garage Doors can provide professional garage door sensor inspection, repair, and replacement to ensure your system meets safety codes. We can also offer a complete garage door tune-up to help maintain your whole system.
The Bottom Line: Safety First
Your garage door sensors are the unsung heroes of your house, especially for homes with children and pets. If you perform regular sensor maintenance as part of your home care maintenance routine, your garage door will remain safe, reliable, and hassle-free.
If you think your sensors might need some love, or if you want a professional to take a look, give Peel a call today. Our mission is to help you seriously protect what’s most important to you.
