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As a homeowner, it's hard to imagine life without a fully functioning garage door. While the average person relies on their system every day, most people are still unsure about the components involved in daily operations. One of the most valuable elements, the sensors, are the primary safety feature of modern garage door openers. It’s time to take a closer look at how they affect your door's daily operations, as well as how to troubleshoot their most common issues.

How Sensors Affect Your Garage Door Opener

All new automatic door system installations are required to be fitted with sensors. Known as "photo eyes,” each component sits around six inches above the garage floor, with one on either side of the door's track. By utilizing infrared technology, they can detect any movement or obstacles that are in the way of the door's path. When something is present, the sensors signal the garage door opener to reverse after it's been activated.

This process prevents anyone or anything from being injured or damaged by the weight and strength of the door when closing. However, any issue with the alignment of the sensors will impact this functionality. If the two eyes can't communicate, it sends a false positive to the opener that something is in the way, which prevents normal operations.

What to Do When Your Garage Door Won't Shut

garage door openerSensor issues are the most common cause of garage door opener malfunctions. Fortunately, most homeowners can rectify the issue on their own. First, double check that there isn't anything blocking the door's path — even something as a little a bug can trigger the system. Next, adjust one or both sensors until you think they're properly lined up, and then try to close the door. In most cases, you'll need to make multiple minor movements to get it just right. Each sensor should have an LED indicator that will shine brightly when they are working and in alignment. If one is blinking you do not have them aligned yet.

If realignment doesn't work, the issue may be linked to a broken sensor, wiring issues, or the garage door opener itself.If it is the sensor system you still can close the door by depressing the interior wall button and keeping it depressed until the door reached the bottom of its travel and stops. For a permanent fix turn to a professional for assistance. A system expert will quickly and easily troubleshoot, diagnose, and suggest the best garage door repair so you can go back to your normal routine.

 

Sensors going haywire? When garage door problems arise, turn to Great Garage Door Co. in Maplewood, MN. Since 1985, the locally owned and operated business has built a reputation throughout the Twin Cities for top-quality, affordable installation, maintenance, and repairs. Given an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they've also earned the organization's Torch Award for their exceptional services. Learn more about their garage door opener services on their website, or request a repair today by calling (651) 486-0000.

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