Recognizing Garage Door Issues

3 Potential Causes Of Garage Door Opener Safety Sensor Problems

by Billy Olson

Modern garage doors are equipped with safety sensors that are designed to cause the garage door to operate in reverse in the event that there is something in the way. These sensors are in place to help prevent injuries, and they are very important if you want to prevent injury to yourself or your children. Unfortunately, sensors can sometimes stop working for one reason or another. If you are having problems with your garage door opener's safety sensors, then it's important to address the problem. These are some of the things that could be causing the issue.

1. Sensor Failure

In some cases, sensors simply fail and have to be repaired. This could happen if your garage door opener is a little bit older or if it was not installed properly. The sensors might have to be replaced, or the wiring to the sensors could be damaged and may have to be repaired or replaced. This can be a pretty big job for someone who is not knowledgeable about garage door repairs, so you may want to hire a professional to help you get your sensors back working properly.

2. Dirty Sensors

Another thing that can cause your garage door safety sensors to stop working is if they are coated in dirt or grime. Garages aren't always the tidiest of places, and sometimes dirt and debris can accumulate on these sensors. Try inspecting your sensors to see if they appear dirty. If they are, you can gently clean them with a gentle all-purpose cleaner and a clean rag. Then, test your garage door to see if your sensors are working as they should be.

3. Blocked Sensors

Another simple fix that can sometimes solve the problem is to make sure that your sensors are not blocked. A lot of people prop shovels or brooms up against the wall of their garages, for example, or you might have tools, bicycles or lawn care equipment in the way. Locate your sensors, then make sure that there is nothing directly in their way. You could find that moving some things around will help you solve the problem.

As you can see, there are a few things that can cause problems with a garage door's safety sensors. By trying a couple of simple fixes and then working with a professional, you should be able to get to the bottom of the problem and ensure that your garage door is safe to use. Contact a company, like R & S Garage Door Inc, for more help.

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