Why Your Garage Door’s Safety Sensors Are One Of The Most Important Parts & How to Test Them

Your garage door doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. It keeps your car safe, opens and closes several times a day, and ensures you have a good start and end to the day by helping you access your car easily. But what exactly helps your door operate smoothly? 

Well, among other things, it’s your garage door’s safety sensors that make this possible!

Those tiny devices are present at the bottom of your garage door tracks and protect your family and belongings every time the door moves. Plus, they can detect anything (your pet, a toy, or even your car) in the way and stop the door from closing. 

When you know how they work and how you can protect them from damage, your garage door sensors can work perfectly for a long time. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these sensors, how to test them, and why they’re so important!

What Are Garage Door Safety Sensors and How Do They Work?

Your garage door safety sensors, or photo-eye sensors, are two small devices that you’ll find a few inches above the floor on either side of your garage door. And here’s how they work –

• They face each other: One sensor sends out an invisible infrared beam, and the other receives it.
• They create a safety line: That beam forms a kind of “invisible tripwire” across the bottom of your garage door.
• They detect movement: If something (like a car bumper or toy) crosses the beam, the sensors instantly notice.
• They stop the door: The system tells the garage door opener to stop and reverse right away.
• They use lights to show status: A steady light means they’re aligned and working; a blinking or off light means something’s wrong.

Without these sensors, a heavy garage door could cause serious damage or injury. That’s why every automatic garage door installed after the early ‘90s must have safety sensors by law.

Why Your Garage Door’s Sensors Are So Important?

If you use your garage door as your home’s main entrance, it probably opens and closes more than any other door you own. Between grocery runs, deliveries, and family coming and going, your garage door works hard every day, and that’s why its safety sensors are so important..

Here are some reasons why garage door sensors are an important part of your garage door!

❖ They Help Prevent Accidents

They stop the door from closing on kids, pets, or packages, keeping your family safe at all times. It acts like a 24/7 safety mechanism for your home by preventing accidents.

❖ They Protect Your Car from Damage

If your car isn’t fully backed out or pulled in, sensors prevent the door from closing on it. This can help you avoid dents, scratches, or broken mirrors.

❖ They Handle Heavier Doors Safely

Modern garage doors are built stronger and thicker for insulation, which means they’re also heavier. A working sensor prevents that extra weight from becoming a danger to anyone.

❖ They Help Maintain Door Balance

Sensors keep your garage system functioning properly by ensuring both sides of the door lower evenly. If you use misaligned or faulty sensors, it can strain your opener and affect the door balance. 

❖ They Protect Busy Households

If you have multiple drivers or family members using the garage throughout the day, your sensors make sure everyone stays safe, no matter how often the door moves.

❖ They’re Perfect for Late-Night Use

When you come home late at night, dim lighting can make it harder for you to see clearly if something’s in the way of your garage door while it closes. And so, sensors can make sure your garage door “sees” what you can’t.

❖ They Add an Extra Layer of Security

When your sensors detect motion or blockage, they immediately stop the door. This can help you know if someone tries to force the door open or shut unexpectedly.

❖ They Give You Peace of Mind

You shouldn’t have to worry every time the door closes. Having well-functioning sensors can help you relax without any worries!

Your garage door sensors might be small. But they’re the most important part of your door’s protection system. So, if you find any problem with them, you need to call a professional company for garage door repair in Sacramento.

Rely on Our Experts for Repairing Your Garage Door Sensors!

Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Need Attention

When you use your garage door sensors for years, they can slowly wear down or lose alignment. And here’s how you can tell something’s off with your garage door sensors!

• Your garage door won’t close all the way, and the opener light blinks.
• The door reverses for no reason.
• You notice dust, cobwebs, or debris on the sensors.
• The LED lights on one or both sensors are off or flickering.
• You have to hold the wall button down for the door to close.

If you find these issues, it means that your sensors may need cleaning, realignment, or replacement.

How Can You Test Your Garage Door Sensors (Safely)?

When your garage door sensors stop working properly, you can do these tests to check them!

→ Inspect the Sensors 

You can make sure both sensors are facing each other directly and are mounted securely. If you see any dirt or dust, you can wipe it properly.

→ Look at the Indicator Lights

Each sensor should have a small LED light. If you see one or both are off or blinking, they’re probably misaligned.

→ Run a Simple Object Test

You can follow these steps –

• Open your garage door fully.
• Place a solid object (like a cardboard box or broomstick) in front of one sensor.
• Press the button to close the door.
• The door should not move, or it should immediately reverse.

If your door closes anyway, stop using it immediately and call for professional garage door services in Sacramento for a safety inspection.

Common Reasons Why Safety Sensors Fail and How You Can Protect Them

When you use your garage door sensors regularly for years, you can experience some issues due to dust and debris buildup, wiring issues, misalignment, etc., over time. Plus, they can also wear out on their own after years of use. 

If you notice any issues, you can call for a team of emergency garage door repair in Sacramento to fix the problems right away. And to prevent future problems with the sensors, you can follow these habits –

• Wipe the sensors with a soft cloth every month.
• Keep toys, bikes, or tools away from the sensor area.
• Check that both sensor lights are on before closing the door.
• Test your sensors every few months. It’ll only take a few minutes!
• Schedule regular garage door services to ensure everything’s working properly.

Call Us Now for a Free Estimate!

Questions You Might Have About Your Garage Door’s Safety Sensors!

➢ Can sunlight really mess with garage door sensors?

Yes! Bright sunlight can confuse the beam. Shading or adjusting the angle can help solve this issue quickly. But if you’re facing major problems with your garage door sensors, you need to call a garage door company for professional help.

➢ Can I still close the garage door if the sensors stop working?

You can use the door by holding the wall button, but it’s a temporary solution. You can call for garage door repair in Sacramento to fix the issue for good.

➢ How long do garage door safety sensors usually last?

On average, they can work properly for 5 to 10 years, depending on your use, weather, and maintenance.

Takeaway

Your garage door’s safety sensors are the small devices that protect your home, car, and family every day. They can detect anything in the door’s path and stop it from closing when something’s in the way. So, they can prevent accidents and damage! But if you notice any problem with the sensors, you can test them easily and call for professional service for a quick repair.

Read More:

• Same-Day Garage Door Repair: What Services Can Be Done & What Can’t
• Benefits of Professional Garage Door Inspections vs. DIY Checks
• How to Maintain Your Garage Door Rollers, Hinges & Tracks for Longevity
• Step-by-Step Garage Door Lubrication Tips to Avoid Costly Repairs

Eudy Door Co. – Your Local Experts for Fast and Friendly Garage Door Services!

At Eudy Door Co., we’re your reliable experts who can provide high-quality garage door services in Sacramento. We have over 40 years of experience in the industry and thousands of happy customers who say we’re the best garage door company in Sacramento.

All our technicians are friendly and knowledgeable! So, you don’t have to worry about anything when you rely on us. Plus, we offer quick and affordable services to our customers. 

You can call us now at +(916) 387-8664 and we’ll take care of your garage door repair in Sacramento efficiently!