Sometimes your garage door won’t open or close. That’s a big safety issue and can be dangerous for children. Here are some tips to solve the problem.
The first thing to do is visually inspect the area below the door to ensure nothing is blocking the sensors. This could be a rock, a toy, or a spider web.
Check the Springs
The garage door relies on the springs to counteract gravity’s pull and help it go up and down. If the springs become damaged, they may no longer be able to support the weight of the panels. Look for gaps in the springs and signs of stretching or elongation.
The safety sensors that prevent a garage door from closing on something or someone are programmed to detect obstructions in the path of the doors, such as leaves, paper, and even used gum. If the sensor lights are flashing, there is likely an object in the way that needs to be removed.
These sensors are located on either side of the garage door, about six inches above the floor. Gently wipe off each sensor’s “eye” portion to ensure it’s clear of anything that could trigger a false alarm. If this doesn’t fix the problem, the sensors may need reprogramming. This requires a ladder and is best left to a professional.
Check the Sensors
Sometimes, a garage door will only open or close when everything works. This could be due to something as simple as an obstruction or a misaligned sensor.
Safety sensors are located near the bottom of the track on both sides of the door and require a clear line of sight between them to work properly. If there is an object between them, the opener signals to stop the door from closing–a great feature for protecting kids or pets from being crushed.
Sunlight or dust on the sensors can also cause them to malfunction. To check this, open the garage and press the ‘Home’ or ‘Learn’ button inside the opener unit (the location of this button will vary by brand). Hold the button until the LED light next to it turns off to reset the sensors. This should fix the problem, but you may need to call an expert local garage door repair if it doesn’t.
Check the Electricity
Suppose your garage door has a photo-eye that prevents it from closing on anything or anyone standing beneath it. In that case, it must have its internal circuitry functioning properly for this safety feature. The sensor system can sometimes malfunction, a common problem homeowners experience with their garage doors.
A blocked remote antenna could also be the source of your problem. Whether from tree growth, an obstruction or dirt, this can wreak havoc with your garage door’s ability to receive the remote signal.
Call a Pro
Your garage door is your primary entrance, and it helps you to safeguard the cars, equipment and belongings inside. Moreover, commercial warehouses and factories depend on the smooth operation of their roll-up doors for productivity. When a garage door malfunctions, operations halt, and profitability is at risk.
Suppose a basic troubleshooting procedure, such as clearing the obstructions on photo eye sensors or lubricating the parts, doesn’t work. In that case, it is time to call an emergency garage door repair professional. A professional will inspect the issue on-site and determine the necessary repairs to restore your door’s function.
An expert will wear protective gear such as gloves, safety glasses and hard hats to avoid potential injuries while working on the problem. They will also note the door’s condition and other details about the repair before giving you a quote for the services. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid overpaying for the repairs.