A common problem that has homeowners feeling frustrated is when the garage door sensors are misaligned. These safety devices should be aligned first. If they are not, your garage door may not close, making it an access point for intruders and compromising the entire operating system. Correctly aligning these sensors will not only improve your security but also save time, money, and energy.
The Basics of Garage Door Sensors
The sensors are those small but vital components of your garage door that form an invisible boundary across the garage door’s opening. There are two components made up of sensors, which function as a barrier when the door is being closed.
For many homeowners in Calgary, timely care is crucial to avoiding sensor issues. As Garage Door Repair Calgary expert team points out, if your garage door is not functioning well, they suggest consistent professional maintenance to recognize potential issues early.
Understanding the Problem
When the garage door sensors are misaligned, common symptoms will be noticed. The main symptom is a light that blinks either red or green on one or both of the sensors, with the green one on the receiving eye and the red one on the sending unit. However, if the door starts to close and stops immediately or if it does not close at all when the remote control is working fine, the sensors might need to be calibrated.
Preparation Steps
One of the first and most important things to do before doing the alignment process is to make sure you have good lighting in your garage. Bring a stepladder, cleaning supplies, and a measuring tape with you as well. Aligning requires a lot of persistence and thoroughness. However, if you are methodical, it is quick and easy, even for people without any relevant expertise.
The Alignment Process
Check first the brackets that are holding the sensors. Sometimes, these brackets get a little loose or bent; that’s why they are not positioned properly. First, shake the sensor slightly to move it. If loose brackets are the problem, fix them by tightening them up but not too hard; otherwise, you can damage the whole system.
Step two is to rub a soft, lint-free cloth across the sensor lenses. Grime and spider webs can easily block the sensors. You can consider these sensors like the eyes of the glasses, which need to be cleaned to see effectively.
Now, it is time for the most crucial part. Make sure that the LED lights are lit on both sensors. Normally, the sender should see a red light, whereas the receiver will display a green light if properly positioned. Adjust the sensors by loosening the wing nut or mounting screw to make necessary changes.
One at a time, alternatively, rotate the sensors until the light on the receiving unit becomes constant green. This tells you that the invisible beam is properly aligned between the sensors.
Environmental Factors
Inspect the sensor area for objects that might obstruct the function of the sensors or cause any damage to them. Temperature differences can affect the brackets by making them expand or shrink, which in turn leads to the misalignment of the sensors. Sunlight can be the source of the sensor’s interference, where they look misaligned even while they are functioning properly.
Testing the System
Once the sensors are aligned, it is important to check whether the system works correctly. Stand back from the door and use your remote to shut it. If the door closes seamlessly and stops short without reversing, it is a result of passing the test.
Also, check the safety feature by placing an object like a cardboard box in the door’s path. The door must instantly stop once it perceives the obstacle to pass the test. Once testing is complete, ensure the system functions as expected.
In a Nutshell
It may first appear a difficult task to align the sensors of the garage door, however, with time and precision, it becomes a simple job for a homeowner. Remember, these sensors are life-saving parts made to cause the least number of accidents and injuries. What should you do first with defective sensors? Do not hesitate to seek professional assistance if the problem persists. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
