Make sure your Garage Door Sensors FALL in line this season!

Transitional seasons can be difficult. Back-to-school, back to tighter routines, less sunlight—and yet, more to do! Let Whitaker’s Garage Door Store check one thing off your list this season by giving you some guidance on one of our most highly reported issues: misbehaving garage door sensors. When the leaves start descending from the trees, sometimes they make themselves at home among the spiderwebs that cling to your sensors. After all, they’re low to the ground, just like our eight-legged friends—and all that pretty foliage. Wiping your sensors down frequently can help curtail any issues with your door opening and closing properly; but sometimes, it takes a little extra TLC. Here are some handy tips and techniques that can help you fall in love with your door all over again!

Step 1: Clean the Lenses
Wipe both sensor lenses gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust, dirt, or spiderwebs. Check the area for any physical objects blocking the beam path.

Step 2: Check the Indicator Lights
Locate the two small sensors at the base of the garage door tracks. Find the sending sensor (usually showing a steady amber or orange light) and the receiving sensor (usually showing a green light). A blinking or flickering green light means the sensors are out of alignment.

Step 3: Align the Sensors
Slightly loosen the wing nut or screw on the misaligned (blinking) sensor, so it can pivot or slide by hand. Gently adjust the angle of the sensor up, down, or sideways until the light stops flickering and glows with a 100% solid, steady beam. If you are having trouble finding the sweet spot, lift the sensor until it starts blinking, lower it until it blinks again, and position it right in the middle of those two points.

Step 4: Secure and Test
Carefully tighten the wing nut while holding the sensor completely still, so it doesn’t slip out of place. Test the alignment by pressing the close button on your remote. Perform a safety reversal test by laying a flat 2x4 piece of wood on the floor in the center of the doorway and closing the door; the door must touch the wood, stop, and reverse back up automatically.

Of course we hope that all of this works to remedy any issue you’re having. If not, call us and schedule a same-day appointment. We’re happy to help your door fall in line, anytime (we promise not to make puns during your service call, unless that’s your thing). After all, at Whitaker’s, no job is too big or too small—just give us a call!