Has your garage door refused to close—or worse, closed when it shouldn’t?
Before you assume it’s a mechanical glitch, take a closer look at your safety sensors. These small but powerful devices play a critical role in ensuring your garage door functions safely. If they’re damaged or misaligned, they can trigger major issues that require professional garage door repair.
👁 What Are Safety Sensors and How Do They Work?
Safety sensors, also known as photo-eye sensors, are mounted on either side of your garage door, just a few inches above the ground. They send an invisible beam across the door opening. If anything blocks that beam—like a bike, a pet, or a child—the sensors signal the door to stop and reverse.
This system is required by law on all automatic garage doors installed after 1993. It’s designed to prevent serious injury or property damage, especially during the door’s closing cycle.
⚠️ Common Sensor Issues That Trigger Garage Door Repair
Even though they’re small, safety sensors are sensitive to many everyday factors:
- Misalignment: If the sensors aren’t facing each other, the beam can’t connect.
- Dirt or debris: Dust, cobwebs, or moisture on the lenses can block the beam.
- Damaged wires: Pets, weather, or accidental bumps can damage the wiring.
- Sunlight interference: Bright light can trick the sensor, causing false signals.
If your door won’t close or reverses immediately after starting to close, these sensors may be the root of the problem—and garage door repair is often needed to restore their function.
🔧 Can You Fix It Yourself?
Basic cleaning and repositioning are easy for most homeowners. But if the issue is with wiring or internal circuits, a professional should diagnose it to avoid further complications.
Don’t Overlook the Eyes of Your Garage Door
Safety sensors are one of the most important—and overlooked—features in your garage door system. They’re not just accessories; they’re safeguards.
📞 If your door isn’t acting right, call for garage door repair today. A quick sensor check could prevent a serious accident.
Because safety shouldn’t be optional—it should be automatic.
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