Garage doors are more important than we might give them credit for. They protect some of our most valuable possessions and in some cases are another layer of protection against intruders trying to enter the home. It is, therefore, important that we keep our garages in good order and ensure they are working properly. One of the important aspects of a garage door is the garage door sensor.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of garage door sensor alignment and how one can ensure your sensors are functioning properly.
What is a Garage Door Position Sensor?
A garage door position sensor is installed on automatic garage doors. This is because when opening and closing a garage door manually, you are the one controlling the opening and closing action. However, an automatic garage door opens and closes on its own when instructed to do so electronically. This can however cause a problem should something be in the way of the garage door while closing. If a sensor is not installed, the garage door will continue to close and damage or hurt whatever is in its way. A sensor detects an obstruction and prevents the garage door from opening or closing if it has determined that it will hit something. A sensor can also stop a garage door in its tracks while it is busy closing should something have moved in its way. It will then reverse the action and return to its original position, preventing the injury of a car, child, pet, or other obstruction.
Why Garage Door Sensor Alignment is Important
In order for a garage door to function properly and perform its duty, the sensors need to be properly aligned. If the sensors are not aligned, they might not detect an object in the way and will fail to perform their safety feature. This can, of course, result in a person or object being damaged or badly hurt. Other than failing to prevent an accident, a misaligned sensor could cause a garage door to open or close without warning or instruction. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure the sensors are aligned as this will allow the door to operate correctly and smoothly.
How to Fix Garage Door Alignment
So, if your garage door sensors are not aligned, how do you fix this problem? Ultimately, it is best to call in a professional as aligning sensors can be tricky. One will also then be sure that the garage door is operating correctly and can trust that it is no longer a hazard. However, if you do want to take the risk of aligning the sensors yourself, then there are a few steps and key points to take into consideration.
- Ensure They Are Clean: If your sensors have started to malfunction, check whether they are clean. Any grime, dirt, or debris located on the sensor could obstruct its view and prevent it from functioning properly. If there is any dirt or debris, it is advisable to give your sensors a good clean.
- Misalignment: If the sensors are clean and the garage door is still not stopping and reversing its closing action when there is an obstruction in the way, then the sensors are probably misaligned. You can try to adjust the sensors yourself. Be sure to adjust them so that they are perfectly aligned with one another and have a clear view of the area to be observed.
- Repair and Replacement: If your sensors are still not working, there could be a larger issue at hand. It could be that your sensors have failed and will require repair or replacement.
When it comes to sensors, safety is a concern. It is, therefore, advisable to enlist the help of a professional. A garage door specialist will be able to properly align your sensors and will have the necessary knowledge to determine whether the sensor needs repair or replacement. They will also be able to fix the sensors if possible or advise you on which sensors to replace your old set with.
Contact Adams Doors to find out more about garage door sensor alignment and garage door automation.
