The Main Problem with Garage Doors

You might recall having dealt with this in the past, and yet you cannot remember just how it was resolved. Was it a setting? Maybe a reset button? The answer relates to those photo eyes mentioned above.

Photo Eyes Explained

Since 1993, all electric garage door openers sold in North America have had to have what is known as an automatic reverse system to prevent any further incidents in which people were harmed by a garage door’s closing.

Essentially, there are eye sensors placed in two small units, each installed about 6 inches (15 cm) from the floor or ground inside the garage and facing one another from opposite sides. They are connected to the motor powering the system. This setup creates an invisible beam that spans the entire door opening. One transmits and the other reflects, and if anything passes between them (breaking the beam) it sends a message to the door to reverse direction instantly.

It is not unlike the way that those automatic sliding doors at most stores operate, and when you break that beam, it cues the system to activate.

There is also a mechanical automatic reverse system built into every opener, and it detects resistance along the bottom of the door. If something contacts the bottom of the door while it is in motion, it causes the system to reverse. Is it very sensitive? Typically, you can lay a 2X4 plank under the door, as soon as the door hits the board, it will go back up.

What Can Cause the Photo Eyes to Malfunction?

One of the reasons that the photo eyes can fail to function or to malfunction is misalignment. You might be moving stuff around the garage or doing work with heavier items, and just a tap or bump to one of the eyes can cause it to misalign – failing to send the beam or catch it properly.

If you recall that original example (you arrive home and the door doesn’t close), it is typically due to a misalignment issue. The door may start to close and repeatedly pop back open or a light on the system might blink. Typically, this is what the system is designed to do if a photo eye system is misaligned.

Can You Fix This On Your Own?

Actually, it can be a super easy DIY repair. Simply take a look at the two photo eyes. Do they seem out of alignment? If so, you can stand at each end and see if one seems to be pointing in a different direction, and if so, manually adjust it. If your brand of opener has a control panel, you’ll often see an LED indicator showing misalignment. Once they are realigned, the LED light should also stop blinking or change color to indicate all is well with the system.

While checking or fixing alignment, also take the time to ensure that brackets are fully attached. Tighten up the nuts or bolts and give everything a quick wipe down with a clean rage. This removes dust or debris from the lenses and ensures optimal performance.

After that, just do a quick test run by closing the door, reopening it and then closing it again – using the remote. That should take care of the problem and you can start using the door again with the full confidence that it is operating safely.

While On the Issue of Safety…

While we’ve just mentioned the word “safety”, let’s stick with it for a moment. Quite often, we hear that people learn their safety system is not working properly because someone pushes a wall control to close the door and tries to run out of the garage, jumping over the beam so that it won’t stop the descent. NEVER DO THIS!

Doors are designed to operate safely, but if there is a problem with the safety system, it can mean someone could be horrifically injured. Kids can learn to use that method, and if there is something wrong with the eyes or the mechanical safeties, they can be badly hurt.

Instead, have an expert install a keypad on the outside frame of the door. It works in the manner of a cordless remote using a 4‑digit PIN.

It is also suggested that optimal safety comes when you check a two reversal system monthly, as well as performing an overall inspection of your garage door system twice a year.

And what if it doesn’t work properly? This is usually a sign of a greater issue at work. It might be wires connecting units are somehow broken or frayed. If you notice this, you may consider fixing it on your own, but it is usually a better idea to contact experts in garage door installations and repairs.

You can contact us at 709-368-7222. We are experts in garage door openers and can offer owners the kind of expertise needed to explain the issues and how to make the best choices where budgets, repairs or replacements are concerned. We will also happily send you a no-obligation free quotation by email.

You can also use our online Design Centre that allows you to upload a photo of your property and try out new doors in a virtual setting. We also make image gallery available to inspire you during any home or property updates.