Is your garage door playing hard to close, even when you’re holding the button down? We’ve got solutions for you. This blog post will explore the common reasons behind a stubborn garage door and provide insights on resolving the issue. If you’re in Carrollton and need expert assistance, we’ll guide you to the best professionals for garage door opener repair Carrollton.
Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close
A garage door that refuses to close, despite your persistent button-holding efforts, can be an annoying and potentially dangerous issue. But before you panic, let’s find out what might be causing this problem.
1. Sensor Obstruction: The Most Common Culprit
Sensor obstruction is one of the leading causes of a garage door not closing when you hold the button. Garage doors are equipped with safety sensors that detect obstacles in the door’s path, preventing it from closing and potentially causing damage or injury.
Solving the Sensor Obstruction Issue:
- Check for any obstructions, such as debris or objects, blocking the path between the sensors. Remove them carefully.
- Ensure that the sensors are correctly aligned. Even a slight misalignment can trigger a non-closing door.
2. Misaligned Tracks: A Potential Problem
Another reason for your garage door’s resistance to close may be misaligned tracks. If the tracks are not correctly aligned, the door can get stuck during the closing process.
Resolving Misaligned Tracks:
- Examine the tracks and look for any visible gaps or misalignment. If you spot any issues, gently adjust the tracks until they are aligned correctly.
- It’s crucial to tighten the bolts and screws holding the tracks securely to prevent future misalignment.
Why do garage door sensors sometimes get misaligned on their own?
Garage door sensors may become misaligned by themselves due to a variety of factors including:
- Accidental bumps and vibrations: Sensors that are placed in areas where they could be bumped into or vibrated may not detect the beam correctly.
- Incorrect installation or damaged mountings. If the sensors aren’t installed at the same height and facing each other, or if they are damaged, then the sensors may be out of alignment.
- Sensors can be misaligned by obstructions or dirt: Dirt or debris on the lens, or obstructions in the path of the beam.
- Setting the sensor sensitivity: A sensor set at a high or low sensitivity can cause erratic behavior and misalignment.
You can check to see if the garage door sensor has been misaligned by:
- Check the tiny light on each sensor. If both lights are green, they are in sync.
- Place an object between the sensors to test the system. The sensors will be aligned if the door doesn’t open or close. If the door opens or closes, the sensors must be adjusted.
You can:
- Use a level and measure the height of each unit to see if they’re aligned. If they are not aligned, adjust them until they are.
- If necessary, clean the sensors and remove any obstructions that may be blocking the beam.
- Consult the user manual of your garage door opener to learn how to set the sensor sensitivity.
It is best to contact a professional garage door repair service if you’re unsure how to realign your sensors, or if this problem persists.
Can I perform a sensor alignment on my own, or do I need a professional for the job?
If you’re comfortable working on DIY projects and possess the required tools, then you can do a sensor adjustment yourself. If you’re unsure about the process or feel uncomfortable, it’s best to hire a garage door repair company. Here are a few steps to align the garage sensor:
- Trip the fuse in your garage to turn off your sensors.
- Each sensor should be lowered as far as possible, without removing the mounting brackets.
- If you tie a string around one sensor, the sensor will be in the middle when the string is pulled across the garage.
- The string should be run across the garage doorway and then tied to the sensor on the other side. Position the knot to run across the middle of the sensor.
- Place a level along the string. Check to see if the line is straight.
- Slide the mounting bracket up if the line isn’t straight. Continue to adjust the sensors until they are level.
- Secure the garage door sensor in its new position by tightening the screws.
- Before finishing, confirm that the string is straight.
If you are having problems with your garage door or are not sure how to align them, it’s best to contact a professional repair service.
Professional Garage Door Opener Repair Carrollton
If your garage door still refuses to cooperate, even after addressing the sensor obstruction and track alignment, it may be time to seek professional help. Carrollton offers a range of experts who can diagnose and repair complex garage door opener issues.
