In Massachusetts, from the historic city of Boston to its many surrounding towns, garage doors are subject to the state's robust seasonal climate, requiring consistent attention to maintain optimal function.
Massachusetts experiences significant weather variations, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Winter's freezing temperatures can cause ice to form on tracks and mechanisms, potentially hindering movement and stressing components. Summer's heat and humidity can impact the performance of electronic openers and the flexibility of rubber seals. Our process for garage door sensor alignment takes these environmental factors into account. We understand that temperature fluctuations can cause materials to expand or contract, potentially affecting the precise alignment of sensors. The diverse housing stock, from historic homes to modern developments, means we service a wide range of garage door and opener systems.
Garage door sensor alignment ensures the two photoelectric eyes at the base of the garage door tracks are perfectly aimed at each other. This creates an invisible safety beam. The opener uses this beam to detect obstructions, preventing the door from closing on anything in its path.
Seasonal temperature changes in Massachusetts cause the garage door tracks and mounting brackets to expand and contract, which can subtly shift the sensors. Vibrations from traffic, especially in the Boston area, can also contribute to sensors becoming loose over time. Accidental bumps are another common cause.
We recommend checking your garage door sensor alignment at least twice a year, particularly before and after the winter season. If your garage door reverses unexpectedly while closing or fails to close completely, it's a strong indicator that the sensors need to be realigned.
The most frequent garage door problems often involve the opener's safety sensors. When these sensors become misaligned, dirty, or obstructed, the garage door will not close properly. This is a common reason for service calls.
You will typically notice your garage door refusing to close fully, or it will begin to descend and then immediately reverse. An illuminated or blinking light on the garage door opener unit usually signals a problem with the sensor beam's integrity.
The specific type of garage door opener system and the accessibility of the sensor mounting locations are factors that influence the cost. If the sensors themselves are damaged and need replacement, or if the wiring requires repair, this will also affect the overall expense. Contact us for a free phone quote.
Useful reference: CPSC garage door safety — safety standards for openers.