Across Washington state, from the urban core of Seattle to its surrounding communities, garage doors are exposed to a maritime climate characterized by significant rainfall and temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
Washington's climate, with its frequent rain and damp conditions, can accelerate corrosion on metal garage door components and affect the performance of electronic openers. Winter's cooler temperatures and persistent moisture can lead to condensation and potential issues with moving parts. When we perform garage door sensor alignment, we account for these environmental factors, understanding that changes in temperature and humidity can subtly affect the materials and their positioning. The varied housing stock, from older Craftsman homes to modern constructions, means we encounter a wide range of garage door and opener systems.
Garage door sensor alignment involves ensuring the two photoelectric eyes, located at the base of the garage door tracks, are precisely aimed at each other. This creates an invisible safety beam that the opener relies on to detect obstructions. If this beam is broken, the door will not close.
Temperature fluctuations common in Washington can cause the metal tracks and mounting brackets to expand or contract, leading to sensor misalignment. Vibrations from traffic, especially in the Seattle area, can also contribute to sensors becoming loose over time. Accidental impacts are another frequent cause.
We recommend checking your garage door sensor alignment at least twice a year, particularly before and after the wetter seasons. If your garage door reverses unexpectedly while closing or fails to close completely, it is a strong indicator that the sensors need to be realigned.
The most frequent garage door issues often involve the opener's safety features, such as the photo-eye 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.