Garage door sensors are a small but vital component of your home’s safety and convenience. When working properly, they prevent your garage door from closing on pets, kids, vehicles, or objects in its path. But when they malfunction, they can turn into a daily headache–and a potential hazard.
In this post, we’ll show you how to recognize the signs of faulty garage door sensors, what might be causing the issue, and when to call in a professional from Outstanding Garage Door for repair or replacement.
What Are Garage Door Sensors?
Garage door sensors, also known as safety eyes or photoelectric sensors, are located near the bottom of your garage door tracks–typically 4 to 6 inches from the ground. They work in pairs to create an invisible infrared beam across the width of the door.
If anything interrupts this beam while the door is closing, the system tells the opener to stop and reverse the door. This safety feature is required by law in all U.S. garage door systems manufactured after 1993.
In a city like Denver, where weather and daily use can impact your garage system, sensor issues are more common than you might think.
5 Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Are Malfunctioning
Here are the most common symptoms Denver homeowners experience when garage door sensors start acting up:
The Garage Door Won’t Close All the Way
This is the number one sign that something’s wrong. If your garage door opens without a problem but refuses to close–or starts to close, then reverses–it’s likely due to blocked or misaligned sensors.
In Denver homes, snow piles, leaves, or debris from high winds can accidentally block the sensor beam, making the system think something is in the way.
The Sensor Lights Are Off or Flashing
Most garage door sensors in Denver have small indicator lights:
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A solid green or red light typically means the sensor is working.
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A flashing or off light may indicate a problem with the alignment or power supply.
Try gently adjusting the sensors so that they face each other directly. If the lights don’t stabilize, there could be an internal issue or wiring fault.
The Door Closes Only When Holding the Wall Button
If the door refuses to close unless you press and hold the wall control button, the opener is overriding the safety feature due to sensor failure. This is a temporary solution meant for emergencies only–it’s not a fix. If this happens, it’s time to get your garage door sensors in Denver checked.
One or Both Sensors Are Physically Damaged
In high-traffic garages–especially those in Denver neighborhoods with families, pets, or active driveways–sensors can get bumped by bikes, shovels, or trash cans. Cracked lenses, bent brackets, or loose wires can cause miscommunication with your opener.
Even a small nudge can misalign the beam and stop your door from working properly.
Inconsistent Behavior Based on Weather
Denver’s weather swings can impact sensor performance. On freezing mornings, sensors may fog up or lose calibration. Intense sunlight at certain angles can also interfere with the infrared beam.
If your garage door sensor problems seem to be seasonal or weather-related, you’re not imagining it–and professional adjustment or sensor shields may be the solution.
Troubleshooting Garage Door Sensor Issues
Before calling a pro, here are a few steps you can try:
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Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth to remove dust, cobwebs, or moisture buildup.
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Check for alignment by making sure the lights on both sensors are steady (not blinking).
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Remove any obstructions in the path of the sensor beam.
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Inspect the wiring for visible signs of fraying, corrosion, or disconnection.
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Tighten the mounting brackets if the sensors appear loose or wobbly.
If these steps don’t work–or if you’re not comfortable trying them–it’s time to call a local expert in garage door sensors Denver.
When to Call a Professional
Sensor problems may seem minor, but because they affect the door’s ability to close, they can disrupt your entire day–not to mention pose serious safety risks. A certified garage door technician can:
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Diagnose the root cause of sensor issues
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Realign or replace sensors as needed
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Check the opener, wiring, and control board for other hidden problems
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Ensure the door meets all local safety standards
Denver homeowners benefit from using local pros who understand how altitude, weather, and city regulations impact garage door systems.
Should You Repair or Replace the Sensors?
In many cases, a simple realignment or cleaning can restore sensor function. However, if:
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The sensors are more than 10 years old
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There’s water damage or rust
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The wiring is corroded
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The housing is cracked
…replacement might be the safest and most cost-effective option.
Modern garage door sensors are affordable, more durable, and often include LED indicators to help you monitor their performance easily.
Malfunctioning Sensors Can Pose Risks
Your garage door sensors are a small component that plays a big role in home safety. If you’re dealing with stubborn doors, blinking lights, or weather-related issues, don’t ignore the signs. Malfunctioning sensors can lead to property damage, personal injury, or simply the frustration of being locked in (or out) of your own garage.
Trust a local expert who specializes in garage door sensors Denver to inspect, repair, or replace the sensors and keep your system running smoothly–regardless of the season.
If you’re experiencing any of the issues we mentioned, reach out to Outstanding Garage Door–a trusted local provider of garage door services in Denver today. Our team offers garage door repair, instalaation, and more. With 15 years of experience, we gurantee quick and exceptional craftmanship.
Call us today at (720) 740-0143 or send us a message.
