How to Align Garage Door Sensors

Garage door sensors keep your garage door safe and functioning properly. Sensors are small devices near the bottom of the door tracks. Their purpose is to prevent accidents and damage, using an infrared beam to detect obstacles and prevent the door from closing on anything in its path.

When sensors misalign, your garage door might not close or reverse unexpectedly. Keeping your sensors aligned ensures safe, reliable operation and helps you avoid costly repairs.

What Causes Alignment Issues?

Garage door sensors can become misaligned for several reasons, leading to malfunction or inconsistent operation, including:

Accidental impact: Sensors are typically mounted around 4 inches above the ground, so they can easily be bumped by bikes, tools and foot traffic.
Debris buildup: Dirt can accumulate on the sensor lenses, interfering with the infrared beam. Dirt buildup can block the sensor’s signal.
Light interference: Bright sunlight or strong artificial lighting near the sensors can disrupt the infrared beam and cause false readings.
Loose mounting: Vibration from regular door operation can loosen the mounting brackets that hold the sensors in place.
Warped tracks: If the garage door tracks warp due to temperature fluctuations, impact or poor installation, it can affect the positioning of sensors.
Wiring issues: Loose, frayed or disconnected wiring can interrupt the power supply to the sensors, causing them to malfunction.
Corrosion: The metal brackets and screws that hold sensors in place can become weak and shift due to corrosion, causing the sensors to misalign and fail.

How to Know if Your Garage Door Sensor Is Not Working

If your garage door sensors are not working properly or have become misaligned, you may notice several warning signs, which mean your sensors need realignment, cleaning or repair. The most common signs include:

Buildup on sensor lenses: Dirt, fog or dust buildup can interfere with the sensor’s infrared beam. Cleaning the sensor lenses may resolve the issue.
Door won’t close with remote: If the door won’t close using the remote but works when you press and hold the wall-mounted button, it’s a strong sign of a sensor issue. This bypass function is built into most garage door openers, allowing manual closing when sensors aren’t working.
Flashing indicator lights: Most garage door sensors have small LED lights. A steady light usually means the sensors are properly aligned. If the lights are blinking, flickering or off, it indicates misalignment, a loose wire or a faulty sensor.
Operating issues: One of the biggest signs of a misaligned sensor is when the garage door starts closing but immediately reverses. Alternatively, the door may refuse to close, leaving it stuck in an open position.
Uneven sensor placement: Sensors should face each other at the same level on either side of the door. If one sensor is slightly tilted or knocked out of position, the infrared beam won’t connect properly.
Warnings with no obstructions: If your garage door won’t close and the opener’s indicator light blinks, the sensor is not aligned properly, preventing it from communicating correctly.

How to Align Your Garage Door Sensors

Here’s the process for aligning your sensors:

Check for obstructions: Clear debris, dirt or objects that could block the infrared beam and wipe the sensor lenses with a clean, dry cloth.
Inspect the sensor lights: Most sensors have LED indicator lights showing their status. Check if these lights are off or blinking.
Loosen the sensors: Each sensor is mounted on a bracket near the bottom of the tracks. Most sensors have a wingnut that is finger-tight, but you may need a wrench or pliers. Loosen the wingnut, allowing the sensors to move slightly.
Adjust the sensors: Align each sensor, ensuring they are level and facing each other. Use a measuring tape or laser level to ensure both sensors are the same height from the ground.
Secure the sensors: Tighten the wingnut to secure the sensors.
Test adjustment: Check that both LED sensor lights are solid and not blinking, and operate the door multiple times with the remote to test.
Troubleshoot if necessary: Check the wiring connections if the door won’t operate. If the problem persists, the sensors might need replacement.

Contact Poulson Doors LLC for Garage Door Sensor Replacement

If your garage door sensors malfunction, call the professionals at Poulson Doors LLC for reliable, efficient service. Faulty sensors can compromise safety, but our team can quickly diagnose and replace them to restore smooth operation. Contact us today for a free estimate or schedule your sensor replacement online.

How to Reprogram a Garage Door Keypad

A garage door keypad is a convenient wireless entry system for your home, allowing you to open and close your garage door using a personalized access code without a remote or key. It’s a secure and accessible solution. However, you might need to reprogram it to ensure smooth operation or security.

If you’ve forgotten your access code, moved into a new home, or suspect unauthorized access, updating your keypad is a smart precaution. Unresponsive buttons, delayed operation or inconsistent performance may also require reprogramming. Occasionally, battery failure, signal interference or system resets can cause keypad issues. Luckily, if your garage door keypad is not working, you can easily reprogram it to restore functionality.

How to Reprogram a Garage Door Keypad With a Learn Button

For LiftMaster openers, here’s how to change the pin on the garage door keypad using the Learn button:

Find the Learn button: Locate the Learn button on your garage door opener.
Clear the memory: To clear the memory, press and hold the button until the indicator blinks or turns off.
Press the Learn button again: Hold the button until the indicator light turns on and remains on for about 30 seconds.
Enter the new code: Go to your keypad and enter a four- to six-digit code. Press the enter button to confirm the latest code.
Test the keypad: Press the new code on the keypad and check if the door opens. If it does, the reprogramming was successful. If not, repeat the process or check for wiring or battery issues.

How to Reset a Garage Door Keypad With DIP Switches

Unlike modern systems that use Learn buttons to sync devices, DIP switches require manual adjustment when reprogramming or syncing a new keypad. Typically, if you have a LiftMaster opener, the DIP switch panel has 8-12 switches that you flip up or down to create a unique binary code. The switch settings inside the garage door opener unit must match the settings inside the wireless keypad or remote control to communicate properly.

Open the keypad and opener cover: Remove the cover of your keypad and opener to access the DIP switch panels.
Check the current switch settings: Note the current DIP switch positions in both the opener and keypad. They should match for the devices to communicate.
Set the DIP switches: Adjust the DIP switches inside the keypad and opener to the same pattern. Each switch should be either up or down in the same configuration.
Set a new code: After aligning the switches, enter a new code on the keypad to match the opener’s new setting.
Test the keypad: Close the covers and test the keypad by entering the new code to see if the garage door opens.

Please note: Programming procedures can vary across opener makes and models. The steps we’ve mentioned are for LiftMaster openers, but Genie, Marantec and other manufacturers will differ. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions or call our knowledgeable team for assistance.

When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Keypad Issues

Most keypad issues require a simple reset, but sometimes, you might need professional assistance.

Wiring issues: If the keypad doesn’t respond after reprogramming and replacing the battery, there might be an internal wiring issue.
Keypad malfunctions: Power surges, lightning strikes or sudden outages can cause keypads to malfunction.
Inconsistent response: If the keypad responds intermittently or with delays after entering the code, the problem might be more complex, such as a faulty sensor.
Physical damage to the keypad: If it was damaged, it might need to be replaced or repaired.

Contact Poulson Doors LLC for Garage Door Keypad Repairs and Replacements

If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door, contact Poulson Doors LLC for professional assistance. We specialize in residential and commercial garage door services, including installation, replacement, repair and maintenance. Whether you need a simple reset, replacement parts fitted or a complete new installation, let us handle the job quickly and efficiently. We can diagnose any faults rapidly and get your garage door operating smoothly in no time. Get in touch today for a free estimate or to arrange service when it’s convenient for you.

How to Manually Open and Close Your Garage Door

After a long day, you pull into your driveway and press the garage door remote — and it won’t budge. Or maybe you’re rushing out, only to find the door stuck. Whether it’s the result of a power outage, a dead remote battery or a mechanical issue, a malfunctioning garage door can be frustrating.

You don’t have to be locked in or out of your garage while you wait for repairs. You can learn how to open and shut the garage door manually with this guide.

How to Manually Open or Close Your Garage Door From the Inside

It’s possible to open and close your garage door without a remote. However, there’s a significant pinch hazard when manually operating garage doors. It’s important to do it correctly to avoid injuring yourself. The first step is verifying that there are no mechanical issues before attempting to open or close the door, since damage increases safety risks. If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with a broken door or not, stop and call a technician.

Manually Opening a Garage Door From the Inside

Follow these steps if you need to manually open a residential garage door from the inside:

Disconnect the opener from electricity: If you have power in the household, start by unplugging the opener from electricity. This step will keep you safe in case the motor activates while you’re trying to open the door.
Locate the emergency release: Find the red cord hanging from the garage door opener — it’s usually near the center of the ceiling. Before pulling the emergency release cord, make sure nothing is underneath the door, as a falling door can cause severe or even fatal injuries. Firmly pull the cord straight down to disengage the opener.
Open the garage door: Grip the door with both hands and lift it. If the springs are in good condition, the door should move with minimal resistance. If you notice any resistance, stop immediately and seek professional help. A door that feels heavy in your hands could indicate a mechanical problem.

When you open the door, it should stay up until you close it. If it doesn’t, there could be a mechanical issue like broken pulleys and springs. If it falls back by itself, call your technician to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Manually Closing a Garage Door From the Inside

You can follow these steps to close your garage door manually:

Pull the emergency release: Locate the red emergency cord hanging from the opener and pull it down to disengage the garage door from the automatic opener.
Gently lower the door: Pull the garage door down until it reaches the ground. Lower it evenly to prevent it from coming off the tracks.
Reconnect the trolley: Move the door along the track until it clicks into place.

One of the signs that your garage door needs urgent repair is the inability to close properly. Reach out to a professional to determine the issue and correct it.

How to Manually Open and Close Your Garage Door From the Outside

You’ll need the emergency key to open and manually close the garage door from the outside. Follow these steps to open it:

Locate the emergency release mechanism: Look for a small keyhole near the top of the door. This keyhole is designed for manual operation from the outside. The key will open a kit that stores the emergency release cable.
Unlock the door: Insert your key into the emergency release lock and turn it counterclockwise. Once the lock disengages, remove the key and tug the release cord toward you to unlock the garage door.
Manually lift the door: With the lock disengaged, you should be able to lift the door with ease. If the door fails to open or it’s difficult, schedule repair services — there’s likely an issue with the moving parts.

To manually close the garage door from the outside, pull it down until it securely touches the ground. Then, you can use the key to lock the door securely.

What If You Can’t Manually Open Your Garage Door?

Garage doors work on spring and trolley systems that allow you to manually operate them and disengage from the automatic opener. While doors are heavy, you should be able to disengage and lift yours easily.

If you can’t lift the garage door manually, it’s best to get in touch with a professional. A few factors could be to blame.

1. Broken or Worn Springs

If you’ve followed this guide but are still unable to open your garage door, the most probable culprit is malfunctioning springs.

Springs are responsible for lifting the entire weight of your door. If there’s an issue with the springs, the door will be too heavy to lift by hand. Remember, if the springs are broken, do not attempt to replace them yourself or force the door open — this can cause injuries and further damage. Instead, call for professional spring replacement services to restore the door’s functionality.

2. Disconnected Release Cord

The red emergency release cord disengages the door from the opener. If you pull on it and it doesn’t detach from the opener, triggering manual operation, the release mechanism could be faulty. It may also be that the trolley is not in good working condition. Issues with the release cord and trolley system are best left to professionals.

3. Jammed Tracks

If the tracks are obstructed or bent, the rollers won’t slide well along them, making it challenging to open the door manually. Check for any debris or objects blocking the tracks and clear them before trying to reopen the door.

Confirm that the door has not come off its tracks, as misalignment could make manual operation challenging and risky. This could happen if the rollers are worn out or something has knocked the door off its path. If you notice any misalignment, call technicians to inspect the system and restore the door to its tracks.

4. Malfunctioning Opener

If the garage door opener is damaged or its internal gears fail, it may not correctly disengage when you pull on the emergency release. When that happens, your automatic garage door won’t close or open even with power on. If the opener is unresponsive, manually lifting the door may be impossible until it’s repaired.

Get Back on Track With Garage Door Services

If your garage door fails to operate with the remote control, opening and closing it manually is the best short-term solution while you wait for service. When you call a technician, let them know if you can’t operate it manually — they may be able to prioritize your repairs.

Remember that serious garage door failures like broken springs, misaligned tracks and loose or snapped cables require expert attention to ensure safe, reliable repairs. You also need instant repair services when you notice strange noises from the door or opener.

At Poulson Doors LLC, we know a malfunctioning garage door is more than an inconvenience. Reach out today to request a service appointment.

6 Reasons Your Garage Door Is Opening and Closing by Itself

You likely use your garage door several times a day to enter and leave your home or park your car. As with any mechanical and electric equipment, garage doors can sometimes malfunction. A garage door that opens and closes unexpectedly can be frustrating and present a safety and security hazard to your home.

You can stop your garage door from opening on its own by checking for common operational issues that can be quick to fix. If you notice complex electrical problems or damage, you’ll be better off getting a professional to intervene.

Possible Causes of Self-Opening and Closing Garage Doors

If your garage door opens by itself randomly, here are some of the most likely causes of the issue and a few do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions that may resolve it.

1. Remote Interference

The remote you use for your garage door can be triggered by neighboring remotes or radio interference. These devices may be emitting signals at the same frequency, which can interrupt the connection to your garage door. To prevent remote interference, try:

Replacing the batteries.
Reprogramming or resetting your garage door opener.
Inspecting the garage door opener’s antenna for debris or damage.
Repositioning the antenna on the garage door.
Using a different frequency.

2. Sensor Malfunction

The two safety sensors on your garage door, sometimes called “eyes,” will open the door if they detect obstacles. If your garage door randomly opens, even with no obvious blockages, it might be due to malfunctioning safety sensors. Some safety sensors work by shooting a beam of light that must be connected for the garage door to operate properly, which can cause your door to reverse if it becomes misaligned.

Locate the sensor eyes at the bottom of the garage door and remove any debris, including leaves, that might block the sightline between the sensors. Use a cloth to clean any dust or dirt from the safety sensor lenses. If your garage door opener has a diagnostic panel, check for indications that the sensor beam is not operating correctly. If these troubleshooting steps don’t work, you may have another issue that requires assistance from a technician.

3. Wiring Issues

Your garage door has a small gauge wire that connects the motor unit to the opener on the wall and additional wires that connect the motor unit to the sensors. Faulty wiring or short-circuiting in any of these spots may be why your garage door opens on its own.

Exposed spots in these wires may be a result of a nail or staple piercing the wire, rodent issues or damage from garage equipment. Exposed wires can also potentially brush against the metal door track and activate the motor unit.

Examine the length of the wiring around the opener button to ensure it isn’t compromised. If you notice bare spots in the insulation along the wire, wrap them with electrical tape. If that doesn’t fix the issue, it’s best to call a garage door technician, as working with electrical wires can be dangerous and complex.

4. Mechanical Problems

If you’ve noticed your garage door randomly opens and closes and makes odd noises, you may have a mechanical issue. Here are some common garage door mechanical problems:

Broken or worn-out springs
Misaligned tracks
Loose nuts and bolts
Rust
Damaged or loose rollers

A good way to identify the issue is by listening carefully to the noises your garage door makes. For example, if it makes a clinking noise, it might be rust. If you hear scraping and straining, it’s likely your springs. Grinding and squeaking noises can often indicate issues with your rollers.

Check your garage door system carefully for parts that look bent, damaged or rusted, which could be causing the unintended movements. If you’re unable to find the source of the issue or notice these sounds often, it’s important to contact a professional who can address these problems and perform regular maintenance.

5. Programming Errors

Incorrect programming settings or timer functions can result in your garage door opening by itself. Garage door openers operate on a specific frequency and code. If your neighbor happens to have the same garage door frequency or code, they may accidentally pair with your garage door system and cause it to open and close unexpectedly. You can confirm this issue if you notice your garage door opens and closes at the same time your neighbor operates their garage door!

These programming errors are more common in older garage door openers but rare in newer models. The solution is to clear the history and reprogram or reset your garage door transmitters to a different frequency. If your garage door has an LCD control panel, check whether there are more transmitters programmed than the ones you use.

Keep in mind that every garage door opener manufacturer has specific instructions for reprogramming and adjusting frequencies, so it may be in your best interest to reach out to a garage door professional.

6. Environmental Factors

There are many factors outside your control that can affect how your garage door functions, including:

Damage from thunderstorms and hurricanes
Temperature fluctuations
Sunlight exposure
Saltwater
Wind
Humidity
Power outages or surges
Rodent or pest infestations

Exposure to these elements can cause damage and decay to your garage door parts. One way you can prevent these issues from worsening is by adjusting the sensitivity settings. Locate the garage door motor and find the release mechanism. Then, find the auto-reverse sensitivity adjuster, which is usually a screw or a knob. Using your hands or a screwdriver, adjust the knob counterclockwise.

You can also install shielding and insulation to mitigate environmental influences, such as using weatherstripping to keep extreme temperatures and moisture out.

When to Seek Professional Garage Door Services

Some garage door issues can be solved with an inspection or a quick trip to the hardware store. However, if your garage door is damaged or has persistent problems, a DIY solution may not suffice. It may be in your best interest to loop in garage door professionals, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how your garage door components work or have little experience dealing with electrical wiring.

While cleaning your safety sensors or adding lubricant to a noisy garage door are relatively easy fixes, a garage door opening by itself can present many safety hazards to your family, pets and vehicles if not addressed properly. Garage doors contain complex hardware that can be risky to take on yourself. Not to mention, there’s always the possibility of unintentionally making the damage worse. If you decide to handle garage door repair on your own, be sure to take every safety precaution to prevent injuries.

Otherwise, it’s recommended that you contact a reputable garage door technician for complex issues. A professional can diagnose the reason your garage door is malfunctioning and will perform preventative measures, regular maintenance, sensor checks and system updates to ensure a smooth and safe operation.

Work With Poulson Doors LLC to Keep Your Garage Door in Top Shape!

From common dirt and dust to complex electrical issues, there are many reasons why your garage door isn’t operating the way it’s supposed to. If you’ve investigated the potential causes listed above but are unable to address the issue effectively, reach out to Poulson Doors LLC!

Our experts can identify the issue and take appropriate action to ensure you have a safe and functional garage door system. Our mission at Poulson Doors LLC is to offer exceptional customer service with the latest advancements in technology to give you products you can trust. We offer same-day service for garage installation, repair, maintenance and replacement to give you peace of mind. Request an estimate or schedule a service online today!

6 Signs Your Garage Door Needs to Be Repaired

Your garage door is an intricate part of your house. There are a lot of parts that make it work properly. When your garage door stops working, it can be very inconvenient and confusing to find the source of the problem. This guide shows you six signs to look for that indicate your garage door needs to be repaired.

1. Your Garage Door Won’t Close Properly

One of the most noticeable signs of a broken garage door is when it won’t close completely or sticks while closing. No matter how small the gap may be, if your garage door is not fully closed, your weatherstripping cannot seal. This means moisture can seep in and damage your door and the contents of your garage. It can also increase your energy bills by letting out air warmed by the heater or cooled by the air conditioner.

Several things could cause your door to close improperly. You may be able to fix most of them independently, but only if you can identify the source of the problem. Your garage door’s distance setting could be off. Your sensors may be malfunctioning. There might be a problem with your arms or rollers. The best thing to do is to consult a company that knows what might be wrong and get their help fixing the issue.

2. Your Garage Door Panels Are Broken or Damaged

Broken garage door panels can be a security risk and greatly diminish the aesthetics of your door. They also let any heating and cooling out, raising your energy bills. When a garage door panel is broken, dented, or damaged, you should repair or replace it immediately — it will get worse the longer it is left. It’s best to deal with the problem as soon as possible before more repairs are needed and costs increase.

3. Common Overhead Garage Door Problems

A common problem with overhead residential garage doors is when they do not open or close. A stuck garage door can be a tricky problem because so many things might be causing it. The best course of action is to call a garage door repair technician to help you find and solve the issue. Take this problem seriously and address it immediately.

When your garage door doesn’t open and close properly, you need to solve the problem before it gets worse. Various things can cause this problem, including:

Power source: Your garage door’s power source may not be functioning properly.
Settings: Critical settings might be limiting your door’s functionality.
Batteries: Your motor or door opener’s batteries might need replacing.
Springs: The garage door’s torsion or extension springs might be broken.
Cables: Your garage door cables might be loose or may have snapped.
Blockage: Something might be blocking a part of your garage door’s mechanisms.
Tracks: Your door might have fallen off its tracks, or it may need to be realigned.
Lock: Your door might be “locked.”
Sensitivity: Your door’s reverse sensitivity could need adjustment.

You might be able to solve many of these issues yourself if you know what to look for and keep up with regular garage door maintenance. However, major problems need an expert in garage door repair.

4. Your Door Falls off Its Tracks

Garage doors that fall off their tracks can be extremely dangerous. A garage door is heavy, and when it’s off its tracks, the chances of it falling on you or a family member are much higher. This can result in severe injuries and extensive damage to your door and garage.

Your door can dislodge itself from its tracks if the alignment is off, if a roller is damaged or if a cable has broken. If you hit or even nudge an unaligned door with your car, it can cause an overhead door to fall off its tracks with great force. If your door shows any signs of being unaligned or looks like it may fall off its tracks, urgent garage door repair is needed.

5. Your Torsion or Extension Springs Are Damaged

One of the most critical problems a garage door can have is when its torsion or extension springs are broken. Your door uses these springs to open and close. Extension springs are placed on either side of your garage door along its tracks. A torsion spring is centered above your garage door. While the door is closed, both spring types experience high tension. The tension creates the strength required to lift the door open.

If your springs are worn out or broken, your door won’t be able to open anymore. Only a trained garage door technician should handle damaged springs. Because they are so tightly wound, any wrong move can cause them to snap and cause serious injury. Call for a repair service to address any issues with your springs.

6. Your Garage Door Makes a Lot of Noise

A noisy garage door is more than annoying — it can be one of the most noticeable signs that your door needs repairs. Every noise your door makes could signify a different problem. A rumbling or a grating noise might suggest a malfunctioning torsion spring. A popping noise could mean certain sections are intersecting. Depending on the severity of the popping noise this could be a good thing or a bad thing.

When your door starts tracking against the tracks, it will produce an unpleasant grinding sound. If your garage door is making any of these noises or any other unusual sounds, it’s best to call a garage door company to help you find and solve the issue.

Poulson Doors Is Your Go-To Garage Door Repair Service

Poulson Doors is proud to offer the best in garage door installations, maintenance, and repairs. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding work and customer experiences to everyone we work with. At Poulson Doors, we are always looking to the future and staying ahead of the curve by constantly improving our processes and the technology we use. We utilize the latest advancements in safety, warranties, and energy efficiency related to garage doors.

Whether you need help diagnosing your garage door’s problems or a reliable repair service to solve them we are here to help you. We take every job we do seriously and let our strong reputation convince you that we are the right choice for you. Contact us to find out more about what we do and to request a service or an estimate.