Step-by-Step Guide on How to Align Garage Door Sensors

Garage doors rely on small details to work safely. One of the most important parts of the system sits just a few inches above the floor: the garage door sensors. When these sensors aren’t aligned correctly, the door may not close, may reverse mid-close, or might stop altogether. Learning how to align garage door sensors can save time, prevent unnecessary repairs, and keep your garage door operating safely.

What Garage Door Sensors Do

Garage door sensors prevent the door from closing on a person, pet, or object. They use a beam of infrared light to detect anything in the door’s path. If something breaks the beam, the system tells the garage door opener to stop or reverse. The sensors work in pairs. One sensor sends the beam, and the other receives it. If that signal gets interrupted or if the sensors fall out of alignment, the garage door won't function properly.

Where to Find the Sensors

Garage door sensors sit on each side of the door, about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. They’re mounted on the vertical track or bracket that supports the door’s rollers. Each sensor has a small lens and indicator light. One light stays green to show the receiving sensor is powered and aligned. The other usually glows orange or yellow to confirm the sending sensor is functioning. If either light is blinking or off, that’s a red flag.

Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Are Out of Alignment

A misaligned sensor pair is one of the most common reasons garage doors won’t close. If you notice any of these signs, the sensors likely need adjustment:

The garage door won’t close using the remote or wall button
The door begins to close, then reverses
You hear a clicking noise and see light flashes on operator
The sensor indicator lights are blinking or off

If the door closes only when you hold the wall button, the sensors are trying to prevent what they think is an unsafe close. They need to be realigned.

What Causes Garage Door Sensors to Misalign

Sensors don’t shift on their own unless something bumps them or something interferes with the brackets. Here are the most common causes:

Someone accidentally kicked or bumped a sensor
A bike, shovel, or storage bin hit the bracket
Vibration from the garage door operation loosened the mounting screws
Dust, dirt, or spider webs cover the sensor lens

Checking these problems before calling for a repair can help you get your door working faster.

How to Align Garage Door Sensors

Knowing how to align garage door sensors starts with a simple check and adjustment process. All you will need is a screwdriver, some string, and a little patience.

Step 1: Inspect

Inspect both sensor lenses. Wipe away dust or debris with a clean cloth. Check the wires for damage and make sure they are securely connected.

Step 2: Check the Brackets and Mounts

Look for any signs of bent brackets or loose screws. Tighten everything down so the sensors sit snugly in their mounts. You should be able to gently adjust them side to side without force.

Step 3: Use a String to Line Them Up

Tie a piece of string from one sensor to the other. Stretch it tight so it runs across both sensor lenses. Use a level to check the string. Adjust the sensors up or down so they’re perfectly in line with the string and each other. Once aligned, the sensor lights should turn solid, showing the signal is connected.

Step 4: Test the Door

Press the remote or wall button. If the sensors are aligned correctly, the door should close smoothly without stopping or reversing. If the lights continue blinking or the door still won’t close, double-check the alignment and clean the lenses again. Sometimes, it takes a few small tweaks to get it just right.

Why Proper Sensor Alignment Matters

Garage door sensors aren’t just a safety feature. They’re required by law on all automatic garage doors built since 1993. If they aren’t working correctly, the door poses a serious hazard. Learning how to align garage door sensors gives you control over a common problem that doesn’t always need professional service. But if you’ve tried aligning them and the lights still won’t stay solid, the issue might be deeper. Bad wiring, damaged sensor units, or a faulty garage door opener can also cause problems.

Need a Hand? Let’s Get Your Door Working Again

Garage doors work best when every part is in sync, and sensors are no exception. If you’ve gone through the steps and your sensors still aren’t working right, it may be time to call in some extra help. Interstate Garage Doors services all makes and models of garage door openers and sensors. Call 717-263-3150 or fill out our online form to schedule fast and friendly service. We’ll get your garage door working the way it should. Smooth, safe, and hassle-free.

How to Adjust the Height of Your Garage Door

Garage doors don’t just go up and down—they need to move smoothly, stop where they should, and close fully without slamming. If your garage door opens too far or doesn’t close all the way, it can create problems ranging from security issues to damage on the door itself. So, how do you adjust the height of a garage door? Learning how to do this can help you fix small issues, but it’s not always a job to take lightly. There’s tension, hardware, and electrical components involved, so you’ll want to approach this carefully. Let’s break down how height adjustments work and how to know when it’s time to bring in a professional.

Know What You’re Working With

Garage doors use one of two systems: torsion spring or extension spring. Torsion spring systems sit above the door and twist to lift it. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch to provide lift. The type of system matters because each one uses different methods to control how far the door travels.

If you’re adjusting the height to fix an issue like a gap at the bottom, a door that opens too high, or one that stops too soon, you’ll need to check both the opener settings and the door’s hardware. Don’t make changes until you understand which part needs adjusting.

Adjusting the Open and Close Limits on Your Opener

If your door is powered by an automatic opener, you’ll find that most modern systems have limit screws or dials that control how far the door travels when opening or closing. These controls are often located on the back or side of the motor housing.

Steps to Adjust Travel Limits

Unplug the opener. Safety first. Disconnect the opener from the power source.
Locate the limit settings. Most openers use labeled adjustment screws or knobs: “up” for opening height, and “down” for closing height.
Turn the screw. A small flathead screwdriver usually works. Turn the screw in small increments, about a quarter turn at a time.
Test the door. Plug the opener back in and run the door. Repeat until it stops where you want it to.

Keep an eye on the door's movement. If it starts opening too fast, slamming down, or acting strange, stop right away. You could be putting extra strain on the motor or door. At this point if you start to feel unsure about what step to take next, don't hesitate to call a professional.

Spring Adjustments Are Risky Without Proper Tools

You might think the springs are the next thing to tweak if the opener settings don’t fix the issue. But this is where things get risky. Torsion springs hold a huge amount of tension, and adjusting them without the right tools or training can lead to serious injury.

How do you adjust the height of a garage door with spring tension? If you’re asking that, and you don’t already have winding bars and safety gear, it’s probably not something you want to take on yourself. Spring tension directly affects the balance of the door, which in turn affects how high it opens and how well it closes. Trying to adjust springs with makeshift tools or without knowing the tension level can easily lead to damage, or worse, injury.

Tracks, Cables, and Manual Stops

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the opener or springs. If your garage door isn’t reaching the ground or is stopping too early, it might be binding in the tracks or catching on worn-out cables. Rollers that are misaligned or tracks that have shifted can block the door from reaching its full height.

Some garage doors also have mechanical stop bolts that physically limit how far the door can travel. These are usually found on commercial doors or older models. If one of these is loose or has moved, it could stop your door short or let it go too high.

Know When It’s Time to Call a Pro

You might be able to handle opener adjustments with a screwdriver, but anything involving springs, tracks, or cables should be left to a professional. Misjudging even one part of the adjustment can lead to more damage or serious safety issues. Technicians with the right training and equipment can diagnose the issue and fix it without putting your home or safety at risk.

Get a Free Estimate and Fix Your Door the Right Way

If your garage door is going too high, not high enough, or slamming shut, don't let it go unchecked. Interstate Garage Doors has seen it all and we know exactly how to fix any garage door problem you may be experiencing. We service residential and commercial doors across South Central Pennsylvania, Hagerstown, Maryland, and Martinsburg, West Virginia. Call 717-263-3150 or request a free estimate for a repair or adjustment today. We'll get your garage door working exactly how it should; safe, smooth, and quiet.

How Much Is a New Garage Door? Here’s What Affects Garage Door Prices

A garage door isn't just an entry point. The right door enhances your home's curb appeal, boosts security, and improves energy efficiency. Whether you're upgrading for aesthetics or replacing a worn-out door, knowing what affects the price is essential. So, how much is a new garage door? Prices vary based on several factors, including material, style, and installation costs. Understanding these details can help you choose a door that fits your budget and needs.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a New Garage Door

Understanding the elements that affect garage door pricing can help you make an informed decision.

1. Material Selection

The material of the garage door plays a significant role in its cost, appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Some materials are more affordable but may require more upkeep, while others offer longevity with a higher upfront investment.

Steel: Known for durability and low maintenance, steel doors are a popular choice. Steel doors are available in various thicknesses, with thicker options offering better insulation. They can also be painted or textured to mimic wood for a more customized look.
Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to rust, aluminum is ideal for humid climates where corrosion is a concern. While aluminum is less prone to rust, it can be more susceptible to dents compared to steel.
Wood: While wood doors offer a classic and customizable look, they require more maintenance, such as sealing and painting, to protect against moisture and warping. Higher-end hardwood options can push the price higher but provide an elegant, traditional appearance.
Composite: Composite garage doors can mimic wood grain. These doors are also less likely to warp in humid conditions but may fade over time with prolonged sun exposure.

2. Door Type and Design

The style and operation of the garage door impact both aesthetics and cost. Choosing a design that complements your home’s architecture can add to its curb appeal, while certain door mechanisms may require a larger budget.

Standard Panel: Standard panel doors offer simple designs in sectional panels that roll on a track on the garage door ceiling, and are an economical and widely used choice. While they may lack intricate design details, they are available in multiple materials and insulation levels.
Carriage Style: Carriage style doors are designed to resemble old-fashioned barn doors. Carriage doors operate as sectional doors offering a charming and traditional aesthetic. Many homeowners choose them for their unique appeal, but they may require additional hardware and reinforcement.
Glass and Custom Designs: These doors are often made with tempered glass panels for a modern look, but custom shapes, colors, and materials can increase costs. Glass doors offer sleek aesthetics and natural light but may require more maintenance to keep them clean.

3. Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Garage doors with insulation help regulate temperature, reduce noise, and improve energy efficiency. Insulated doors generally cost more but provide long-term savings on heating and cooling.

Non-Insulated: More affordable but offer little protection against temperature fluctuations. These doors work best in detached garages where energy efficiency is not a priority.
Single-Layer Insulation: Adds a basic layer of thermal protection. It is an excellent middle-ground option for garages that are attached to the home.
Double-Layer or High R-Value Insulation: Provides the best thermal performance and noise reduction. These doors are ideal for colder climates and garages used as workspaces or living areas.

4. Installation and Labor Costs

Labor costs for garage door installation vary based on the complexity of the job and location. Professional installation ensures proper operation, safety, and longevity.

Complex installations involving custom designs, additional hardware, or modifications to the garage opening can increase costs.
Removing and disposing of an old garage door may add to the overall price.

Get a New Garage Door That Fits Your Budget

A new garage door is an investment that adds value to your home. Pricing depends on material, design, insulation, and installation costs, so if you would like to know how much a new garage door will cost you, reach out to the pros at Interstate Garage Doors for a custom estimate. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a custom design, we can help you find the right fit. Call 717-263-3150 or fill out our online form to get a quote and schedule an installation today.