Interesting Facts About Garage Door Openers

You may not think about your garage door opener often, but it is an important component in most homes. This device is used almost every day and plays a crucial part in the safety and security of your home. Before you dismiss your garage door opener as just a “convenience” you may want to consider these interesting facts about these important devices.

  • Garage doors are the largest and heaviest moving objects in most homes. The garage door opening system controls a few hundred pounds with a simple push of a button, day in and day out.
  • It is estimated that 70% of people use the garage door to enter their home. This means the security of this door is extremely important.
  • The first electric garage door opener was made in 1926; there has been almost 100 years of technology and advancements made on this device.
  • Since 1993, garage door openers have been required to have an auto-reversal feature to stop them from closing on people or objects. These sensors are a crucial element, but need to be kept aligned and maintained to be functional.
  • Garage door openers have become “smart.” You can purchase openers with wi-fi that will notify you if they are used and you can control the functions through your smartphone for advanced security and convenience.

While garage door openers are a vital part of many people’s everyday life, they often get neglected. Ongoing service and maintenance can ensure that the safety and security features are working correctly. Make sure to schedule annual tune-ups for your garage door opener to keep your home and family safe while extending the life of your garage door opener.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA 30019
770-985-3355

Garage Door Safety Sensor 101

Since 1992, all garage door openers have been required to have a safety sensor that stops garage doors from closing when anything is blocking the doorway. This electronic eye ensures that you do not accidently close your garage door on your vehicle, or worse, a person. However, this safety sensor can cause problems if it is not aligned correctly. Here are a few basic tips to ensuring your safety sensor on your garage door is working correctly.

  • How your sensor works. The safety sensor works by having two sensors, one on each side of the garage door, near the bottom. One sensor sends a laser beam across the garage door opening into the second sensor. A disruption in the laser sends a code to the opener to stop the door from closing.  If your garage door won’t close, it often can be due to the sensors not aligning,
  • Safety test. To see if your safety sensor is doing its job, try putting a large cardboard box under your garage door. Close the door using your garage door opener. The door should stop closing if the sensor is working correctly. If the door crushes the cardboard box, your sensor needs repair or alignment.
  • Aligning the sensor. If your sensor is not working, check the alignment of the two sensors. Make sure the emitting sensor and receiving sensor are pointed at each other. After realigning, try the safety test again. If the door still closes on the cardboard box, you may need to have your sensors replaced.

The safety sensors on your garage door are crucial to avoid damage to your vehicles and prevent injuries. If they are not working, call your local garage door service company to have them repaired or replaced.

Posted on behalf of: 
Habpro Garage Doors
Dacula, GA
770-985-3355

Garage Door Opener Safety Checkup

Modern garage door openers add convenience and provide an extra measure of security to your home.  Unlike automatic garage door openers sold decades ago, modern garage door openers are equipped with safety features that prevent injuries associated with older garage doors.  These safety features need to be working properly to provide maximum security and safety for your family.

Fortunately, it takes less than thirty minutes to run through a safety check to ensure your garage door’s safety features are properly adjusted and working as designed.  The first thing to check is the age of your garage door opener.  If it is more than 20 years old, you should replace it with a new garage door opener.  Garage door openers sold before 1993 are lacking important safety features that are standard equipment on every garage door opener today.

Next, check the spring tension by disengaging the opener while the door is in the closed position.  Then slowly open the door by hand.  Even though a garage door can weigh up to 400 pounds, the door should open easily and should stay in place when opened about halfway.  If the door is heavy, binds, will not stay partially open, or is otherwise difficult to open manually, have it adjusted by a garage door professional. Do not attempt to adjust the spring tension your elf!

Test the automatic reversing feature by re-engaging the opener and opening the door to the fully open position.  Place a two by four block of wood in the path of door and close the garage door.  The door should reverse automatically when it reaches the wood block.

Finally, test the photoelectric eye sensors.  Starting with the door in the open position, start closing the door with the opener.  Without getting in the way of the door, break the photo electric beam with your hand or a broom.  The door should immediately stop closing, reverse direction and return to the fully open position.

If any of your garage door safety features do not function properly, have the door serviced by an experienced garage door technician.