It happened again. You ran to the grocery store and returned quickly, only to discover that your garage door was left open. You’re certain you closed it, and this isn’t the first time it’s happened. What’s going on?
Called “phantom operation” by repair experts, there are a few reasons your garage door could be opening by itself. Here are a few possible problems and how you can solve them yourself — and how to know when you should call in the pros.
Your Safety Sensor Takes Safety Really Seriously
Your safety sensor is your garage door’s best friend. Most of the time, it prevents damage to your belongings. But sensors are also — you guessed it — sensitive. Any object placed within the sensor’s tracking area could be enough to force your garage door back open. Check the area nearby the garage door track carefully. You can also try shutting the door and seeing where it reverses course.
If your driveway is covered in snow or ice, that can also be enough to force your door upward. Keep the area by your garage door free from snow, ice and other debris.
Your Neighbors Live Close By
Good fences make good neighbors, and so do garage door openers that are properly programmed and in solid working order. If your garage is close to your property line and your neighbor’s is too, it’s possible that your neighbor can control your garage door with his own remote. Is this situation unusual? Yes — but not unheard of.
Ask your neighbor to activate their garage door opener, and watch to see what happens to your door. If it opens, choose a new code.
Your Door Was Installed Before 1993
Garage doors installed prior to 1993 sometimes operate using a photoelectric system designed to improve safety. Unfortunately, their sensors sometimes fall out of alignment. When this issue occurs, the sensor misinterprets the misalignment as an object blocking the garage door track, forcing the door open. If you see a blinking light on your garage door wall panel, misaligned beams could be the cause, and you may need help from a pro.
Your Remote Is the Problem
If you’re like many drivers, you probably spend a lot of time pushing buttons on your garage door remote. Check the remote to see if a sticky or stuck button is the culprit, and change the batteries. Have a spare remote hidden in your junk drawer? If something is pushing against the remote inside your house, it could activate the door. It’s also possible that a loose wire inside the remote is the problem, in which case replacing the remote should fix the issue.
You Need an Electrician
Did you recently have a power surge or a lightning storm? If so, it’s possible that your garage door has a short circuit. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to install a new garage door, but you’ll probably want to have it looked at.
Contact us today if your garage door needs service.