Depending on your property’s location and which direction your garage door faces, your garage may receive a lot of direct sunlight. Strong sunlight provides several benefits, including warmer indoor temperatures and reduction of mold and mildew. However, those bright beams can also cause some problems.
If you’re wondering, “Can the sun affect my garage door sensor?”, the answer is yes. If you’re experiencing difficulties operating your garage door, a glitched sensor could be to blame. Fortunately, Oceanside garage door service by Garage Door Medics can help.
In this blog, we’ll discuss garage door sensors and how they work. We’ll also review why taking measures to block sunlight can solve your garage door operation issues.
For more information about garage door services, garage door maintenance, and more, call Garage Door Medics today.
What Is a Garage Door Sensor?
Garage door sensors, often called safety sensors, serve a few different purposes. Some prevent accidents for automatic garage doors, while others keep the door from closing on existing objects. Other sensors monitor motion and CO2 activity in your garage space.
During installation, experts place sensors on the bottom edge of your garage door. Furthermore, they place them directly on your garage door frame and the exterior of your garage.
How Garage Door Sensors Work
Most garage door sensors utilize photo-eye technology. Experts place these infrared sensors at key locations around your garage door. These sensors allow your opener remote to interact with the door.
Objects in the path of sensor connections block or disrupt the actions associated with the sensor. For example, opener sensors placed on the garage door frame will stop door movement if an object or person breaks the sensors’ connection.
For garage door remote sensors, objects blocking the signal between the sensor and the remote may interfere with garage door operation.
Garage door sensors require low voltage wiring to connect with garage door opener motor units. This type of wiring may require special permitting, so speak with garage door professionals for the safest and most accurate installation.
How Sunlight Impacts Garage Door Sensors
Garage door sensors depend on infrared light to form connections between sensors. For that reason, sunlight may interfere with these connections.
Interference
Sunlight carries infrared light in higher strengths than that put out by infrared sensor lights. When strong sunlight shines on your garage door sensors, its infrared light will override your sensors’ light.
Heat Damage
Constant sunlight disrupts infrared signals and packs a lot of heat. If your garage door sensors sit in direct sunlight for most of the day, they may fall victim to heat warping or other damage.
When the components inside infrared sensors become damaged by heat, they may stop receiving signals. As a result, the safety features of your garage door may become inactive.
Sometimes, property owners don’t detect sensor damages or disruptions until a sensor stops working completely. Get ahead of potential sun-related wear and tear with regular garage door inspections.
How to Protect Garage Door Sensors from Sunlight
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In combination with regular maintenance, taking protective measures can reduce sun-related interference and damage.
Changing Sides
The easiest fix for garage door sensor sunlight interference involves switching the sensor locations. Since one sensor transmits and the other receives, changing the receiving sensor to the other side may move it out of the sun’s light.
This method works best for automatic garage door safety sensors. It may be less effective for pressure sensors or exterior remote sensors.
Moving the Sensors
Sometimes, moving both sensors further back into the garage door frame provides an easy solution.
Try to gauge where the sunlight shines on your garage during the day. Move your sensors out of the path where the sun shines the longest. Doing so may help reduce interference.
Build a Shade Box
Your garage door sensors simply need to transmit to one another to operate correctly. For this reason, building a customized shade box out of cardboard or light wood often works as a simple yet effective solution.
Adjust the shade box dimensions as needed. That way, this feature will not disrupt your garage door’s movement.
Purchase Sun Shades
Sun shades and sun shields for garage door sensors come in multiple colors and styles to suit different garages. You can find them through various online retailers.
These affordable shields offer easy installation. Moreover, they extend the life and range of your garage door’s infrared sensors.
As with any garage door issue, often the best help comes from seasoned professionals. Experts like those at Garage Door Medics have the experience and skill to adapt to unique situations. They can find solutions for your garage door needs no matter the situation.
Replacing Damaged Garage Door Sensors
Sometimes, garage door sensors stop working due to sunlight, weather, hardware malfunction, or another issue. Garage door repair professionals can test your sensors to see if they’re receiving electricity and sending infrared signals properly.
When sensors stop working, professionals can replace them quickly and easily. If you have questions like “Can the sun affect my garage door sensor”, your best option is to speak to an expert. A garage door specialist has the personalized answers you need and can make product recommendations.
Get Expert Garage Door Help from Garage Door Medics
Property owners must navigate so many complex responsibilities. If you’re wondering, “Can the sun affect my garage door sensor,” don’t let this question add to your stress. Get the help you need fast from our team of experts at Garage Door Medics.
At Garage Door Medics, we offer our clients services and knowledge to help them get the most out of their garage doors. Our blog provides a wealth of garage door maintenance knowledge. Furthermore, our 24/7 garage door services take care of the rest.
Take a look at this concise garage door maintenance checklist, or get started with your professional consultation in Oceanside, CA. Call Garage Door Medics at (888) 997-2423 to learn more.
