Your garage door is one of the most frequently used entry points to your home, and its safety features—particularly the garage door sensors, play a crucial role in keeping your family and property secure. These sensors are designed to detect obstacles in the door’s path and prevent it from closing if something is in the way. But what happens when the sensors aren’t working properly? If you’re a homeowner in Vancouver, WA, understanding how to spot signs of misaligned garage door sensors can save you from major headaches (and repair bills) down the road.

At Ponderosa Garage Doors, we’ve helped countless homeowners troubleshoot and repair garage door issues, including sensor alignment problems. Here’s what to look for.

Your Garage Door Won’t Close All the Way

One of the most common signs that your garage door sensors are misaligned is when the door begins to close but immediately stops and reverses. This is a built-in safety feature, but if nothing is obstructing the path, your sensors may be out of alignment and falsely detecting an obstacle.

Try checking the sensor lights—there should be a solid light on both sensors when they are aligned. If one or both lights are blinking or completely off, that’s a clear indicator something is wrong. In Vancouver’s damp and sometimes unpredictable weather, even a small bump or excess moisture can cause the sensors to shift or malfunction.

Blinking or Off Sensor Lights

Each garage door sensor has an LED light, and those lights can tell you a lot. If one light is green and solid while the other is blinking or off, that typically means the sensors are not properly aligned. When aligned, both sensor lights should be lit and steady.

Residents in Vancouver, WA might also notice their sensors acting up during seasons with more rain or fog. Dirt, spider webs, or moisture on the lenses can interfere with the infrared signal. Gently clean the sensor lenses and see if the lights return to normal before assuming a more serious issue.

Intermittent Operation or Random Reversals

Does your garage door close halfway and then reverse without warning? This can be a frustrating and confusing issue—but it often stems from misaligned garage door sensors. A misalignment might cause the sensors to “see” an obstruction that isn’t there, triggering the safety mechanism.

If you’re experiencing intermittent operation in Vancouver, WA, it might also be due to temperature fluctuations affecting the metal mounting brackets. These subtle shifts can throw off the alignment over time. A quick check and adjustment can usually resolve the issue.

Unusual Clicking or Flashing from the Garage Door Opener

Another sign of sensor trouble is clicking noises or flashing lights coming from your garage door opener when you try to close the door. This is your system’s way of alerting you that something’s not right—most likely with the sensors.

If this happens frequently, it’s best to call a local expert like Ponderosa Garage Doors. Our trained technicians can quickly identify whether it’s truly a misalignment issue or if something more complex is going on.

Physical Signs of Sensor Misalignment

Sometimes, the problem is visible. If you notice that one of your garage door sensors is pointed slightly away from the other or appears loose on its bracket, it’s likely misaligned. These sensors should face each other directly and be mounted about 6 inches off the ground.

In Vancouver, WA, seasonal shifts or garage activities can easily knock sensors out of place. Lawn tools, bikes, or pets can all cause small bumps that go unnoticed—until the door refuses to close.

Call the Experts at Ponderosa Garage Doors

If you’re dealing with garage door issues and suspect that your sensors may be misaligned, don’t wait until the door fails completely. At Ponderosa Garage Doors, we provide prompt, professional service throughout Vancouver, WA to keep your home safe and your garage door functioning smoothly.

Call us today at (360) 216-0106 or schedule a service appointment online to have your garage door sensors checked and realigned by trusted local experts. We’re here to help your garage door work like new again!