How to Tell if You Need to Replace Your Garage Door Sensor
Table of Contents
1. Your Garage Door Won't Close All the Way
If your garage door starts closing but then reverses before reaching the ground, this is a sign of failing garage door sensors.
While dirt or minor misalignment can cause this issue, repeated reversing means the garage door safety sensors are no longer communicating properly and may need to be replaced.
2. Sensor Lights Are Blinking or Flashing
Most garage door opener sensors have indicator lights that show whether they are working. A solid light means regular operation, while a blinking or flashing light signals a problem.
If cleaning the lenses and realigning the sensors doesn’t stop the blinking, it’s a sign that you should replace your garage door sensor.
3. The Garage Door Only Closes When Holding the Wall Button
When your garage door only closes if you press and hold the wall-mounted button, the system is bypassing the sensors for safety reasons.
It means the sensors are not functioning, and the safety feature is compromised. In most cases, replacing a garage door sensor can help restore operation.
4. The Sensors Are Damaged
Physical damage is a sign that replacement is needed. Cracked housings, exposed or corroded wires, bent brackets, or sensor damage by vehicles, snow shovels, or equipment can cause unreliable performance.
In these situations, garage door sensor repair is not recommended; a replacement is.
5. You're Constantly Re-Aligning the Sensors
If you have to adjust the sensors regularly to get the garage door to close, the internal components may be worn out.
Sensors that won’t stay aligned are often near the end of their lifespan, and ongoing adjustments indicate it’s time to replace them.
6. The Sensors Are Old and Failing
Most garage door sensors last between 10 and 15 years.
If your system is older and you’re experiencing recurring sensor problems, especially during cold, damp, or winter conditions, replacement is the most reliable long-term solution.
Why Garage Door Sensors Matter
Garage door safety sensors can detect objects, people, or pets in the path of a closing garage door.
If something blocks the invisible beam between the sensors, the door automatically stops or reverses direction.
In Ottawa, environmental factors like snow buildup, ice, condensation, and dirt can interfere with sensors more frequently than in milder climates.
When sensors malfunction, you may assume the opener is failing, when in reality, the issue lies with the sensor system.
With a functioning sensor system, it’s not just a convenience; it’s a legal and safety requirement for modern garage doors.
What Is a Garage Door Sensor and How Does It Work?
Most modern garage door openers use photo-eye sensors, installed a few inches above the ground on either side of the door track.
One sensor sends an infrared beam, while the other receives it. When the beam is uninterrupted, the garage door closes. If the beam is blocked or if the sensor can’t communicate, the system prevents the door from closing.
Over time, wiring issues, alignment problems, damage, or internal component failure can cause these sensors to stop working, requiring a garage door sensor repair or replacement.
Repair vs. Replace: How to Know Which You Need
Not every sensor issue needs a replacement. In some cases, garage door sensor repair, such as cleaning the lens, tightening brackets, or realigning sensors, can restore the function.
However, replacement is the better option when:
- Sensors are over 10 years old
- Wiring is damaged or corroded
- Indicator lights continue flashing after troubleshooting
- Sensors keep failing in cold weather
Choosing to replace a garage door sensor early can prevent unexpected breakdowns and improve the system.
Can You Replace a Garage Door Sensor Yourself?
If you’re considering doing the DIY garage door sensor replacement, it comes with risks. Sensors must be perfectly aligned, correctly wired, and compatible with your garage door opener model.
Common DIY mistakes include:
- Incorrect wiring connections
- Improper sensor height
- Misalignment that causes recurring issues
- Using incompatible replacement parts
We recommend a professional installation with Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers as it ensures safety, correct calibration, and long-term performance.
Sensors are not universal, and you can’t assume one set will work on every opener model.
Why You Should Hire a Local Garage Door Professional
Hiring a local company like Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers offers several advantages:
- Fast service across Ottawa and the surrounding areas
- Experience with cold-weather sensor failures
- Access to compatible, high-quality replacement parts
Local professionals understand how Ottawa’s climate affects garage door opener sensors, ensuring repairs and replacements are done right the first time.
Cost to Replace a Garage Door Sensor in Ottawa
The cost to replace a garage door sensor can vary depending on:
- Sensor brand and opener compatibility
- Wiring condition
- Labor requirements
- Whether one or both sensors need replacement
While DIY options may seem cheaper upfront, professional replacement often saves you money by preventing repeat failures and ensuring long-term safety.
Preventing Future Garage Door Sensor Problems
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your garage door safety sensors:
- Clean the sensor lenses seasonally
- Remove snow and ice buildup near the door
- Check alignment after winter storms
- Schedule annual garage door inspections
Preventative care is vital in Ottawa’s climate, where moisture and freezing temperatures accelerate wear.
FAQs
Most sensors last 10-15 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions.
Yes, modern garage doors must have functioning safety sensors to comply with Ontario safety regulations.
Yes, the cold temperatures, condensation, and ice can interfere with sensor alignment and wiring.
Professional replacement is completed in under an hour.
Book Garage Door Sensor Replacement in Ottawa
If your garage door is showing signs of sensor failure, don’t wait for a complete breakdown. Professional garage door sensor replacement in Ottawa ensures your system is safe, reliable, and ready for every season.
Contact Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers today for expert diagnosis, fast service, and peace of mind, because your garage door should protect your home, not put it at risk
