Like many, maybe you have experienced that frustrating moment when the garage door opener fails to work. You change the battery on the opener and press the button, but the garage door still won't open. The problem may stem from the signal or receiver of the residential garage door opener. Here are potential causes to check out.
Moisture
Garage door sensors are remarkably resilient. They are not easily impacted or damaged by weather elements like rain or wind, especially since they are located inside the garage. However, if the garage door is left open for long periods of time in bad weather, the sensor might become fogged or misted. This can prevent the door opener signal from being received, so the garage door does not respond. If your opener stops working, check the sensor for signs of weather impact, such as snow drifting under the door to accumulate at the sensor.
Dust or Debris
Similarly, cumulative dust or debris from sand, sawdust shavings, or other common materials found in the garage may keep the sensor from recognizing the garage door opener signal. While this is not common, a substantial amount of debris resulting from woodworking, construction work, or other types of high-intensity activity can circulate air swiftly and strongly around the garage. Potentially, this movement could interfere with the sensor's ability to receive the door opener's signal.
Rodent and Insect Damage
Another possible cause of a malfunctioning garage door opener signal sensor is when a rodent chews through the wire or gnaws on the sensior. Mice, rats, chipmunks, and squirrels have been known to chew through exposed wires or mechanical devices in a garage. Less commonly, insects can burrow into areas of the garage door near the sensor. The size of their nest may obscure the sensor's ability to accept the garage door opener's signal. Heavy cobwebs from spiders might disrupt the signal, although this scenario is less likely.
Displacement
Occasionally, a gentle but firm tap of the sensor from a kid's scooter or basketball can knock it off track. While you might not be able to see a difference in its position, the sensor could be moved just enough to keep it from receiving the door signal. Fortunately, some types of displacement are easy to fix. However, if adjusting it doesn’t fix it, residential garage door openers are relatively affordable if yours must be replaced.
Inspect your non-functioning garage door opener for problems like those indicated above. If you are still unsure of the cause, contact a garage door repair professional.
