How quickly can you fix my sensor issues?

In most cases, we can diagnose and repair sensor issues the same day you call. Our technicians carry common sensor parts in their service vehicles, allowing for quick repairs. For standard sensor alignment or cleaning, repairs typically take 30-60 minutes. If your sensors need replacement, we stock most common brands and can usually complete the job in a single visit. Emergency sensor repairs are available 24/7 for situations where your garage door won't close properly, which can be a security concern.

What causes sensor issues in garage doors?

Garage door sensor issues typically stem from several common causes. Misaligned sensors are the most frequent problem—they can be knocked out of position by accidental bumps from bikes, trash cans, or lawn equipment. Dirty sensor lenses blocking the infrared beam are another common culprit, especially in dusty garages. Damaged wiring from weather exposure, pests chewing on cables, or general wear can interrupt the signal. Power surges can affect the electronic components, and age-related wear eventually affects all sensors. Sun interference can also cause issues when direct sunlight hits the sensors at certain times of day. Our technicians will diagnose the exact cause and recommend the most cost-effective solution, whether that's a simple realignment, cleaning, or full replacement.

Do you offer financing for new fiberglass door installations?

Yes! We offer flexible financing options to make your new fiberglass garage door installation affordable. We partner with leading financing providers to offer competitive rates and terms that fit various budgets. Options include 0% interest for qualified buyers on shorter terms, and low monthly payment plans for larger projects. The application process is quick and can often be completed during your free in-home estimate. Most customers receive approval within minutes. Contact us for details on current financing promotions and to see if you qualify. We believe every homeowner deserves a beautiful, functional garage door, and we work hard to make that accessible.

What's included in your maintenance service?

Our comprehensive maintenance service includes a thorough 25-point inspection covering all critical components of your garage door system. We professionally lubricate all moving parts including springs, hinges, rollers, and bearing plates using specialized lubricants designed for garage door systems. Spring tension is carefully adjusted to ensure proper door balance. All safety features are tested, including the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors. We inspect the opener system, including the motor, chain or belt, and remote functionality. Weather seals are examined for wear and proper function. This preventive care extends your door's lifespan by years, prevents costly emergency repairs, and ensures safe operation for your family.

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely. Garage Door North Wilkesboro is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of North Carolina. All our technicians are factory trained on major garage door brands and many hold master technician certifications. Our insurance coverage protects you and your property while we work—this includes general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for our team. We're happy to provide proof of insurance upon request. This protection, combined with our commitment to quality workmanship, gives you complete peace of mind on every job.

What warranty do you offer?

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive -year warranty on all labor and parts we install. This means if anything related to our workmanship fails within that period, we'll fix it at no additional cost to you. Additionally, manufacturer warranties on new doors and openers typically range from 1 year to lifetime depending on the product and component. For example, many premium door sections carry lifetime warranties, while springs and openers typically have 1-5 year manufacturer coverage. We'll explain all warranty details before any work begins so you know exactly what's covered.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours, including removal of the old door. This timeframe can vary based on factors like the complexity of the installation, whether we're installing a new opener, and any modifications needed for the door opening. We always aim to complete installations in a single day so you're not left without a functioning garage door overnight. Our team arrives with all necessary materials and equipment, and we clean up completely when finished.

What brands do you service and install?

We service and repair all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI Overhead Doors, Raynor, and many others. For openers, we work with LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Craftsman, and more. As an independent company, we're not locked into any single brand, which means we can recommend the best door for your specific needs and budget rather than pushing a particular manufacturer. This also means we can service and repair virtually any garage door you currently have.

Crush Prevention Systems: Protecting Your Family

2023-12-28 Sarah Williams

The Importance of Garage Door Safety

Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home, weighing between 150 and 400 pounds depending on size and material. While modern garage doors are engineered for safety, understanding and maintaining the safety systems is crucial for protecting your family, especially children and pets. At Garage Door North Wilkesboro, we've made safety education a priority for every customer we serve across North Wilkesboro and the greater Wilkes County area.

Understanding Crush Prevention Technology

Since 1993, federal law has required all garage door openers sold in the United States to include auto-reverse mechanisms. Today's systems are more sophisticated than ever, using multiple technologies to prevent crushing injuries:

Force Sensitivity (Mechanical Resistance)

Every garage door opener includes force sensitivity controls that detect resistance during door travel. When the door encounters an obstruction—whether a child's bicycle, a family pet, or a person—the system immediately stops and reverses the door.

These force settings are adjustable to accommodate the weight of your specific door while remaining sensitive enough to detect obstructions. If your door pushes too hard before reversing, the force setting may be too high and should be adjusted by a professional.

Photo-Eye Safety Sensors

Installed near the floor on both sides of your garage door opening, photo-eye sensors create an invisible infrared beam across the doorway. When anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, the door immediately stops and reverses.

These sensors are your most important line of defense against crush injuries. They're particularly effective at protecting children and pets who may run under a closing door. However, they only work when properly aligned and clean.

Timer-to-Close Safety Feature

Many modern openers include a timer-to-close feature that automatically closes your door after a set period. This feature includes additional safety protocols: the door will flash lights and sound warnings before closing, and the photo-eye sensors remain active throughout the closing sequence.

Testing Your Safety Systems

We recommend testing your garage door safety features monthly. Here's how:

Force Reversal Test

Open your garage door fully.
Place a 2x4 board flat on the floor in the door's path.
Press the close button on your remote or wall control.
When the door contacts the board, it should immediately reverse.
If the door doesn't reverse within 2 seconds of contact, call for service immediately.

Photo-Eye Sensor Test

Start with the door in the open position.
Press the close button.
As the door begins to close, wave a broomstick or your foot through the sensor beam (about 6 inches off the ground).
The door should stop and reverse immediately.
Check that both sensors have steady (not blinking) indicator lights.

Common Safety System Problems

When safety features malfunction, your garage door becomes a serious hazard. Watch for these warning signs:

Misaligned Sensors

The most common issue. Signs include:

Door won't close at all, immediately reversing
Blinking indicator lights on sensors
Door only closes when holding the wall button

Often, sensors just need cleaning and realignment—a simple fix our technicians can complete quickly.

Dirty Sensor Lenses

Garage environments collect dust, cobwebs, and debris that can block the infrared beam. Clean sensor lenses monthly with a soft, dry cloth.

Damaged Wiring

Wires running from sensors to the opener can be damaged by impact, pests, or age. If you notice exposed or frayed wires, call for professional repair.

Sun Interference

Direct sunlight can sometimes interfere with photo-eye sensors. If your door only malfunctions at certain times of day, sun glare may be the culprit. Sensor hoods or repositioning can solve this issue.

Teaching Children About Garage Door Safety

Children are most at risk for garage door injuries. Teach your kids these important safety rules:

Never play with garage door remotes or wall buttons
Never run under a moving garage door
Keep fingers away from door sections and hinges
Never stand or walk under a door that's being serviced
Tell an adult immediately if the door makes strange noises

Consider mounting your wall button at least 5 feet high, out of reach of small children, and always store remotes where children cannot access them.

Upgrading Older Systems

If your garage door opener was installed before 1993, it may lack modern safety features. Even openers from the early 2000s may have less sophisticated safety systems than today's models. Consider upgrading if:

Your opener lacks photo-eye sensors
Force reversal is inconsistent or weak
Safety features require frequent adjustment
Your opener is more than 15 years old

Professional Safety Inspections

At Garage Door North Wilkesboro, every service call includes a comprehensive safety check. Our technicians verify proper operation of all safety systems and make adjustments as needed. We believe that safety isn't an add-on—it's part of every job we do.

Serving North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, Boone, Lenoir, Statesville, and all surrounding communities, we're committed to keeping families safe. Contact us today to schedule a safety inspection or discuss upgrading your opener to include the latest safety technology.

Back to Blog