Can Garage Door Sensors Go Bad

How do garage door sensors work? These clever devices use an invisible beam of light, creating a line of sight that stretches across the entrance of your garage. Here’s how they work: one sensor throws a beam to the sensor on the other side that catches it. If anything interrupts the beam (say, a wandering pet, a rolling basketball, or even a person), the sensors signal the door to stop. This safety feature plays an important role in alleviating the risks of injury or damage to anything in its path. These photo-eye sensors offer homeowners and occupants a significant measure of security and peace of mind. 

The answer is yes if your next question is “Do garage door sensors go bad?” First, take a look at the sensors at the base of your garage door using an infrared beam. If the lenses are dirty or obstructed, the signal won’t be received properly, leading to a malfunction. This can cause the door to refuse to close or to reverse unexpectedly. 

Next, check to see if the sensors are out of alignment. If they become misaligned, the beam will be interrupted. This misalignment can lead to the garage door behaving erratically, such as stopping midway, not closing, or reversing for no apparent reason. 

Homeowners can tackle cleaning or realigning their garage door sensors on their own. However, if your door isn't working due to electrical or mechanical issues, it's time to call a professional. 

It might be time to call a professional if your garage door operates inconsistently. Professionals have the tools and know-how to diagnose these issues accurately. Garage doors are heavy and operate under significant tension. If sensors are malfunctioning, it could lead to unpredictable door movements, posing a risk of injury. Professionals know how to handle these systems safely, reducing the risk of accidents. 

Getting sensors perfectly aligned isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Professionals use specific tools and techniques to ensure the alignment is precise, preventing future issues and ensuring the door operates smoothly. 

Electrical problems could be the reasons for the inconsistent operation of your garage door opener. These are not only challenging to diagnose but also dangerous to handle without proper training and equipment. 

Garage door sensors can become damaged because they are positioned near the ground. They can be struck by vehicles, or lawn equipment, or damaged by children or pets. 

Over time, garage door sensors can also experience wear and tear from repeated use and exposure to environmental factors such as dust, debris, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. This natural degradation can affect the sensors’ performance, diminishing their sensitivity or ability to transmit and receive signals accurately. 

Physical damage or wear and tear on your garage door sensors is a strong indication that it’s time to call the experts. They will ensure your garage door is safe, reliable, and functions as it should. 

Do garage door sensors go bad, and how long do they last? Yes, over time garage door sensors can to bad. Garage door sensors often last as long as the garage door opener itself, which can be around 10 to 15 years. The following factors will affect the lifespan of your garage door sensors:

• The quality of the sensors 
• How many times the door is used 
• Environmental conditions 
• Maintenance 
• Physical Damage 



While garage door sensors are built to last and often do, their longevity will be affected by how well they are maintained, their exposure to harsh conditions, their quality, and how often the garage door is used. Proper care and occasional checks can help ensure they function effectively for as long as possible.