The sensors of your garage door are a very crucial component of it. The doors rely on these sensors to send them the message of when to open or close, which is why it is important to take proper care of them. One thing that could potentially harm your garage door sensors that you may not know about is sunlight. To learn more about this, keep reading below.
How Do Garage Door Sensors Work?
A garage door sensor is one of a garage door’s most important safety features. These sensors are designed to prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. But how do they work?
There are two sensors on a garage door, one on each side of the door. These sensors are connected to the garage door opener with wires. Each sensor has a beam of infrared light sent across the door’s opening. If the beam is broken, it will send a signal to the opener that will stop the door from closing.
The sensors are usually mounted about six inches off the ground and aligned so that the beam is horizontal. If something breaks the beam, it is usually because it is taller than six inches. This is why the sensors are an important safety feature: they can prevent the door from closing on a child or pet.
How Does Sunlight Hurt Garage Door Sensors?
Most garage door sensors are durable and withstand exposure to the elements. However, sun exposure can damage and weaken the sensors over time, causing them to malfunction.
When the garage door sensors are exposed to direct sunlight, the UV rays can cause the plastic to degrade and become brittle. This can cause the sensors to crack and break, preventing them from working properly. In addition, the sun can also cause the sensors to become discolored, making it difficult to see the light beam.
If the sun damages your garage door sensors, they must be replaced as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to repair the sensors yourself. However, if the damage is extensive, it is best to contact a professional for assistance.
What Other Environmental Factors Can Hurt My Sensors?
Other environmental factors that can hurt your garage door sensors include:
Extreme hot and cold temperatures can damage the sensors and cause them to malfunction.
High humidity can also damage the sensors and cause them to malfunction.
Dust, dirt, and other debris can build up on the sensors and cause them to malfunction.
If the sensors are not properly aligned, they can also cause the garage door to malfunction.
How Can I Prevent My Garage Door Sensors from Malfunctioning?
The first thing you can do to prevent your garage door sensors from malfunctioning is to keep them clean. Dust and dirt can build up on the sensors and cause them not to work as well as they should. You should wipe them down with a clean cloth or brush regularly to keep them clean.
Another thing you can do to prevent your garage door sensors from malfunctioning is to make sure they are properly aligned. The sensors need to be lined up for the door to work correctly. You can check the alignment by holding a level up to the sensors. They need to be adjusted if they are not level with each other.
If your garage door sensors still have issues, you may need to call a professional to fix or replace them. The professional should be able to tell the best course of action.
Conclusion
Yes, sunlight exposure can affect garage door sensors. The sensors are designed to detect objects in the door’s path, and if the sensors are exposed to direct sunlight, they can become less sensitive and may not detect objects. If you have a garage door with sensors, it is important to keep the sensors clean and free of debris and ensure they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
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