If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of watching your garage door begin to close, only to open back up again, you’re not alone. This is a common problem for many homeowners and can be inconvenient and puzzling.
From sensor issues to electrical faults, there are a few different reasons why this might be happening to your garage door. Let’s break down the most common causes and what you can do about them.
Blocked or Misaligned Sensors
An issue with the safety sensors is one of the most common reasons your garage door closes and then reopens. Garage door systems are equipped with sensors located near the ground on both sides of the door that are responsible for detecting objects that might be in the door’s way. The sensors prevent your garage door from closing on people, pets, or other obstacles.
This is usually a simple fix. First, check to see that nothing accidentally got in the way of your sensors. Make sure that the sensors and garage floor are clear of debris of any kind, including dirt, leaves, sticks, or grass.
If your sensors are misaligned, you will usually be able to tell by looking at the lights located on both sensors. Check to see if the signal lights are out or blinking. This will indicate whether something is wrong or out of alignment.
Travel Down Settings Need Adjusting
The travel down settings on your garage door opener control how far your door will travel down before it’s considered fully closed. If the setting is too short, your door will automatically reverse before it reaches the floor.
Changing weather is usually the cause of travel down settings malfunctioning. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to shifting or contracting components in the opener.
Faulty Travel Module or Logic Board
The travel module communicates with the logic board in your garage door opener and is responsible for controlling the door’s movement and stopping points. Both of these components can wear out with time and require replacement.
If this is the cause of your garage door closing and reopening, you might notice that the opener requires excessive force or power to open or that the lights flash in an irregular pattern. These are indicators that there could be an error with the travel module and logic board communication.
Worn or Misaligned Spring and Rollers
Worn-out springs and rollers on your garage door can lead to excess friction and strain. This can cause your door to work harder and wear out faster. The extra strain can also trigger the safety mechanism that causes your door to reverse and open back up.
It can help to extend the life of your springs if you lubricate them once a year with garage door lubricant. The same goes for your rollers. Occasionally, a misaligned roller can lead to reopening issues and should be inspected by a technician so it doesn’t lead to more serious problems.
Damaged Wiring or Electrical Circuits
Damaged or frayed wiring can interfere with the signals sent between the garage door opener, sensors, and other electrical components. This can cause the door to close and then reopen, as the opener may misinterpret the electrical signals.
A signal that this is the issue is an unusual noise from the opener. If your door is behaving erratically and you hear a clicking or humming when the door isn’t moving, you likely have an electrical problem.
Schedule an Inspection or Repair With Amega
Whether it’s a misaligned sensor, an adjustment to your travel settings, or worn mechanical parts, regular maintenance, and professional inspection can go a long way in keeping your garage door functioning smoothly.
To keep you and your family safe, garage door maintenance and repairs should be performed by professionals. If you’re unsure of how to diagnose or fix the problem, don’t hesitate to contact us today!