Why Is Your Garage Door Opening and Closing by Itself?

However, although garage doors are designed to provide you with years of worry-free service, that does not make the doors indestructible. One of the obvious signs that your garage door is failing is if it opens or closes by itself. Discover some possible causes of this problem and what to do.

Blocked Sensor

Today, garage doors are equipped with extra safety features like sensors. This feature detects any object or person in the way and stops the door from closing so that no one can get hurt.

If the sensor is blocked, perhaps due to dirt accumulation, that may send the wrong signal to the door opener that someone is present, which can cause the door to open on its own. Similarly, if you pile items such as boxes in front of the sensor, that can cause the sensor to malfunction.

The easiest fix is to wipe off the dirt and remove anything obstructing the sensor. Besides blockage, the sensor may fail if not aligned correctly. You may need a professional garage door service company to inspect and adjust the sensor for correct alignment.

Faulty Control Wiring

Your garage door opener features a control panel with several control buttons. This panel then gets connected to the garage door opener through a series of wires, and if any of the cables are exposed, perhaps due to wear and tear, it can interfere with the door’s normal operations and cause it to open and close on its own.

To address this issue, inspect your control wiring and replace any broken or exposed wires. But considering how risky this electrical work can be, leave this job to a professional garage door technician.

Faulty Circuit Board

The circuit board, also known as the logic board, is the electronic component that receives signals from the control panel and transmits these signals to open and close your garage door.

If any components on this board are no longer functioning correctly, this circuit board may transmit the wrong signals to your door opener and cause it to open or close on its own.

Besides, you can tell if the circuit board is the culprit if your garage door opens halfway or if the warning light flashes consistently. The circuit board is complex, so do not attempt to replace it yourself. Instead, hire a garage door technician to do the job for you.

Damaged Springs

Garage door springs ensure a smooth and easy operation. This component balances the door’s weight for consistency when you open and close the door.

When these springs get worn out or broken, that may cause uneven weight distribution, compromising the door’s balance and, in turn, its normal operations.

Other than the door opening and closing by itself, loose or broken springs may manifest differently, such as a loud noise when operating the door. The door may also open crookedly or too fast.

If you suspect your springs are to blame, do not attempt to repair them yourself. The springs are a significant part of the door, and a minor mistake can cause considerable damage. Instead, call a garage door professional to inspect and repair your springs safely.

Now that you understand some of the possible causes of your garage door opening or closing by itself, you can take proactive steps to avoid such a problem. Keep an eye out for signs that indicate your door needs repairs, and do not hesitate to call a professional garage door technician when necessary.

You can trust us at Plano Overhead Garage Door to inspect, diagnose and repair or replace your garage door so that it operates as intended. Contact us today, and let us discuss how we can help.

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