Though such sensors are a minor safety feature for your garage door system, they play a significant role. These sensors cause the door to stop if an object, pet, or person is in its path. While they are designed to be durable, weather and dirt can impair their performance, in some cases leading to aggravating malfunctions or even unsafe situations.

At Simcoe Garage Doors, we often find that sensor problems stem from exposure-related conditions rather than equipment failure. Here’s how weather and grit impact your garage door sensors — and what you can do about it. 

How Garage Door Sensors Work

Garage door sensors, or photo-eye sensors, are mounted a few inches from the floor on each side of the garage door opening. One sensor transmits an invisible infrared beam to the other. If that beam is broken, the garage door will halt or reverse direction.

Sensors are at a disadvantage because they are located closer to the ground and are more prone to weather conditions and debris. 

The Impact of Weather on Garage Door Sensors

1. Rain and Moisture

Rain, snow, or excessive moisture can throw off sensor calibration and electronics. Moisture can:

• Produce precipitation on the sensor lens 
• Result in corrosion of the wire or connector 
• Short-circuit older or damaged sensors

In regions such as Simcoe County, where weather changes quickly, prolonged exposure to moisture is the typical culprit in sensor failures.

2. Snow and Ice

Garage door sensors may also be adversely affected by winter conditions. The base of the door can accumulate slush, snowbanks, and ice that block the sensor beam entirely. Ice may also: 

• Shift sensors out of alignment
• Damage sensor housings
• Freeze internal components temporarily

If your garage door isn’t closing during the winter, sensors are often to blame.

3. Extreme Cold

Once the sensor wiring becomes brittle, it is more likely to crack. Electronics can also react sluggishly or fail in frigid temperatures, resulting in erratic sensor readings. 

4. Direct Sunlight

Strong sunlight falling on a sensor can obscure the infrared beam, particularly at sunrise and sunset. This can make the door reverse immediately or fail to close at all.

How Dirt and Debris Affect Sensors

• Dust and Dirt Buildup: Eventually, the sensor lens can become coated with dust, dirt, and grime. Even a thin layer can dampen the infrared indicator, leading to false interruptions. 

  Common sources include:

  • Driveway dust
  • Road salt residue
  • Construction debris
  • Pollen and grass clippings
• Spider Webs and Insects: Garage sensors are spiderweb and small-insect magnets. A single spider traversing the beam is sufficient to trigger a safety response that stops the door from closing.
• Leaves and Yard Debris: Leaves, mud, and stones thrown up by cars or lawn maintenance equipment can interrupt or misalign sensors — especially in the fall and spring.

Signs Your Sensors Are Affected

You might have a sensor problem if: 

• The garage door begins to close, then opens.
• The wall button must be held, or the door will not close

 

• The sensor lights are flashing or not lit 
• The door is weather-related in function 

These warning signs should not be overlooked, and the faulty sensors must be replaced as early as possible, because you know a malfunctioning appliance can make you unsafe.

How to Protect and Maintain Garage Door Sensors

• Regular Cleaning: Lightly wipe the sensor lens with a soft cloth and mild cleaner every few months, or more often if your yard gets dusty or snowy. 
• Check Alignment: Be sure both sensors are pointed directly at each other. A broom, a bike, or even a snow shovel can bump them out of alignment by just an inch or so. 
• Clear the Area: Ensure that nothing gets packed with snow, leaves, or debris around the sensors. Shovel cautiously in winter to avoid breaking the sensor mounts.
• Inspect Wiring: Check for split or exposed wires, especially after winter. This door needs to be repaired by a pro. 
• Schedule Professional Maintenance: Professional garage door service will keep sensors, tracks, springs, and openers operating safely — and properly — come fire, ice, or drought. 

Trust Simcoe Garage Doors for Expert Repairs

If your garage door sensors aren’t working correctly, don’t wait for an accident—get professional assistance. At Simcoe Garage Doors, we focus on troubleshooting sensor issues caused by weather, dirt, and general wear and tear.

Whether it’s just a clean-off, an adjustment, or replacement of the sensor itself, our skilled technicians are at the ready to help maintain your safe and reliable garage door ‐ regardless of the season! 

Call Simcoe Garage Doors now for service you can count on.