Garage Door Sensors
Garage door sensors are small devices with a big job: keeping your family, pets, and property safe. Since 1993, safety sensors have been required on all automatic garage doors in North America — but how do they actually work?
The Basics of Garage Door Sensors
Sensors use infrared technology. One sensor sends a light beam, and the other receives it. If anything blocks that beam, the door won’t close.
Why Are They Important?
Prevent Accidents: Stops the door from closing on people, pets, or objects.
Protect Property: Keeps your car from being damaged.
Ensure Safety Compliance: Required by law in residential systems.
Common Sensor Issues
Dirty Lenses: Dust or spider webs block the beam.
Misalignment: Sensors must face each other; bumps or vibrations can knock them out of place.
Wiring Problems: Loose or damaged wires prevent sensors from working.
Weather Interference: Snow, ice, or direct sunlight can disrupt the beam.
How to Maintain Garage Door Sensors
Wipe the lenses with a clean cloth regularly.
Check alignment (the indicator light should be steady, not blinking).
Keep the area around the sensors clear of clutter.
Professional Sensor Repair & Replacement
If your sensors fail even after cleaning and adjusting, don’t bypass them — that’s unsafe. Instead, trust our CDI-certified technicians to repair or replace them quickly.
Contact Lakehead Overhead Door today for expert garage door sensor service and keep your family safe.
Garage Door Remote Not Working?
Imagine coming home on a snowy night, only to find your garage door remote doesn’t respond. Don’t panic — most remote problems have simple solutions.
Top Reasons Your Garage Door Remote Isn’t Working
1. Dead Batteries
The simplest problem is often the culprit. Weak or dead batteries can stop your remote from sending signals. Replace them first.
2. Reprogram the Remote
Sometimes, remotes lose their connection to the opener. Check your opener’s manual to reset or reprogram your remote.
3. Check the Opener’s Antenna
Your garage door opener uses an antenna to receive signals. If it’s broken, bent, or blocked, your remote may not work.
4. Electrical Interference
Nearby electronics like Wi-Fi routers, LED lights, or even other remotes can cause signal interference. Try moving or turning off nearby devices to test.
5. Faulty Remote or Opener Circuit Board
If all else fails, the remote may be broken or the opener’s internal circuit board may need repair. At this point, it’s best to call in a technician.
Remember: a malfunctioning remote isn’t just an inconvenience—it can compromise your security. If your remote is unreliable, don’t wait.
Quick Troubleshooting Steps:
- Replace batteries with fresh ones.
- Stand closer to the door (test signal strength).
- Reprogram the remote using the opener’s instructions.
- Try a backup remote or wall switch to confirm if the opener is working.
When to Call for Service
If none of the above works, it’s time to call a technician. At Lakehead Overhead Door, we can repair or replace remotes, keypads, and opener systems to restore convenience and security.
Need a new garage door remote or opener service? Contact us today and get back to hassle-free access!
Overhead Door Stuck
Few things are more frustrating than an overhead door that refuses to budge — whether you’re at home trying to leave for work, or managing a warehouse with deliveries lined up. A stuck door isn’t just inconvenient, it can be unsafe and costly if not addressed quickly.
Common Reasons an Overhead Door Gets Stuck
1. Track Misalignment or Obstructions
Overhead doors run on tracks. If the tracks are bent, dirty, or blocked, the door may jam halfway. Even a small stone, piece of debris, or dent can cause major problems.
2. Worn-Out Rollers or Hinges
Commercial overhead doors handle heavy loads daily. When rollers or hinges wear out, the door drags or locks in place. Regular lubrication helps, but often replacement is needed.
3. Spring or Cable Failure
Broken springs or cables are one of the most common causes of stuck doors. Since these parts are under high tension, repairs should always be handled by a certified technician.
4. Weather Conditions
In Thunder Bay’s harsh winters, doors may freeze to the ground or moisture may expand parts of the door. Salt, ice, and snow buildup make the issue worse.
Helpful Tips:
Clear the tracks of dirt and debris
Gently clean sensors and test the remote
Check the power source to the opener
If these don’t fix the problem, it’s time to call in experts.
Get Fast Overhead Door Repairs
At Lakehead Overhead Door, our certified technicians respond quickly with our emergency service. We carry stocked inventory for immediate replacements*, so you don’t have to wait weeks.
At Lakehead Overhead Door, we provide fast, reliable service for both residential and commercial doors. With the only CDI-certified technicians in Northwestern Ontario, we’re here to keep your doors running smoothly year-round.
Contact us today to get your overhead door moving again! Here
*Immediate replacement depends on the type of garage door the homeowner has. Please consult with our experienced technicians.
Common Garage Door Problems
When your garage door isn’t working the way it should, it’s more than just an inconvenience — it can affect your safety, security, and even your heating bills during Thunder Bay winters. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, knowing the most common garage door problems will help you recognize issues early and avoid costly repairs down the road.
1. Broken Springs or Cables
Springs and cables are the muscle behind your garage door, helping it lift and lower smoothly. Over time, they wear out and can eventually snap.
Signs to Watch For: Door feels unusually heavy, won’t stay open, or slams shut quickly.
Pro Tip: Never attempt to replace springs yourself — they’re under high tension and can be dangerous. Always call a certified technician.
2. Misaligned or Damaged Tracks
Garage doors run along metal tracks. If the track bends, shifts, or gets blocked by debris, your door may not move properly.
Signs to Watch For: Grinding noises, jerky movement, or the door getting stuck partway.
Fix: Keep tracks clean and free of dirt. For bent or damaged tracks, you’ll need professional repair or replacement.
3. Faulty or Misaligned Sensors
Safety sensors stop your door from closing if something is in the way. But if they’re dirty, blocked, or out of alignment, they may stop the door unnecessarily.
Signs to Watch For: Door won’t close even when nothing is in its path.
Quick Fix: Wipe the lenses clean and ensure the sensors face each other correctly.
4. Garage Door Opener Problems
The opener is the brain of your garage door system. When it malfunctions, you may notice:
Remote not responding
Keypad not working
Door only opening a few inches before stopping
These issues could be caused by dead batteries, wiring problems, or a worn-out motor.
5. Worn-Out Rollers and Hinges
Rollers and hinges keep your door moving smoothly. If they’re worn down, you’ll hear squeaking, grinding, or scraping.
Signs to Watch For: Noisy operation or uneven movement.
Fix: Lubricating can help temporarily, but replacement is often needed for long-term reliability.
6. Weather-Related Damage
Thunder Bay winters can be tough on garage doors. Cold weather can freeze parts, ice can block sensors, and moisture can lead to swelling or rust.
Solution: Regular seasonal maintenance, like lubrication and weather stripping replacement, will help your door survive the winter.
7. Lack of Regular Maintenance
The truth is, most garage door issues are preventable. Annual inspections and tune-ups can spot problems before they turn into emergencies.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance:
Longer lifespan for springs, cables, and openers
Fewer breakdowns and unexpected costs
Improved home or business security
The Bottom Line
Your garage door is a complex system with many moving parts, and like any machine, it needs regular care. If your door is showing signs of trouble, don’t wait until it stops working completely.
At Lakehead Overhead Door, we provide fast, reliable service for both residential and commercial doors. With the only CDI-certified technicians in Northwestern Ontario, we’re here to keep your doors running smoothly year-round.
📞 Need help with a garage door problem? Contact us today and book your service call! Here
