Help me diagnose my automatic garage door opener weirdness February 22, 2013 Subscribe I have a two-car garage with a LiftMaster automatic garage door opener that is misbehaving and it's driving me crazy. It seems to be randomly just opening the door long after it is closed and I can't figure out why. I've seen the other questions about garage door openers but was hoping for some advice specific to my situation.FREE security buyer's guide included with your quote Get a free quote now or call By clicking this button, you consent to LiveWatch contacting you at the number provided (including via SMS) using automated technology. This consent is not required to purchase.#1 Your Photo Eye is BlockedMost garage doors from the past 15-20 years will have a photo eye which detects if a person or object is blocking the door from lowering all the way. The photo eye will be about 4-6 inches off of the ground for most doors, with an eye that is about the size of a pea. The photo eye shoots a laser across the length of the garage that if interrupted will cut off the signal used to lower and raise the door.
Check both that the cord attached to the eye is not cut or damaged, occasionally a rainstorm or leak can affect the photo eye and damage it. Sometimes dirt and dust can clog the eye and block it from shooting its lazer beam, so a thorough cleaning with a tissue can sometimes dissolve this issue. Plug it in Plug it in #2 Your operator's power source is disrupted.Sometimes people will unplug their power source and then wonder why their garage door opener fails to work. Sounds ridiculous I know, but it does happen very often. Make sure that your garage door opener is plugged into a working outlet. Outlets sometimes go out without warning, so you can check to see it the outlet is working by plugging another working electronic device into the outlet to see if the plug is working. Also check your circuit breaker, fuse or GFCI. DIY or Professional Help Did you hire a pro garage door repair company or fix your garage yourself? Hired a PRO I'm a DIY kind of personSee results
#3 Your Garage Door Torsion Springs are BrokenSNAP... That is the sound of a garage door torsion spring breaking. It can be a very loud noise that sometimes sounds like a firecracker or gunshot. Either way, if you have a broken spring on your garage door you should NEVER try to open the door, it can be very dangerous to open the door and should be left to a professional or someone with the right tools and skills of garage door repair. Springs are rated for a certain number of cycles and the first thing that will break in your garage door assembly. Broken springs are the #1 source of customer calls for garage door repair companies. Broken Garage Doors are a Pain! You can fix some simple issues DIY style. Broken Garage Door Torsion Springs How to program your garage door remote #6 Your Remote Control is MalfunctioningWhen your garage door won't open with the remote there are few things that can cause this problem. You might be out of range of the door The antenna on the motor could be damaged or blocked from the signal, make sure it is hanging down from the motor.
If the door opens with the wall switch, a simple battery change should do the trick If all these fail, try reprogramming the remote. #4 Your Garage Door Cables Have SnappedOftentimes when a torsion spring breaks on a garage door, the garage door cable will snap under the immense amount of energy that is released with the break. Sometimes the cable will cause damage to a vehicle or wall, and if a person happens to be in the way of the cable it can cause serious harm. If you cables have snapped you should call a professional to help you repair the damage and get your garage door back to working order. #5 Your Sensitivity is out of AdjustmentThis can happen to a newly installed garage door or an older one, if the sensitivity is set too low or high the opener will not open due to the fact that it will not sense that the door has enough weight or too much. You can test your sensitivity on the opener with your manufacturers directions in the documentation. You can adjust the close force and limit switch to the right levels and you should be good to go!
Make Sure Your Sensitivity is Correct!If your garage door has started to malfunction, you might be considering installing a new or upgraded door. Rest assured it is a smart investment. In fact, installing a new garage door yields about 84 percent in resale value, according to Remodeling Magazine. In addition to bringing you a solid return on your investment, a new garage door will improve functionality, enhance the appearance of your home's exterior, and ensure the protection of both your home's entryway and the contents of your garage. Because installing a garage door is an extensive job that involves some electrical work, heavy lifting and removal of the old garage door, it will likely require working with a garage door professional. Here are some factors to consider as you look to invest in a new garage door:A garage door will cost anywhere from $200 for single doors to $4,000 for two or more doors, with better materials accounting for the higher cost. Most homeowners report spending about $1,063 for the door and installation.
The total price should include the purchase of new tracks for the door to move along, as well as associated adhesives, connectors and fasteners. It is possible to save some money on time and labor by installing the door yourself; however, the sheer weight of some doors can pose a high risk of personal injury. If you think you'd like to attempt installation on your own, be sure to consult with your garage door retailer and choose a door that can be maneuvered safely.Insulation, which increases energy efficiency and can help to lower utility bills, is crucial when a garage door is attached to the home. In this case, doors with high R-values are preferred. This means it has insulation that can keep the heat in. The higher the R-value, the better insulated your garage will be against outside noise and cold and hot air. Well-insulated doors will have polystyrene or polyurethane foam in their construction. Some other factors to keep in mind when purchasing a garage door include:Installing a garage door involves:So it is always best to have a new garage door installed by a professional.
Make sure that any contractor bids include the cost of removing your old garage door and installing the new tracks and additional parts listed above. The style and material of the garage door you choose, as well as whether you wish to have a garage door opener installed, will also impact the cost of your final project. Typically, it will cost less to install a steel garage door without an opener than to install a custom wood door with a garage door opener. Recent innovations have also yielded high-tech doors with thick insulation and energy-efficient glaze, as well as finished interior surfaces and other significant upgrades. These are more expensive doors, but they are also extremely durable.Hire a Local Garage Door InstallerReplacing a garage door with a new installation usually averages around the same price as installing a new garage door. Homeowners might pay anywhere between $500 and $2,500 depending on a wide variety of factors including:The additional costs might include removing and disposing of the old door and hardware, so be sure to ask what's included in their quote.
Otherwise you could be looking an additional 20 percent for that portion of labor. There might also be additional charges for work like:It's imperative to have a professional inspect the garage ahead of time to prevent additional garage door repairs and maintenance down the road for you. Some signs your garage might need care ahead of the garage door replacement includes:The electronics should also be inspected before or after the replacement garage door panel is installed, to make sure your door will operate properly. The sensors prevent the door from closing on someone's foot or a pet. If they don't work, someone could be injured. Also check to make sure the door opener works, since you could otherwise be locked out of your garage. Garage door opener repair can cost between $100 and $300 depending on the extent of the problem.Contact a garage pro today.Return to TopThe type of garage door you select -- and any extra pieces or labor required -- will influence how much you pay to have it professionally installed.
Some garage door materials and styles are detailed below to help you compare:The first thing you should consider when selecting a material for your garage door is its longevity. Although a certain construction material can raise the price of a garage door, it may last far longer than a door made with less expensive material. Look for a door that will last at least five to 10 years. Each door material is offered in four different grades. Single-layer doors are the most affordable, but they are also most prone to dents and breaks. At the other end of the spectrum are costly heavy doors with thick insulation. These doors are expensive upfront, but they can withstand a lot more wear and tear than their cheaper counterparts. Available materials are as follows:There are four garage door styles available:Have you considered putting windows in your garage door? Windows can turn an ordinary door into a stunning masterpiece with the right placement. And they allow natural light into the garage, so it doesn't seem as dark and dank during the day.
For optimal light, place windows in the top section or near the third section of the door. Details like trim and panels can be customized on a garage door installation of any material or style for an extra price. Depending on how they're constructed, these frames and panels can be more than a decorative addition -- they can reinforce the strength of the door as well. Some roll-up garage doors offer the option of shatterproof glass or frosty plastic to add a modern touch; some designers create garage doors to pay tribute to the old-fashioned barn doors. Here are some customizations available to homeowners, as well as an explanation of what is included in their cost and installation:Basic stock garage doors don't have panel designs or glass. They can be customized, but it will increase the total cost of the garage door. The total cost of customization will not include installation, but it will include the extra parts needed for the door.In the mid-range, you can choose panels, glass windows and a few designs from a pre-selected list.
There will also be a few different colors to choose from, so you can usually match a door nicely to your home's exterior.Custom garage doors include allow you to choose colors, panels, materials and finishes to match whichever look you desire for your home. They can be made of the highest quality materials -- whether wood or steel -- and come with longer guarantees than regular garage doors. Some custom doors will include specialized insulation for increased soundproofing and climate protection. They also will typically come with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.For more information, get in touch with a local pro. Return to TopMost modern garage doors will come with an electrical opener, but be sure to check and install one if needed (see how much it costs to install a garage door opener). Purchasing extra remotes and getting openers set up for operation will typically range from $100 to $400, which will add to the overall cost of the garage door installation. If your opener works with the new door, you won't need to have it replaced.