How quickly can you fix my motor failure?

In most cases, we can diagnose and repair motor failures the same day you call. Our service vehicles are fully stocked with common replacement parts, so many repairs can be completed in a single visit. For more complex issues or if a specific part needs to be ordered, we typically complete repairs within 24-48 hours. Emergency motor failure repairs are available 24/7.

What causes motor failure in garage doors?

Motor failure can be caused by several factors: age and wear (most motors last 10-15 years), power surges, lack of maintenance, overheating from frequent use, stripped gears from forcing a stuck door, or electrical issues. Signs of impending motor failure include unusual grinding noises, slow operation, intermittent function, or the motor running but not moving the door. Regular maintenance can help prevent unexpected failures.

Do you offer financing for new traditional door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options for new garage door installations. We work with several financing partners to provide 0% APR options for qualified buyers, as well as extended payment plans to fit your budget. Our team can discuss all available options during your free estimate. We believe everyone deserves a safe, beautiful garage door, and we'll work with you to find a payment solution that works.

What is included in your 5-year warranty?

Our comprehensive 5-year warranty covers all parts and labor for installations and repairs performed by our team. This includes springs, cables, rollers, hinges, panels, and opener components. If anything we installed or repaired fails within the warranty period, we'll fix it at no additional cost. Warranty claims are processed quickly, usually within 24-48 hours.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance at least once per year, ideally before extreme weather seasons. Regular maintenance includes lubricating moving parts, checking spring tension and balance, inspecting cables and rollers, testing safety features, and tightening hardware. Annual maintenance can extend your door's lifespan by years and prevent costly emergency repairs.

Do you service all garage door brands?

Yes, our certified technicians are trained to service all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, Raynor, and more. We also service all opener brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, and Craftsman. No matter what brand you have, we can help.

Auto-Reverse Sensors: Protecting Your Family

December 28, 2025 7 min read

Auto-reverse sensors are one of the most critical safety features on modern garage doors. Required by federal law, these sensors prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or objects in its path. At Garage Door Winfall, we've seen firsthand how properly functioning sensors have prevented countless accidents and injuries over our Experienced Local Team to Eastern North Carolina families.

How Photo-Eye Sensors Work

The auto-reverse system consists of two photo-eye sensors mounted on brackets on each side of the garage door, approximately 6 inches from the floor. One sensor transmits an invisible infrared beam, while the other receives it. When the garage door is closing and this beam is interrupted by any object.a person, pet, toy, or vehicle.the door immediately stops and reverses to the fully open position.

In addition to the photo-eye system, your garage door should have a mechanical auto-reverse feature. This backup system reverses the door if it contacts an obstruction during closing. Federal safety standards require both systems to be present and functional on all automatic garage door openers manufactured after 1993.

Monthly Testing Protocol

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends testing your garage door's safety features monthly. Here's the proper testing procedure our technicians teach homeowners:

Testing the Photo-Eye Sensors:

Place a roll of paper towels or similar object (about 1.5 inches tall) in the door's path, centered in the doorway
Step back and close the door using the wall button or remote
The door should reverse immediately when the beam is broken.before contacting the object
If the door doesn't reverse, or if it contacts the object before reversing, the sensors need attention

Testing the Mechanical Auto-Reverse:

Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the center of the door's path
Close the door using the wall button
When the door contacts the board, it should reverse immediately
If it doesn't reverse within 2 seconds of contact, the opener needs adjustment

Important: If either test fails, disconnect the opener immediately by pulling the emergency release cord, and call Garage Door Winfall at 1-252-794-7089 for service. Do not continue using an automatic opener with failed safety features.

Common Sensor Problems and Solutions

Understanding common sensor issues can help you troubleshoot problems:

Misalignment: Sensors can become misaligned from bumping, vibration, or settling. Most sensors have LED indicator lights.both should be solid (not blinking) when properly aligned. Gentle adjustment of the sensor brackets can often resolve minor misalignment.
Dirty lenses: Dust, cobwebs, and debris can block the infrared beam. Clean sensor lenses monthly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the plastic lenses.
Sun interference: Direct sunlight can overwhelm the sensor's receiver, causing false detections. Installing small hoods or shields over the sensors can help, or the sensors may need repositioning.
Wiring damage: Mice, lawn equipment, or weather can damage the low-voltage wires connecting sensors to the opener. Inspect wiring regularly and repair any frayed or exposed sections.
Moisture intrusion: Rain, sprinkler water, or condensation can affect sensor operation. Ensure sensors are positioned where they're protected from direct water exposure.

When to Call a Professional

While some sensor issues are simple DIY fixes, others require professional attention. Call Garage Door Winfall if:

Sensors remain misaligned after careful adjustment
Indicator lights don't function at all (may indicate electrical issues)
The problem persists after cleaning lenses and checking alignment
You suspect wiring damage or water intrusion
The mechanical auto-reverse isn't working properly
Your opener predates 1993 and lacks safety sensors

Our technicians can quickly diagnose and repair sensor issues, often completing repairs in a single visit. We carry common replacement parts on our service vehicles and can upgrade older systems to current safety standards.

Protecting Your Family

Beyond monthly testing, these practices help ensure your family's safety:

Teach children that garage doors are not toys and should never be played with
Mount wall controls at least 5 feet high, out of children's reach
Always watch the door until it completely closes
Never try to race under a closing door
Keep remotes secure and away from children

Your garage door is the largest, heaviest moving object in your home. Proper sensor function is essential to preventing tragic accidents. If you have any concerns about your door's safety features, call us at 1-252-794-7089 for a professional inspection.

Back to Blog