Have you ever had your garage door open by itself overnight? Although it may be confusing, there are, in fact, several reasons to explain the problem. They’re usually easy enough to check and resolve by yourself, but if you’re still at a loss to get to the source of the issue, you can always call our garage door repair professionals in Chicagoland. Our trained experts can help enhance your home’s security and fix your door troubles.
Remote Control and Signal Issues
When a garage door opens on its own, one of the most common causes is its remote control system. For example, your neighbor’s remote control might have activated your door’s opener, especially if your door is old and doesn’t have the latest security features. This problem is common among doors built before 1993, when features were introduced to stop unintended openings. One way to tackle it is to reprogram your remote control.
You may want to consider using modern tech to manage the remote control system. For example, you can disable the remote control feature during certain times of the day, such as between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., if this is when you usually sleep. Depending on the security system, you can use an app on your smartphone to manage the security settings. These apps also let you keep track of your garage door when you’re on the go, as you can open and close it from any location.
Safety Sensor Problems
If you’ve ruled out remote control issues, it’s time to check the door’s sensors. Various factors can cause your sensors to be misaligned. For example, someone could unintentionally knock into the sensor, or an object or debris can get in the way. The sensor may think that you want to open the door, triggering the garage door opener. You can resolve this problem by adjusting the sensors so they’re correctly aligned and removing any debris from around your door.
It’s important to be careful when adjusting your door sensors because these parts of your garage door are sensitive. If you’re struggling, this is a task that our garage door professionals in Chicago can help you with.
Electrical and Circuit Board Malfunctions
Another explanation could be a problem with the electrical system. Illinois gets cold and windy winter weather that can cause power surges and outages. These disruptions can play havoc with electrical systems. A surge may trigger your door to open or cause some other damage to your door’s system that requires a repair.
Electrical repairs can be complex and risky. If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, it’s best to call on professional help. Our Overhead Garage Doors team has extensive experience in resolving circuit board malfunctions and other electrical damage.
Environmental and Physical Factors
If all the above reasons are still not the cause, it may be time to think about some environmental factors. Does your garage door tend to open by itself after heavy snowfall or on frosty nights? If so, it’s possible that snow or ice buildup at the bottom of your door causes the sensor to open it. The best way to deal with this problem is to keep your garage door clear of debris, snow, and ice.
If environmental factors like debris are a constant problem, you can take physical steps to combat them. For instance, you could install a bolt lock on your garage door. That way, the door will stay closed, even if snow or other objects activate the opening mechanism. This is a great solution if you’re going to be away from home and want extra peace of mind.
When to Call Professional Garage Door Repair Services
Garage door repairs and maintenance can be complicated, so it’s helpful to know that our professionals in Chicagoland are always on hand to assist you. The best approach when dealing with random door openings is usually to try the simple solutions first that you can attempt without help. If you still can’t get to the bottom of the issue, your next step should be to call a professional. Here are some of the most common situations where a professional is needed:
- Your door is experiencing an electrical fault or malfunction.
- You’ve tried reprogramming your remote control without success.
- Your sensors aren’t working after you’ve cleared them of debris and ensured they’re aligned correctly.
- You want advice on additional security options to protect your property.
Our team members can perform on-site repairs or remove equipment for further inspection and work. We can advise you on additional security equipment for your door, or assist you in purchasing a new door if you’d prefer an upgrade.
Contact Overhead Garage Door in Chicagoland Today
We’d encourage you to make Overhead Garage Door your first stop for repair and maintenance in Chicagoland. We have an extensive stock of garage doors and security equipment, and the tools and know-how to get the job done. You can contact us online or by phone to discuss your request.