My garage door sensors keep blocking the door from closing. How do I know if it's just alignment?

Those safety sensors are your door's best friend—they prevent serious injuries. If the door reverses mid-close, first check if the sensors' lenses are dirty or if one is slightly twisted out of position. A gentle cleaning or minor adjustment often fixes it. However, if they're aligned and still malfunctioning, the sensors themselves may have failed and need replacement. Don't ignore this issue; a faulty sensor is a safety hazard. Call us to diagnose whether it's a simple fix or sensor replacement.

What's the difference between torsion and extension springs, and which is better?

Torsion springs run horizontally above your door and twist to lift it—they're more durable, quieter, and safer since they're under controlled tension. Extension springs run along the sides and stretch like a slingshot; they're cheaper upfront but wear out faster and can snap unpredictably. For most White City homes, torsion springs are worth the investment because they last longer and handle our varied weather better. Both can work, but torsion is the professional standard for reliability and longevity.

Do you offer payment plans or financing for garage door work?

Absolutely. We know garage door repairs aren't always planned expenses, so we work with customers on options that fit their budget. We can discuss payment arrangements directly, and some jobs may qualify for third-party financing. The best approach is to call for a free estimate—we'll walk you through what's needed and what payment options make sense for your situation. No surprises, no pressure.

My door is 15 years old and having issues. Should I repair it or replace the whole thing?

That depends on the repair cost versus remaining life. If the door itself is still solid but the opener or springs need work, repair makes sense. However, if the panels are dented, weather seals are shot, insulation is failing, and you're facing multiple repairs, replacement often wins out long-term. We'll give you an honest assessment: sometimes a $200 repair buys you another five years; other times, a $1,500 new door saves you from constant headaches. We'll lay out both paths so you can decide.

Can you handle emergency garage door repairs the same day?

We do offer same-day service when our schedule allows, especially for safety issues like broken springs or non-functioning doors. Response time depends on how busy we are and what time you call. Morning calls have better odds of same-day attention than late afternoon ones. If your door is stuck or a spring is clearly broken, contact us right away and we'll let you know what we can do. For true emergencies, we can often get someone out quickly to secure your garage.

The bottom of my door lets in cold air and moisture. What can I do about it?

Weather stripping and bottom seals take a beating in Oregon's wet climate, especially in White City where moisture creeps in year-round. Replacing worn seals is one of the best investments you can make—it keeps drafts, pests, and rain out while improving insulation. Depending on your door condition, we can replace just the bottom seal or upgrade the full weather stripping package. It's affordable, quick work, and you'll notice the difference immediately in comfort and energy bills.

What material should I choose for a new garage door—steel, aluminum, wood, or composite?

Steel is the most popular: durable, affordable, and low-maintenance—ideal for our climate. Aluminum is lighter and doesn't rust, but dents easily and offers less insulation. Wood looks beautiful but requires regular maintenance in our wet weather. Composite blends the look of wood with modern durability and lower upkeep. For White City homes, steel with good insulation handles moisture and temperature swings best. Your choice depends on budget, aesthetics, and how much maintenance you're willing to do.

Does White City have HOA or building codes I should know about before replacing my garage door?

Some neighborhoods and subdivisions do have HOA restrictions on garage door color, style, or materials. Before ordering a new door, check your deed or HOA documents if applicable. Local building codes in White City may also have standards for door size and opener safety features. We're familiar with common local guidelines and can help you navigate them. If you're unsure, we can advise during your estimate—better to confirm now than have surprises later.

How do I know if my garage door opener has enough horsepower for my door?

Opener size depends on your door weight, which varies by material and insulation. A single-car steel door typically needs 1/3 to 1/2 HP; heavier insulated doors may need 3/4 HP or more. Double-car doors almost always need at least 1/2 HP. If your opener struggles to lift the door, cycles on and off, or runs constantly, it's undersized. The good news: upgrading an opener is straightforward and affordable. We'll assess your door weight and recommend the right horsepower during an inspection.

Motion Detection: Protecting Your Family

December 28, 2025 7 min read

<h2>The Critical Role of Motion Detection in Garage Door Safety</h2> <p>Since 1993, federal law has required all residential garage door openers to include safety features that prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or objects. These motion detection and obstruction sensing systems have prevented countless injuries and saved lives, making them perhaps the most important components of your garage door system. At White City Garage Doors, we consider safety our highest priority, and we want every homeowner to understand how these systems work and why proper maintenance is essential.</p>

<h2>Understanding Photo Eye Sensors</h2> <p>The most visible safety feature on modern garage doors is the photo eye sensor system.a pair of devices mounted 4-6 inches above the ground on either side of the garage door opening. One sensor transmits an invisible infrared beam across the door opening, and the other receives it. When anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, the opener immediately reverses direction, preventing contact with the obstruction.</p>

<p>These sensors require clear line-of-sight and proper alignment to function correctly. Even minor bumps or vibration can knock sensors out of alignment, causing the door to refuse to close or to reverse unexpectedly. Most sensors include LED indicator lights that help identify alignment issues.typically a solid light indicates proper function while a blinking light signals a problem.</p>

<h2>Mechanical Auto-Reverse Features</h2> <p>In addition to photo eye sensors, garage door openers include a mechanical auto-reverse feature that responds to physical contact. If the closing door encounters resistance.such as a bike, box, or person.it should immediately stop and reverse. This backup system provides protection even if the photo eyes fail or if an obstruction is too low or small to break the infrared beam.</p>

<p>The sensitivity of this feature is adjustable through force settings on the opener unit. Settings that are too high may fail to detect obstructions, while settings that are too low may cause the door to reverse from normal floor contact. Our technicians calibrate these settings precisely during installation and maintenance to ensure optimal safety without affecting normal operation.</p>

<h2>Monthly Testing Protocol</h2> <p>We strongly recommend testing your garage door's safety features monthly, and the process takes less than a minute. For the photo eye test, start with the door fully open and press the close button on your remote. While the door is closing, wave a broom handle or similar object through the sensor beam. The door should immediately reverse. If it doesn't, stop using the door and call for service immediately.</p>

<p>For the auto-reverse test, place a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the center of the door opening, then activate the door to close. When the door contacts the board, it should reverse within two seconds. If the door continues pressing against the board, the force settings need adjustment. This test simulates what would happen if a child or pet were in the door's path, so it's critical that it passes consistently.</p>

<h2>Common Sensor Problems and Solutions</h2> <p>Several issues can affect motion detection system performance. Dirty sensor lenses are the most common culprit.a simple cleaning with a soft cloth often resolves erratic behavior. Sunlight interference can also cause problems, as direct sunlight on the receiving sensor can overwhelm the infrared signal. Sensor hoods or shields can mitigate sun-related issues.</p>

<p>Wiring problems become more common as systems age, with damage from moisture, pests, or physical contact causing intermittent failures. Vibration from normal door operation can gradually shift sensor alignment, requiring periodic adjustment. During our maintenance visits, we thoroughly inspect all components, clean sensors, verify alignment, and test system response to ensure reliable protection.</p>

<h2>Upgrading Older Systems</h2> <p>Garage door openers manufactured before 1993 may lack modern safety features entirely, presenting significant risk to families. Even systems from the late 1990s may have outdated sensor technology that doesn't meet current safety standards. If your opener is more than 15-20 years old, we strongly recommend evaluation for upgrade, both for safety and reliability reasons.</p>

<p>Modern openers feature multiple redundant safety systems including enhanced photo eyes with better sun resistance, more sensitive mechanical auto-reverse, and timer-to-close features that automatically close doors left open. Some models include obstacle detection that can sense movement near the door path before contact occurs, providing an additional layer of protection.</p>

<h2>Child Safety Considerations</h2> <p>Families with children should take extra precautions around garage doors. Teach children that garage doors are not toys and that they should never run under a closing door. Keep remote controls and wall buttons out of reach of young children. Consider a wall-mounted button that requires a child to be tall enough.and old enough.to operate it safely.</p>

<p>Some parents disable or remove one of their wall-button controls if it's within reach of small children. Others use smart garage door controllers that require a smartphone app for operation, eliminating the temptation of an easily-accessible button. Whatever approach you choose, combine physical controls with education about garage door safety.</p>

<h2>Professional Safety Inspections</h2> <p>While monthly homeowner testing is important, annual professional inspection provides comprehensive safety verification that only trained technicians can deliver. We test every component of your safety system, calibrate force settings with specialized equipment, verify sensor alignment with precision tools, and inspect wiring and connections for any signs of wear or damage.</p>

<p>Your family's safety is too important to leave to chance. Contact White City Garage Doors at 541-208-5337 to schedule a safety inspection or to discuss upgrading an older system. We serve families throughout White City, Medford, Central Point, Ashland, and surrounding communities with professional garage door service you can trust.</p>

Back to Blog