Can the Sun Affect Your Garage Door?

The sun, our solar system’s radiant star, known for brightening our days and warming our beaches, also has a lesser-known role: garage door adversary. Yes, you heard it right! Your garage door, an indispensable part of your home, can, indeed, be affected by sunlight.

So, let’s dive into the surprising ways the sun can influence your garage door, answering all your sun-soaked queries.

• How Sunlight Can Interfere with Your Garage Door
• Can Sunlight Keep a Garage Door from Closing?
• Can the Sun Affect Your Garage Door Sensor?
• How Do I Protect My Garage Door from the Sun?
• Is it Better to Leave Your Garage Door Open in the Summer?

How Sunlight Can Interfere with Your Garage Door

So, what’s the connection between the sun and your garage door? Let’s decode this relationship.

Can Sunlight Keep a Garage Door from Closing?

Believe it or not, sunlight can indeed prevent a garage door from closing properly. This usually happens when the sun’s rays interfere with the electronic sensors, also known as safety eyes, of your garage door.

These sensors send a beam across the bottom of the door opening to ensure the path is clear. If this beam is interrupted, the door won’t close. If direct sunlight shines into these sensors, it can mimic an obstruction, confusing the system and preventing the door from closing.

Can the Sun Affect Your Garage Door Sensor?

As explained above, the answer is an emphatic yes. Garage door sensors work by using an infrared beam. On sunny days, particularly at sunrise or sunset, the angle of the sun might shine directly into the sensor, essentially blinding it. When this happens, the sensor behaves as if there is an obstacle, and the garage door refuses to close.

Protecting Your Garage Door from the Sun

How Do I Protect My Garage Door from the Sun?

If you’ve noticed that your garage door behaves erratically during bright, sunny days, there are several steps you can take to protect it:

Install Sun Shields: Sun shields can be installed over your garage door sensors to block the direct sunlight that interferes with the infrared beam.
Reposition the Sensors: If possible, you can also try adjusting the position of your sensors to reduce their exposure to the sun.
Maintenance and Check-ups: Regular maintenance, including cleaning the sensor lenses and ensuring their alignment, can help your garage door function properly, even on sunny days.

Summer and Your Garage Door

Is it Better to Leave Your Garage Door Open in the Summer?

The answer to this question largely depends on your specific circumstances. Keeping your garage door open can help ventilate the space and lower the temperature, especially if it’s not air-conditioned.

This should be balanced with considerations of security, as leaving your garage door open may invite unwanted attention from thieves.

It can also let in bugs and pests. If your garage is attached to your house, it’s often best to keep the door closed to prevent warm air from entering your home and increasing your cooling costs.

The Bottom Line

Sunlight can have an unexpected impact on your garage door’s operation, but with a bit of knowledge and preparation, you can keep your garage door functioning smoothly all year round.

Whether it’s installing sun shields, repositioning sensors, or deciding when to keep your door open or closed, you now have the tools to make the best decision for your home and your garage door.

The sun might be powerful, but with these tips, you can ensure it’s no match for your garage door!

Don’t let your garage door stress get in the way of enjoying those beautiful Colorado days. Give Sean a call at Third Gen Garage Doors. Let us handle the door drama while you get back to living your life worry-free.