If your garage door refuses to close, the problem usually ties back to the built-in safety systems designed to protect your family and property. Here are the essentials every homeowner should know:
- Sensor issues are the #1 cause. Misaligned or blocked safety sensors, blinking safety eyes, or damaged wiring prevent the door from closing.
- Simple checks can help. Cleaning sensor lenses or removing track obstructions sometimes restores function.
- Deeper problems need a pro. Faulty sensors, unbalanced doors, or opener logic board failures require professional tools and training.
- California law adds protection. Under SB 969, all new garage door openers sold or installed after July 1, 2019, must include a battery backup, ensuring doors can still open or close during power outages.
- Layered safety matters. Sensors, balance, and battery backups work together to create a reliable and compliant system.
At Bradbury Garage Doors, we specialize in safe, code-compliant service for San Diego homeowners—no gimmicks, no upsells, just repairs and installations that keep your system working the way it should.
Why Garage Door Safety Is More Than Just Convenience
Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes. They weigh hundreds of pounds and rely on springs, cables, rollers, and openers working together smoothly. When a garage door won’t close, that’s the safety system stepping in to protect people, pets, and property.
Modern garage doors include multiple layers of protection:
- Photo-eye sensors that prevent the door from closing on people or pets.
- Auto-reverse systems that stop and reopen if the door encounters resistance.
- Battery backups (in California) that keep the system working during outages.
When any of these systems fail or become misaligned, the garage door remains open until the issue is resolved. That’s frustrating at the moment, but it’s designed to protect you.
Common Sensor Problems That Stop a Garage Door From Closing
The most common reason a garage door won’t close is a safety sensor issue. These small devices near the floor are crucial to maintaining the system’s safety, and even minor issues can trigger a shutdown.
- Misaligned or blocked safety eyes: The sensors must be aligned to face each other for proper operation. A nudge from a trash can, toy, or broom can knock them out of alignment. Dirt, dust, or spider webs can also block the beam.
- Blinking safety eyes: A flashing light typically indicates wiring damage, a poor connection, or sensor failure.
- Track obstructions: Even a small object in the garage door track can break the sensor’s safety circuit.
- Sunlight glare: In some cases, direct sunlight interferes with the infrared beam, tricking the system into thinking there’s an obstacle.
These issues don’t mean your opener is broken; they mean the sensors are preventing unsafe operation.
Safe Troubleshooting Steps for Homeowners When a Door Won’t Close
If your garage door isn’t closing, there are a few quick things you can safely check before calling a professional:
- Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth.
- Check alignment by ensuring both sensors face each other and the lights are steady, not blinking.
- Clear the area around the sensors and tracks, removing tools, boxes, or yard equipment.
- Try operating the opener manually with it disconnected. If the door feels heavy or slams shut, the problem is more serious than dirty sensors.
⚠️ Important: These steps are for awareness, not long-term fixes. If sensors continue to blink, the door feels heavy, or the opener struggles, stop troubleshooting and call a professional.
How Professional Technicians Repair Garage Door Sensors and Safety Systems
When sensors fail or misalignment keeps the garage door from closing, professionals bring tools and expertise that go beyond quick fixes. A Bradbury technician will:
- Test and align sensors with precision tools to ensure they’re properly calibrated.
- Inspect wiring for frays, loose connections, or damage.
- Replace sensors when hardware is beyond repair.
- Check the balance and safety systems to confirm the door isn’t heavy or binding.
- Test the opener logic boards to rule out electronic failures.
The goal is to ensure the door closes while also guaranteeing the entire safety system operates reliably.
California’s SB 969 Law on Battery Backup Garage Door Openers
In 2018, California passed SB 969, a law requiring all automatic garage door openers sold or installed after July 1, 2019, to have a battery backup system.
The law was created after wildfires trapped residents in their homes. With the power out, some people were unable to open heavy garage doors manually. The battery backup ensures that even during an outage, the opener will still function for at least 24 hours of normal use.
What homeowners need to know:
- If your opener was installed after July 2019, it should already comply.
- Older openers do not need to be retrofitted, but upgrading adds a crucial safety layer.
- Battery backups provide peace of mind in emergencies.
Why Ignoring Garage Door Safety Problems Can Cost More Later
When a garage door won’t close, it can be tempting to hold down the wall button or find a quick workaround. But bypassing safety systems or ignoring the warning signs often turns a small issue into a larger, more expensive repair.
Common consequences include:
- Overworked openers: An opener that’s forced to drag a heavy or unbalanced door will wear out gears, belts, or motors much faster than normal. Replacement costs far more than a simple adjustment.
- Unbalanced or misaligned doors: A door that isn’t running smoothly can bend panels, stress hinges, and push tracks out of alignment, compounding damage with each cycle.
- Compromised safety systems: When sensors are intentionally bypassed or ignored, the door can close on people, pets, or vehicles, causing injuries or property damage.
Addressing problems early, whether that means cleaning a sensor lens or having a professional check the balance, keeps your system safe and avoids preventable expenses down the road.
Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional Garage Door Technician
Not every problem is a DIY fix. Call a professional if you notice:
- Safety eyes that continue to blink even after cleaning
- A garage door that feels heavy, unbalanced, or slams shut
- An opener that hums but doesn’t move the door
- No battery backup on an opener installed after July 2019
These are red flags that the system needs professional service, not temporary fixes.
What to Expect When You Call Bradbury Garage Doors
Here’s what sets Bradbury apart: we inspect thoroughly, explain clearly, repair with care, and leave you confident your system is safe and compliant.
When you call us for garage door repair on a door that won’t close, the first step is a complete inspection. We examine the entire safety system (sensors, wiring, balance, and the opener) because a single weak point can compromise the entire system. Once we know what’s happening, we walk you through the problem in plain language before lifting a wrench.
If parts need repair or replacement, we use only high-quality components to ensure the fix lasts. We also confirm your opener meets California safety standards, including the SB 969 requirement for battery backup. Throughout the process, you’ll never encounter hidden fees or unnecessary upsells. Just straightforward, professional service that gets your garage door closing smoothly and safely again.
Ready for Safe, Reliable Garage Door Service?
If your garage door won’t close, the safety sensors are blinking, or you’re unsure whether your opener complies with California’s battery-backup law, Bradbury Garage Doors is the trusted local team to call. We’ve built our reputation in San Diego on honesty, quality work, and treating every home as if it were our own.
Beyond convenience, a safe, reliable garage door protects your family, safeguards your property, and gives you peace of mind.
Let Bradbury handle the details so you can get back to smooth, worry-free operation. Call today to schedule your service and see why homeowners across the region continue to rely on us.
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