How quickly can you fix my track misalignment?

In most cases, we can fix track misalignment issues the same day you call. Our technicians carry common parts and tools needed for track repairs on their trucks. For simple adjustments, repairs typically take 30-60 minutes. More complex issues involving bent tracks or hardware replacement may take 1-2 hours. We offer immediate dispatch for urgent situations, and our team prioritizes customers who are unable to use their garage door. Call us at (781) 822-0160 for same-day service.

What causes track misalignment in garage doors?

Track misalignment can occur due to several factors. Physical impact from vehicles or heavy objects hitting the door is a common cause. Loose mounting brackets can allow tracks to shift over time due to the vibration of daily use. Worn rollers that no longer roll smoothly can cause the door to bind and push against the tracks. Temperature-induced expansion and contraction of metal components can also contribute. Improper initial installation may not be apparent until years later when problems develop. Regular maintenance can help prevent track issues by catching loose hardware and worn components before they cause alignment problems.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend annual maintenance for most residential garage doors. If your door sees heavy use (more than 4-5 cycles per day), twice-yearly service is advisable. Regular maintenance includes lubricating moving parts, checking spring tension, inspecting cables and hardware, testing safety features, and adjusting the opener. This preventive care extends the life of your door, prevents costly repairs, and ensures safe operation. Many customers opt for our annual maintenance plan, which includes priority scheduling and discounts on any needed repairs.

My garage door is making loud noises. What's wrong?

Loud noises from your garage door typically indicate one of several issues. Grinding or scraping sounds often point to worn rollers or debris in the tracks. Squeaking usually means components need lubrication. Banging or popping noises can indicate spring problems or loose hardware. A rattling sound often comes from loose nuts, bolts, or chain tension issues. While some noise is normal, especially with older doors, sudden changes in sound should be addressed promptly to prevent more serious problems. Our technicians can diagnose and resolve these issues quickly.

Do you offer financing for new commercial door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options for both commercial and residential garage door installations. We work with several financing partners to provide competitive rates and payment plans that fit your budget. Options range from 12-month same-as-cash programs to extended payment plans up to 60 months. For commercial projects, we can discuss lease-to-own arrangements and business financing options. Contact us for a free estimate and to discuss financing options tailored to your specific project. We'll provide all the details upfront so you can make an informed decision.

What types of garage doors do you install?

We install a comprehensive range of garage doors to suit any style and budget. Our offerings include traditional raised-panel steel doors, carriage-house style doors with decorative hardware, contemporary flush-panel designs, wood and wood-composite doors, and fully customized solutions. We carry insulated options with R-values up to R-18 for energy efficiency. For commercial applications, we install sectional steel doors, rolling steel doors, fire-rated doors, and high-speed doors. We work with top manufacturers including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, and CHI.

How long does a new garage door installation take?

A standard residential garage door installation typically takes 3-5 hours from start to finish. This includes removal of the old door, installation of new tracks and hardware, hanging the new door sections, installing and programming the opener, and testing all safety features. Custom or oversized doors may take longer. Commercial installations vary based on door type and building requirements. We schedule installations to minimize disruption to your day and clean up completely when finished.

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation estimates for all services. For repairs, we can often provide an estimate over the phone based on your description of the problem. For installations and larger projects, we schedule a convenient time to visit your property, assess your needs, take measurements, and discuss options. Our estimates are detailed and transparent—you'll know exactly what you're paying for. There's no pressure to make an immediate decision, and we're happy to answer any questions about the estimate.

What warranty do you offer on your work?

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 1-year warranty on all labor. This covers any installation or repair work we perform. Additionally, the products we install come with manufacturer warranties that typically range from 1 year to lifetime, depending on the component. Springs, for example, are available with warranties up to 25,000 cycles (approximately 14 years of normal use). We handle all warranty claims for you, so if something isn't right, just call us and we'll take care of it.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, Weston Garage Doors is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for our entire team. This protects you from any liability if an accident were to occur on your property. We're also IDA (International Door Association) certified and our technicians are factory-trained by the manufacturers whose products we install. We're happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?

Yes, we provide true 24/7 emergency garage door service, 365 days a year. We understand that a broken garage door can be a security risk and major inconvenience, which is why we maintain an emergency response team around the clock. When you call our emergency line, you'll speak with a real person who can dispatch a technician to your location promptly. Our emergency technicians carry the most common parts on their trucks to complete most repairs in a single visit.

What constitutes a garage door emergency?

A garage door emergency is any situation that poses a safety risk, security concern, or prevents you from using your garage when needed. Common emergencies include: a door stuck open exposing your home to security risks, a door stuck closed trapping a vehicle inside when you need it, a broken spring that makes the door dangerous to operate, a door that has come off its tracks, visible damage from a vehicle impact, or a malfunctioning safety system. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, call us and we'll help you assess the urgency.

Garage Door Photo Eye Safety in Weston: Why This Feature Saves Lives

2026-06-03 4 min read

A garage door photo eye is a sensor pair that stops a closing door if anything blocks the beam. It's your family's last line of defense against a 300-pound door crushing a child, pet, or hand. If your photo eyes aren't working properly, you're living with genuine danger.

What Photo Eyes Actually Do

Two small sensors sit on opposite sides of your garage door opening, about 6 inches from the ground. When the door closes, an infrared beam travels between them. If that beam breaks.a child runs through, a toy rolls in, a pet darts under.the door halts immediately and reverses upward. See our guide on tamper-resistant features: protecting your family.

This auto-reverse feature has prevented countless injuries since safety standards tightened in the 1990s. But here's what keeps me up at night after 15 years in this business: most homeowners never test these sensors. They assume they work because the door closes smoothly every day.

They don't. Read about permits and regulations: what every homeowner should know.

Why Photo Eyes Fail (And You Won't Notice)

Dust, spider webs, and pollen accumulate on the sensor lens over months. Rain splashes mud onto the plastic cover. A contractor bumps one slightly out of alignment during service work. The infrared bulb inside dims with age. None of these trigger an obvious warning.

Your door still opens and closes normally. The photo eye failure only reveals itself when a child is in the path.

In the Boston area, we see seasonal buildup problems worse than most regions. Spring pollen coats everything. Summer humidity fogs sensor lenses. Winter salt spray corrodes the metal brackets. Weston garages face all of this.

Testing takes 90 seconds. Schedule a free estimate and ask our technicians to verify your photo eye alignment and cleanliness while they're here.

**Need garage door safety in Weston today?** Call (781) 822-0160. we cover same-day service across the area.

How to Spot a Failing Photo Eye

Walk to your garage with the door closed. Look at both sensor units on either side of the opening. On most models, a small LED light glows steady green when the beam is unbroken. If that light flickers, blinks red, or doesn't glow at all, the sensors aren't communicating.

Try this test: close the door slowly. Wave a broom handle through the opening about 12 inches from the ground. A working photo eye stops the door within seconds. If the door keeps closing, or hesitates but keeps going, your auto-reverse isn't functioning.

Never rely on the door's mechanical safety features alone. A worn cable or broken spring can disable the auto-reverse regardless of photo eye status. That's why we stress comprehensive spring and cable maintenance as part of your child safety plan.

Child Safety Beyond the Photo Eye

Photo eyes are mandatory, but they're not foolproof. The beam sits 6 inches high. A crawling infant under 6 months might pass underneath. Small toys can slip through without triggering the sensor. This is why teaching children never to play near the door matters as much as the technology.

We recommend: - Never let children operate the garage door opener alone, Keep remote controls out of reach (treat them like car keys) - Inspect photo eyes monthly, especially before summer, Replace aging openers with models featuring updated safety sensors

Our smart garage door technology guide covers newer openers with app-based monitoring, so you can verify the door is closed and safe even when you're not home.

What Does a Photo Eye Safety Check Cost?

Most same-day inspections run $85 to $150, depending on whether cleaning or realignment is needed. Replacement sensors typically cost $200 to $350 installed. That's a small fraction of the cost to install a new garage door, and it's a fraction of the cost in medical bills if something goes wrong.

Don't wait for a failure. Visit our services page to learn what we inspect during a safety audit.

The Bottom Line

Your garage door photo eye is the invisible guardian between your family and a heavy, fast-moving object. It deserves the same respect you give a car's airbag system. Check it monthly. Test the auto-reverse. Call us for a professional inspection if you notice any hesitation or warning lights.

Weston Garage Doors has handled thousands of safety calls across greater Boston. We've seen the consequences of deferred maintenance. Don't become a statistic. A 10-minute phone call can schedule your free estimate.

Call (781) 822-0160 or get a same-day estimate online right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I test my photo eye? Test your photo eye monthly using the broom handle method. Clean the sensor lenses every two months, especially during pollen season. If you notice any hesitation when closing, call for a professional inspection immediately.

Can I clean the photo eye myself? Yes. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the sensor lens. Never use water or harsh chemicals. If cleaning doesn't restore function, the sensor may need realignment or replacement by a professional technician.

What if my photo eye won't reset after blocking the beam? The door should automatically reverse when the beam breaks. If it doesn't, stop using the opener and call for same-day service. A stuck door creates a safety hazard and suggests a deeper electrical or mechanical problem.

Are older garage doors without photo eyes safe? Doors installed before 1993 may lack modern safety sensors. We strongly recommend upgrading the opener or installing aftermarket photo eye kits. This is one of the best child safety investments you can make.

How do I know if my photo eye is misaligned? Misaligned sensors won't communicate, and the LED light will be off or red. If cleaning doesn't help, the bracket needs adjustment. Professional technicians can realign sensors in minutes using laser tools.

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