How quickly can you fix my sensor issues?

In most cases, we can resolve sensor issues during a single service visit, typically within 1-2 hours. Sensor problems often stem from misalignment, dirty lenses, or wiring issues—all of which our technicians can diagnose and repair quickly. If sensor replacement is needed, we stock common sensors on our service vehicles for same-day repair. For more complex electrical issues that may be affecting your sensors, additional diagnostic time may be required. We offer next-day service appointments, and emergency service is available 24/7 for urgent situations where your garage door won't close due to sensor problems.

What causes sensor issues in garage doors?

Garage door sensor problems can arise from several common causes. The most frequent is misalignment—the two sensors at the bottom of your door must be precisely aimed at each other, and even a small bump can knock them out of alignment. Dirty or dusty sensor lenses are another common culprit; regular cleaning can prevent many issues. Wiring problems, including loose connections, damaged wires from pests or lawn equipment, or corroded terminals, can interrupt the sensor signal. Direct sunlight hitting the sensor lens can also cause false readings, making the door think there's an obstruction. Finally, sensors can simply wear out over time—most sensors last 10-15 years with proper care. During our service calls, we thoroughly inspect all potential causes to provide a lasting solution.

Do you offer financing for new industrial door installations?

Yes, we understand that a new garage door installation is a significant investment, and we offer several financing options to make it more accessible. We partner with trusted financing providers to offer low-interest and no-interest payment plans for qualified customers. Terms typically range from 6 to 60 months, with rates starting as low as 0% APR for shorter terms. The application process is quick and can often be completed during your free consultation. We also accept all major credit cards. Our goal is to ensure every homeowner can enjoy the safety, security, and curb appeal benefits of a new garage door without financial stress. Contact us for current financing offers and to learn which options best fit your budget.

What is your service area?

We proudly serve the entire Willamette Valley region, including Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Brownsville, Halsey, Harrisburg, Junction City, Monroe, and Tangent. Our home base in Shedd allows us to provide fast service throughout the region. If you're located outside these areas, give us a call—we may still be able to help depending on the scope of your project.

How long does a typical garage door installation take?

A standard single garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours from start to finish. Double garage doors generally require 6-8 hours. This includes removing your old door, installing the new door sections and hardware, mounting and connecting the opener (if included), balancing and adjusting the system, and testing all safety features. More complex installations involving structural modifications or custom doors may take longer. We always provide a time estimate during your consultation, and our team works efficiently to minimize disruption to your day.

What warranty do you offer?

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive 1-year warranty on all labor and installation. This covers any issues related to our workmanship or installation. Additionally, the products we install come with manufacturer warranties that typically range from 3 years to lifetime depending on the component. Springs usually carry a 3-5 year warranty, while premium doors may have 10-year or lifetime warranties on certain components. We'll explain all warranty coverage during your service visit and provide documentation for your records.

Do you offer emergency services?

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency garage door service for urgent situations. If your garage door is stuck open and compromising your home's security, won't close during severe weather, has fallen off its tracks, or has a broken spring that's preventing operation, call us immediately. Our emergency technicians are equipped to handle urgent repairs and can often resolve the issue on the first visit. There's no extra charge for nights, weekends, or holidays on emergency calls—we believe security shouldn't cost extra.

How often should I have my garage door serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance at least once per year to keep your garage door operating safely and efficiently. Annual service includes lubrication of all moving parts, inspection of springs, cables, and hardware, safety feature testing, balance adjustment, and visual inspection for wear or damage. Regular maintenance can prevent 80% of garage door emergencies and extend the life of your door system by several years. Many customers schedule their annual maintenance in fall to prepare for winter weather.

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely. Shedd Garage Doors is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Oregon. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage to protect both our customers and our team. As an IDEA (International Door Association) member and OSHA-compliant company, we adhere to the highest safety standards in the industry. We're happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

Can you repair any brand of garage door?

Yes, our certified technicians are trained to repair and service all major garage door brands and models, including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, Overhead Door, CHI, Raynor, and many others. We also service all major opener brands including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Craftsman, and Linear. Whether you have a residential or light commercial door, we have the expertise and parts to get it working properly.

Limit Switch Adjustment: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

2024-01-15 8 min read

Your garage door's limit switches are among the most critical components of the entire system, yet many homeowners are completely unaware of their existence or function. These small but mighty devices control exactly where your garage door stops when opening and closing, ensuring safe and reliable operation every single time you use your door.

What Are Garage Door Limit Switches?

Limit switches are mechanical or electronic devices that tell your garage door opener when to stop the motor. There are typically two limit switches in every garage door system: one controls the up limit (fully open position) and another controls the down limit (fully closed position). When properly adjusted, these switches ensure your door stops at the correct positions without slamming into the floor or straining against the ceiling tracks.

Signs Your Limit Switches Need Adjustment

How do you know when your limit switches need attention? Here are the telltale signs that indicate adjustment is necessary:

Door reverses before fully closing: If your door starts closing but reverses before reaching the floor, the down limit may be set incorrectly.
Door doesn't close completely: A gap between the door and floor indicates the down limit needs to be extended.
Door opens too far or not enough: The up limit switch controls how far the door opens. Incorrect adjustment can cause the door to stop short or strain against the tracks.
Motor continues running after door stops: This dangerous condition indicates the limit switches aren't properly signaling the motor to stop.
Unusual grinding or clicking sounds: These sounds when the door reaches its limits often indicate misalignment.

Understanding the Adjustment Process

Most garage door openers have limit adjustment screws or dials located on the motor unit itself. Chain-drive and belt-drive openers typically feature two adjustment screws.one marked "up" or "open" and another marked "down" or "close." Screw-drive openers may have different adjustment mechanisms, often involving limit switches mounted on the rail.

Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide

Before attempting any adjustments, ensure you understand your specific opener model. Consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions. Here's a general process:

Locate the adjustment screws: Find the limit adjustment screws on your opener unit. They're usually clearly labeled.
Make small adjustments: Turn the appropriate screw in small increments.usually one-quarter turn at a time.
Test after each adjustment: Operate the door fully after each adjustment to assess the change.
For the down limit: If the door doesn't close fully, turn the down limit screw clockwise. If it closes too far and reverses, turn counterclockwise.
For the up limit: If the door doesn't open fully, turn the up limit screw clockwise. If it opens too far and strains, turn counterclockwise.

Safety Considerations

Working with garage doors involves serious safety considerations. The springs in your garage door system are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury if mishandled. While limit switch adjustment is generally safe for homeowners, never attempt to adjust or work near the springs, cables, or bottom brackets.

When to Call a Professional

Some situations warrant professional attention. Contact Shedd Garage Doors if you experience persistent problems after adjustment attempts, unusual noises during operation, visible damage to opener components, or safety sensor issues accompanying limit problems. Our certified technicians have the expertise and tools to diagnose and resolve complex garage door issues safely and efficiently.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can prevent limit switch problems before they start. Include these practices in your maintenance routine:

Test door operation monthly and note any changes
Keep the opener unit clean and free of debris
Lubricate moving parts as recommended by your manufacturer
Schedule annual professional inspections

Properly adjusted limit switches ensure your garage door operates safely and efficiently for years to come. If you're uncomfortable making these adjustments yourself or encounter problems beyond basic adjustment, don't hesitate to call the professionals at Shedd Garage Doors. We're here to help keep your garage door running smoothly.

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