Will hit the floor return?

Welcome to the MM Garage Door Repair Utah blog! As your trusted local garage door experts, we often get asked a variety of questions about garage door functionality and maintenance. One question that pops up frequently is: “Will the hit the floor return?” In this post, we’ll delve into what that means, why it happens, and what you can do about it. We aim to provide you with clear, actionable advice to keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely.

Understanding “Hit the Floor Return”

The phrase “hit the floor return” refers to a situation where your garage door closes completely, touches the floor, and then immediately reverses direction, opening back up. This is a safety feature designed to prevent the door from crushing anything or anyone that might be in its path. While it’s a crucial safety mechanism, it can be frustrating when it happens unnecessarily.

Common Causes of Garage Door Reversal

Several factors can trigger this “hit the floor return” behavior. Let’s explore the most common culprits:

Obstructions in the Door’s Path

This is the most straightforward cause. Even a small object, like a stray toy, a tool, or a pile of leaves, can interfere with the door’s closing path. The safety sensors are designed to detect these obstructions and immediately reverse the door’s direction.

Misaligned or Dirty Safety Sensors

Garage doors are equipped with photo-eye safety sensors located near the floor on either side of the door opening. These sensors send an invisible beam of light across the opening. If the beam is interrupted, the door will reverse. Misalignment, dirt, cobwebs, or even direct sunlight can interfere with the sensors’ ability to function correctly.

Sensitivity Settings Too High

Garage door openers have force and travel limit settings. The force setting determines how much resistance the opener will tolerate before reversing the door. If the force setting is too sensitive, even a slight increase in resistance (like a minor bump on the floor) can trigger the reversal.

Worn or Damaged Components

Over time, parts like the garage door springs, rollers, or tracks can wear down. This can create friction and resistance, causing the door to struggle during closing. This added resistance can sometimes be misinterpreted by the opener as an obstruction, leading to the “hit the floor return.”

Problems with the Garage Door Opener Logic Board

In some cases, the issue might stem from the garage door opener’s logic board. This is the “brain” of the opener, and if it’s malfunctioning, it can send incorrect signals, causing the door to behave erratically.

Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve the Issue

Before calling a professional, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the “hit the floor return” problem:

Step 1: Visual Inspection

Carefully examine the entire path of the garage door. Remove any obstructions, even small ones. Check for debris, leaves, or anything that might be interfering with the door’s movement.

Step 2: Clean and Align the Safety Sensors

Wipe the lenses of the safety sensors with a clean, dry cloth. Ensure that the sensors are properly aligned. Most sensors have indicator lights that will illuminate when they are aligned. If the lights are blinking or off, adjust the sensors until they are solid.

Step 3: Test the Safety Sensors

With the door open, pass an object (like a broom handle) through the path of the safety sensors. The garage door should not close. If it does, the sensors are not working correctly and need further attention.

Step 4: Adjust the Force Settings

Consult your garage door opener’s manual for instructions on adjusting the force settings. Gradually increase the force setting, but be cautious not to increase it too much, as this could compromise the safety feature. Test the door after each adjustment.

Step 5: Inspect for Worn or Damaged Parts

Visually inspect the springs, rollers, and tracks for any signs of wear, damage, or rust. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to call a professional for repair or replacement.

Step 6: Check the Garage Door Balance

Disconnect the garage door from the opener by pulling the emergency release cord. Manually lift the door halfway. It should stay in place without drifting up or down. If it doesn’t, the springs may be unbalanced and require adjustment or replacement.

Final Solution

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your garage door is still exhibiting the “hit the floor return” behavior, it’s time to call a professional garage door technician. A malfunctioning logic board, severely worn components, or complex spring adjustments require specialized knowledge and tools to address safely and effectively. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage and potential safety hazards.

Safety Note

Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Never attempt to repair or adjust garage door springs yourself. Always call a qualified technician for spring-related issues.

FAQs

Q: How often should I inspect my garage door?

A: It’s a good idea to visually inspect your garage door at least once a month, paying attention to the sensors, tracks, and rollers.

Q: Can I use WD-40 to lubricate my garage door parts?

A: No, WD-40 is not a suitable lubricant for garage door parts. Use a silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for garage doors.

Q: My garage door opener is making a lot of noise. What could be the problem?

A: Excessive noise can indicate worn rollers, a loose chain or belt, or a problem with the motor. It’s best to have a technician inspect the opener.

Conclusion

The “hit the floor return” issue can be a nuisance, but understanding the potential causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above can often resolve the problem. However, remember that safety is paramount. If you’re uncomfortable performing any of these tasks or if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at MM Garage Door Repair Utah. We’re here to provide reliable, professional service to ensure your garage door operates safely and efficiently.

Is your garage door giving you a headache? Don’t wait for a minor issue to become a major problem! Contact MM Garage Door Repair Utah today for expert diagnosis and repair. Let us take the stress out of garage door maintenance. Call us now at 801-418-9217 or visit our website at mmgaragedoorrepair.com for a free consultation and estimate. We’ll get your door back on track – guaranteed!