Do you offer financing or payment plans for garage door installations?

Absolutely. We work with several financing partners to help spread the cost of a new door or opener installation. Whether you're looking at a full replacement or a repair, we can discuss flexible payment options that fit your budget. For details on current programs and rates, give us a call—we're happy to walk you through what makes sense for your situation.

How quickly can you respond to an emergency garage door problem?

We prioritize emergency calls and aim to reach customers in Evans and surrounding areas within a few hours on most days. If your door is stuck open or won't close, we understand that's a security concern. Call us right away and let us know what's happening—we'll get you scheduled as soon as possible and work hard to restore your peace of mind.

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Yes, we maintain full licensing, bonding, and liability insurance to protect you and your property. When you hire Evans Garage Doors, you're working with a legitimate, accountable business. We're happy to provide proof of our credentials before any work begins. It's one of the ways we've earned trust in this community.

My door leaks air around the edges during our cold winters. Can you replace the weather stripping?

Worn weather stripping is a common issue here in Evans, especially after a few harsh winters. We replace gaskets and seals regularly to stop drafts and keep your garage temperature more stable. A fresh seal can make a real difference in your heating bills. We'll inspect your door and let you know exactly what needs replacing and the cost involved.

Can you install a smart garage door opener like MyQ or HomeLink?

We absolutely can. Smart openers give you remote access and notifications from your phone, which many of our customers love. Whether you want MyQ, HomeLink, or another system, we'll help you choose one that fits your needs and install it properly. We can also upgrade existing doors with smart accessories if a full opener replacement isn't necessary.

What garage door opener brands do you recommend and can you work with what I already have?

We install and service most major brands—LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Marantec, and others. If you already own an opener, we can often repair or upgrade it rather than replace it, which saves money. During a free inspection, we'll assess what you have and recommend the best path forward based on your door's age, condition, and your budget.

Does my HOA or the city of Evans have rules about what size or style door I can install?

Good question. Some neighborhoods have appearance guidelines, and it's smart to check before ordering. We're familiar with common Evans area restrictions and can advise you during the consultation. If you have HOA documents or local code concerns, bring them along or let us know, and we'll make sure any new door meets those requirements.

What materials are best for a garage door—steel, wood, aluminum, or composite?

Each has trade-offs. Steel doors are affordable and durable but can rust if seals fail. Aluminum is lightweight and low-maintenance but dents more easily. Wood offers classic looks but needs regular maintenance. Composite mimics wood with less upkeep. For Evans winters and typical ranch or colonial homes here, we often recommend insulated steel for value and performance, but the right choice depends on your home's style and your maintenance tolerance.

Our door came off the tracks and we can't get it back on safely. What do you do in that situation?

Off-track doors are a safety hazard—never try to force one back yourself. We'll come out, assess the damage to the tracks and rollers, and carefully realign everything. Depending on what caused it, we may need to replace bent tracks, worn rollers, or both. Once we're done, your door will operate smoothly and safely again.

Garage Door Safety Testing in Evans: How to Check Photo Eye & Auto-Reverse

2026-07-13 7 min read

Most homeowners don't think about their garage door until it stops working. By then, a safety problem may already exist. The photo eye and auto-reverse mechanism are your door's two biggest defenses against injury and property damage. Testing them takes five minutes and could save a life. Here's exactly what you need to check.

Why These Two Safety Features Matter

Your garage door weighs between 300 and 600 pounds. When it closes, it moves with serious force. The photo eye is a sensor pair (one on each side of the door frame, near the ground) that detects objects or people in the path. The auto-reverse system tells the door to stop and reverse direction if something breaks the photo eye beam.

Without these working properly, a closing door won't stop if a child, pet, or toy is underneath. In Evans and across Washington, local building codes require both features on any garage door installed after 1993. If your door is older, upgrading is worth the cost and can prevent tragedy.

The auto-reverse also activates if the door meets unusual resistance while closing. Think of it as a backup safety net. Together, these features have reduced garage-door injuries dramatically over the past 20 years.

Testing Your Photo Eye

Start with the photo eye. These small sensors sit about 4 to 6 inches above the floor on each side of the opening. They're usually cylindrical and may have a small LED light (often red or green).

Walk to the photo eye on one side. Look for a small indicator light. If your door opener is relatively modern, there should be a small red or green LED visible. A green light typically means the beam is unobstructed and functioning. A red light or no light at all signals a problem.

Now walk to the opposite photo eye. You should see the same indicator. Both sensors must have clear line of sight to each other. If one or both lights are off or red, the beam is broken. Clean the lens gently with a dry cloth first. Sometimes dust or spider webs block the beam. If cleaning doesn't restore the light, the sensor itself may have failed and needs replacement.

Here's the practical test: close your garage door. Before it reaches the ground, wave your hand across the photo eye beam (the space between the two sensors). The door should stop immediately and reverse back up. If it doesn't, your photo eye isn't working. Do not use the door. Call a professional same-day service to inspect and repair it.

**Need garage door safety in Evans today?** Call (509) 512-0751. we cover same-day service across the area.

Testing Your Auto-Reverse Feature

The auto-reverse system works independently of the photo eye, though both should function together. To test it, you need something soft but noticeable. A roll of paper towels or a 2x4 wood block works well.

Place your test object on the ground directly in the door's path, about halfway between the frame and the center of the opening. Close the door using your remote or wall button. The door should descend, touch the object, and immediately reverse back up. It should not crush or push the object more than an inch or so.

If the door doesn't reverse when it makes contact, the auto-reverse mechanism has failed. This is a safety emergency. Stop using the door and contact a professional. Your child or pet could be seriously hurt.

Some doors have a force-adjustment setting on the opener unit. If your door is too sensitive (reversing without touching anything), or not sensitive enough (crushing objects lightly), adjustment may be needed. This requires technical knowledge. Evans Garage Doors can evaluate your settings and fine-tune them safely. Schedule a free quote to have your system checked by someone who knows what they're doing.

Child Safety and Regular Maintenance

Testing these features once a year is smart prevention. Do it at the start of spring or fall, when you're thinking about home maintenance anyway. Keep the photo eye lenses clean. Keep the door path clear of clutter. Teach children never to play under a closing door, and never to stick hands or toys in the opening.

If you have older children, they should understand that the garage door is not a toy. If you're concerned about accidental operation, smart garage door technology with app control can help you monitor and lock the door remotely. Learn more about smart garage door safety to see if that's right for your family.

For a complete safety inspection, we recommend a professional assessment every 3 to 5 years, or sooner if you notice any issues. Springs, cables, and openers wear out. Find out when to repair versus replace your garage door springs if you're unsure about the age and condition of your system.

Get Your Safety System Tested Today

A working photo eye and auto-reverse aren't luxuries. They're essential safeguards that meet code and protect the people you care about. Testing them is free and takes minutes. Fixing a broken system costs far less than an emergency room visit.

If your tests reveal any problems, don't delay. Contact Evans Garage Doors at (509) 512-0751 or reach out to schedule a same-day estimate. We serve Evans and the surrounding region with honest, quality work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the photo eye LED color mean? A green LED means the beam is clear and functional. A red LED or no light indicates the beam is blocked or the sensor has failed. Clean the lens first; if the light doesn't return, professional repair is needed.

How often should I test my garage door safety features? Test your photo eye and auto-reverse at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. Annual professional inspection is also recommended to catch wear on springs, cables, and the opener itself.

Can I adjust the auto-reverse force myself? The force adjustment dial is on the opener unit, but improper adjustment can make the door unsafe. Professional technicians should handle this to ensure your system meets code and protects your family correctly.

What if my garage door was installed before 1993? Older doors may lack photo eyes and auto-reverse or have outdated versions. Upgrading to modern safety features is highly recommended and often required by local code if you're selling your home or doing major repairs.

Why does my photo eye keep going out? Common causes include dust, spider webs, misalignment, or moisture inside the sensor. Clean the lens regularly. If the problem persists, the sensor may be failing and requires replacement by a professional.

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