3 Signs a Garage Door Opener Has Been Damaged By Lightning

Thunderstorms, with their dramatic lightning strikes, can be as damaging as they are impressive. The electricity discharged by a lightning strike can start a fire and fry any number of electrical objects in a house. The power will surge from the ground through water and into electrical wiring. A direct hit is not necessary for a lightning strike to damage household equipment.

One item that is very vulnerable is the electric garage door opener. After a lightning storm, there are three signs to look for to determine if a garage door opener was damaged by lightning.

1. The opener acts haphazardly. It may open suddenly without a person pushing the button or it may stop half-way open. The electrical circuits can be harmed by a power surge from a nearby lightning strike.
2. Remote controls and/or keypads stop working. The circuits that detect the remote signals could be damaged. Change the batteries in case those happened to die out at the same time. If new batteries do not help, it’s most likely the result of a lighting power surge.
3. Lights on the unit are acting up or will not turn on. Most units have a light on the back of the opener that flashes if there is an object in the way of the door or other issues. If that light is flashing for no reason, there is probably damage.

Most homeowners do not think of protecting the opener with a surge protector. Most units are attached to a ceiling so it is tricky to add a surge protector. But, it can save a homeowner hundreds for replacement dollars.

If you are witnessing problems with your garage door opener and need to speak to a garage door contractor, contact the expert team at Town & Country Door today!