What Are Garage Door Struts and Why They Can Protect Yours

Understanding Garage Door Struts

What Are Garage Door Struts?

Garage door struts are like the backbone of your garage door, running horizontally across its surface. You’ll typically find them on the outside of sectional garage doors, offering extra support and keeping things stable. These guys are made from strong stuff like steel or aluminum and come in various lengths to match different doors.

Here’s a handy table showing the usual specs for garage door struts:

Material	Length Options	Thickness	Common Use
Steel	6 ft, 8 ft	1/8 in, 1/4 in	Heavy-duty doors
Aluminum	6 ft, 8 ft, 10 ft	1/8 in	Lightweight doors

Importance of Garage Door Struts

Adding struts to your garage door setup can seriously boost its health and performance. Let’s break down why they might be a good investment:

1. Stability: Struts evenly spread the weight across the door, stopping any sagging, especially if you’ve got a heavy or wide door. They keep things balanced and make sure your door glides smoothly.

2. Durability: With extra support from struts, the parts of your door face less strain, meaning they’re gonna last longer. It’s like giving your door—and its opener—a longer life.

3. Safety and Security: A door with good support is tougher and less likely to give way, adding a layer of security to your home. It also makes it harder for anyone to force their way in since the door is more resistant to impacts.

So, if you’re scratching your head thinking, “Do I need garage door struts?” take into account the extra stability and security they offer. Noticing your door sagging or struggling? That’s a hint that more support, like struts, might be needed. For more on garage door woes, check out our other reads, such as what should I do if my garage door won’t close all the way? and how do I know if my garage door opener is bad?.

Benefits of Garage Door Struts

Garage door struts are like the unsung heroes keeping your garage door in tip-top shape. They’re essential in making sure your garage entrance holds strong and lasts a long time. Catching what struts do can help you figure out if your setup could use a boost.

Keeping it Steady

Let’s face it, nothing’s more annoying than a shaky door. Garage door struts lend a hand by giving your door some backbone. They reinforce the whole thing, making it wobble less as it opens and closes. Got a big or heavy door? Then struts are like the best buddy it needs to stop the door from stressing out because of its own weight. A steadier door means smoother moves and fewer screw-ups.

Door Type	Steadiness Scale (1-5)
Regular Single	3
Double Door	4
Heavy Insulated	5

Tough as Nails

Struts give your door some serious muscles, and that’ll make your door last longer. Without them, doors can twist like a pretzel, especially when temps jump or the door gets a workout. Struts keep things straight, helping your door last through thick and thin. A tough door also means your mechanics get to chill a little longer before any repairs pop up.

Expected Life (Years)	No Struts	With Struts
Regular Single	10	15
Double Door	8	12
Heavy Insulated	10	18

Fortifying Security

No one wants a door that rolls out the red carpet for intruders. Struts add that extra layer of defense. They make it tougher for pesky intruders to break in. Keeping your family and stuff safe, and adding peace of mind—that’s the real deal struts offer.

If your garage door’s giving you grief, struts might be the answer. Got other problems? Check out what you can do if the door won’t close, read our piece what should I do if my garage door won’t close all the way? or find out how do I know if my garage door opener is bad?.

Signs You May Need Garage Door Struts

Spotting problems with your garage door can help you decide if those trusty door struts are a must-have. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs that scream, “Help needed!”

Sagging Garage Door

Notice your garage door looking a bit sad and droopy? That’s usually a hint that its strength might be wavering. When the door sags in the middle or at the edges, it’s crucial to jump on this problem ASAP. A sagging door isn’t just an eyesore; it can cause bigger headaches and mess with how everything works together in your garage system.

What to Watch	What’s Happening
Sagging Level	1-2 inches
Likely Culprits	Lack of support, regular wear and tear
Action Plan	Check for struts pronto!

Difficulty Opening or Closing

Ever tried opening your garage door and felt like you’re wrestling with it? A fighting door is a sign that its parts are getting tired. Struts can offer the backbone your door needs. If you notice any sluggish moves or hesitations as the door tries to open or shut, it might be a cry for some reinforcement love.

Trouble Spot	How Often It Happens
Stops and starts	Frequent issue
Gets stuck	Now and then
Completely stuck	Not too common

Need more help? Dive into our guide on what should I do if my garage door won’t close all the way?.

Excessive Noise

A noisy garage door can be like a morning alarm clock on the fritz – impossible to ignore. If your door’s announcing its operation with creaks, grinds, or pops, it’s likely struggling without support. Installing struts can turn down the volume and smoothen those mechanics.

Sound	What’s Likely Up
Creaking	Roller or hinge issues
Grinding	Tracks not lining up right
Popping	Loose parts or missing support

For more noise-related know-how, check out our advice on why does my garage door make a popping sound?.

Catching these signs early is your best bet for knowing if those garage door struts are a good investment. If the signs are pointing you in this direction, getting a pro to assess your door might be your next best move.

Installation of Garage Door Struts

Putting up garage door struts brings a whole new level of sturdiness and long life to your garage door. Whether you’re hiring someone or doing it yourself, it’s key to know the basic steps.

Professional Installation Process

When you decide to bring in a pro, expect them to follow a sort of game plan. Usually, they’ll do this:

1. Assessment: They’ll check out your garage door and figure out where the struts need to go.
2. Preparation: Time to round up tools and stuff like struts, brackets, and screws.
3. Installation:

• The pro will fit the struts just right, making sure they’re nice and snug.
• They’ll crank down on those fasteners so nothing wiggles loose.

1. Testing: Finally, they’ll open and shut the door to make sure everything’s cool and working smooth.

Make sure you’ve chewed the fat about warranties and service plans before they start. Just in case things go haywire later, you’re covered.

DIY Installation Considerations

Going the DIY route? Here’s how to not make a mess of things:

Consideration	Details
Tools Needed	Grab a drill, level, measuring tape, screwdriver, and some snazzy safety goggles.
Skill Level	You oughta have some basic skills in carpentry and mechanics.
Time Required	Clear about 1 to 2 hours of your day to get it all done.
Safety Precautions	Remember to disconnect the door from the opener and throw on some safety gear.

Now let’s roll up those sleeves:

1. Measure: First off, get those measurements just right for where to slap on those struts.
2. Mark: Use a pencil to dot out those install spots on the door.
3. Drill Holes: Whip out the drill to make some nice, neat holes for the brackets.
4. Attach Struts: Stick on the struts with brackets, keep ’em even and straight.
5. Finalize: Tighten up the screws and give the door a go to check your handiwork.

Don’t forget to hit up resources like how do I know if my garage door needs lubrication or repair? for keeping things in tip-top shape post-installation. Deciding between hiring a pro or doing it yourself is all about keeping that garage door working like a dream.

Maintenance and Care for Garage Door Struts

Garage door struts don’t pamper themselves, so it’s important to keep them in tip-top shape. A little attention now can save big bucks later on repairs and can keep your garage door gliding like butter.

Regular Inspection

Get up close and personal with your garage door struts regularly to spot any shenanigans. You don’t need a magnifying glass for this—just keep an eye out for these things:

What You’re Checking	What You’re Looking For
Cracks or bends	Anything that’s not supposed to be there
Rust or corrosion	Metal turning into dust particles
Loose connections	Bolts and screws that are shaking it off

Sneak in these checks every month. Spot a problem? Our article on what should I do if my garage door won’t close all the way? could come in handy.

Lubrication and Cleaning

Keeping your garage door and struts sparkling clean isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s necessary. Wipe down the struts with a soft cloth every so often to banish grime. And remember, moving parts need a little oil love.

What Needs Oil	How Often?
Struts	Every 6 months
Hinges and rollers	Every 3 months

Choose a lubricant that’s friendly with garage doors. This keeps you’ve guessed it problems like rust at bay and helps everything move without a hitch. Need more insights? Check out how do I know if my garage door needs lubrication or repair?.

Addressing Issues Promptly

Don’t give problems the cold shoulder. If your inspection or maintenance shows any issues, get on them pronto! Playing the wait game will only rack up costs later. Watch out for:

• Random noisy clanks or bangs
• Slowpoke garage door movements
• A droopy or wonky door look

If you see these red flags, it might be time to call in a pro. But for those times you’re scrambling to finish a DIY late at night, maybe how do I troubleshoot a garage door that opens then immediately closes? has the answers.

Taking care of your garage door struts can mean the difference between a garage that works with you, versus one that’s plotting sabotage. Give a little love, save a lot of hassle!