Garage door - replace door supports?
#1
10-22-12, 09:27 AM
Garage door - replace door supports?
My garage door a while ago got a little bent at the top due to hitting something. I bent it back into place and it was fine. This week, while closing it, the top got pretty bent out of shape.
The top door panel itself is not horribly bent (the rest of the panels are fine), but the top metal support that runs the width of the door is bent in the middle quite a bit. The same is true of the vertical metal support that the garage door opener connects to.
The door is aluminum I believe.
My question is, can you buy just those metal supports or does the whole door or door panel need to be replaced?
I have no idea who makes the door. It is 11 years old.
The top door panel itself is not horribly bent (the rest of the panels are fine), but the top metal support that runs the width of the door is bent in the middle quite a bit. The same is true of the vertical metal support that the garage door opener connects to.
The door is aluminum I believe.
My question is, can you buy just those metal supports or does the whole door or door panel need to be replaced?
I have no idea who makes the door. It is 11 years old.
#2
10-22-12, 09:30 AM
Group Moderator
Yep, sounds like you need a new strut. That said, it may be cost effective to replace the whole door. Why did the door get bent - what got hit?
#3
10-22-12, 09:42 AM
It hit my SUV....actually the door closed 80% of the way and got stuck (there was enough room to clear everything but the bumper).
After bending it back, it was good for several months. The vertical strut wasn't really bent much before. Now it is mangled.
After bending it back, it was good for several months. The vertical strut wasn't really bent much before. Now it is mangled.
#4
10-22-12, 09:55 AM
Group Moderator
Metal weakens when it deforms like this, sounds like it is no longer strong enough to do its job.
#5
10-22-12, 10:03 AM
Can the 2 struts just be replaced? They are bolted to the panel hinge I think.
Not sure if the struts are specific to the make/model of the door or if it is something that can be found generically.
Not sure if the struts are specific to the make/model of the door or if it is something that can be found generically.
#6
10-22-12, 10:04 AM
Group Moderator
Struts are generic, you should be able to find replacements. That said, where they attach to the door could also be compromised.
I think, at this point, I'd have a couple garage door contractors come out and assess the situation for you - expert eyes on site go a long way.
I think, at this point, I'd have a couple garage door contractors come out and assess the situation for you - expert eyes on site go a long way.
#7
10-22-12, 10:43 AM
I got the horizontal strut off and found they carry them at a local home improvement store in the size I need (2"x16').
The problem is the vertical center strut is also bent and that is riveted to the top the top door panel.
The problem is the vertical center strut is also bent and that is riveted to the top the top door panel.
