Garage Door Struts: Strengthening or Straining? Pros and Cons for Homeowners
Over time garage doors can begin to sag, bend, or even crack. One solution often recommended by professionals is the installation of garage door struts. But are they always the right choice? In this post, we'll break down the pros and cons of garage door struts to help you make an informed decision. Let’s Party!
(Pros of Installing Garage Door Struts)
Increased Door Strength and Stability:
Struts prevent the door from bowing in the middle, especially on wider, heavier doors.
The added stability reduces the risk of panels cracking or separating, extending the lifespan of your garage door.
Reduced Stress on Opener:
Struts help the door move more smoothly, reducing the workload on the opener and potentially preventing premature failure.
Improved Door Appearance:
By preventing sagging, struts help maintain the straight, clean lines of your garage door, enhancing your home's curb appeal.
Noise Reduction:
Struts can minimize vibrations and rattling, leading to a smoother, quieter operation.
Wind Resistance:
In areas prone to high winds, struts can provide crucial reinforcement, preventing the door from being damaged or blown off its tracks.
Why is this garage door bending?
(Cons of Installing Garage Door Struts)
Increased Door Weight:
Adding struts increases the overall weight of the door. This can put additional strain on the garage door springs and opener, especially if they're already nearing their capacity.
It’s important to ensure the springs are correctly sized for the new increased weight.
Potential for Improper Installation:
Incorrectly installed struts can actually worsen the problem, causing uneven stress and potential damage. Proper placement and secure fastening are crucial.
Cost:
While it can prevent more expensive repairs down the line, it's still an upfront investment. If the springs need to be replaced to handle the added weight, this will add to the total cost.
Possible Interference:
In some rare cases, struts might interfere with the operation of certain garage door openers or hardware. Careful planning and measurement are essential.
Can Mask other problems:
If a door is sagging due to a failing spring or damaged roller, a strut can mask these problems and allow further damage to occur. It is important to fix the root problem, not just cover it up.
Unsure what to do? Download our FREE Garage Door Safety Scorecard to help make a better educated decision on the health of your garage door system.
Click the Button to watch a video on what a professional installer thinks about garage door struts.