The Dreaded Sagging Garage Door Syndrome and How to Fix it Fast!
WHAT IS THE SAGGING GARAGE DOOR SYNDROME
There are a group of symptoms that will indicate your garage door is starting to “tire out”. One major symptom is the dreaded “sag”, which is when a garage door section starts to bow and bend when it opens. A sagging garage door syndrome is a red flag that needs attention. But does this mean that you need to replace your garage door? Well, not yet.
Before we get into some solutions about fixing this issue, we will explore why a sagging garage door is so common.
WHY IS THE GARAGE DOOR SAGGING?
Garage doors are built to hold up against a lot of wear and tear, but through time and usage, the weight of the garage door will cause the section to sag. This is especially true in the case of older garage doors that are made with cheaper materials. Yet these are not the only factors. For example, notice these circumstances.
Poor Installation: Some installers try to work fast through a garage door install that can at times cause them to overlook bending or damaging a garage door section.
Mischief: There is a STUPID social media trend that has kids kicking in garage doors. This trend has spread like wildfire and it can be a major factor that causes a garage door to sag.
Age: The age of the garage door is sort of a given. Yet when you allow the garage door to last longer that it should, a sagging section will simply continue if not tended to.
THE FIX: INSTALL A GARAGE DOOR STRUT
One of the most successful ways to mitigate a sagging garage door section is by installing a garage door strut. A garage door strut is a reinforcement bar that provides extra support that will prevent a garage door section from being or bowing.
Here is a quick explanation of the installation process:
Measure and Choose the Right Strut: Ensure you have the correct size strut for your door. Most garage doors are 16 feet wide. Therefore if the width of your garage door is shorter, then you will need to cut the strut.
Use Existing Holes: Remove the screws from your existing hinges and reuse them to attach the strut.
Secure the Strut: Attach one end of the strut to a hinge, then carefully attach the other end.
Drill if Necessary: You may need to drill holes to align the strut with a hinge. Be CAUTIOUS not to drill through the exterior of the door.
STOP Your Garage Door from Sagging Forever with This Easy Fix!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Adding a strut will increase the weight to the garage door. This can affect its balance, potentially causing drag which puts stress on the garage door opener. If this is the case then it is best to have a professional adjust your torsion springs to compensate for the added weight.
MAINTAINING A SAFE AND BALANCED GARAGE DOOR
Regular maintenance is vital to prevent garage door issues, including a sagging garage door section. Here are some pro tips to can keep your garage door running at its optimal level:
Regular Inspections: Perform routine checks for signs of wear and tear, including cracks, fraying cables, and loose hardware.
Lubrication: Keep your garage door tracks, hinges, and rollers lubricated to ensure smooth operation.
Balance Testing: Periodically test the balance of your garage door. If it doesn't stay in place when opened halfway, it may need adjustment.
Free Resource: Download our free garage door safety scorecard to help you assess the overall safety and functionality of your garage door system.
THE COMMUNITY WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!
How have you tackled a sagging garage door? Did you use a 16 foot strut? Did you use a different solution? Share your thoughts on our YouTube channel.
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