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What are garage door struts?

Posted by Scott Moses on

What are Garage Door Struts? (Braintree, MA Homeowner Guide)

A garage door strut is a horizontal reinforcement bar—usually steel—installed across the inside of a garage door section to help the door stay rigid and operate smoothly. Struts help prevent panels from bowing, flexing, or creasing over time, especially on wider doors and doors with openers pulling from the center. [oai_citation:0‡Aaron Overhead Doors](https://aaronoverheaddoors.com/garage-door-parts/what-is-a-garage-door-strut/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Related Lynoka Pages (Braintree Hub)

Why Garage Door Struts Matter (Especially in Massachusetts)

In real life, your door isn’t just “going up and down.” It’s dealing with temperature swings, daily use, wind loads, and opener pulling force. A strut spreads stress across the section so the door doesn’t flex in the middle, which helps:

  • Reduce panel bending/bowing that can lead to permanent creases
  • Help the door move more evenly and reduce strain during operation
  • Protect the opener connection area (where pulling force is concentrated)
  • Extend the life of the door sections by keeping them rigid

Where Is a Strut Installed?

Struts are mounted horizontally on the inside of the door (the side facing into the garage). They’re typically fastened across a section—often the top section, and sometimes additional sections depending on the door width, style, and weight. How Many Struts Does a Garage Door Need?

There isn’t one magic number. Some doors are fine with one reinforcement strut, while others may need multiple struts based on door size, panel design, and how the opener attaches. Common Scenarios

  • Wider doors (often 16’+) may benefit from added reinforcement
  • Thin steel sections can flex more and may need extra support
  • Doors with windows can require careful reinforcement planning

Important Note

Adding struts can increase door weight. In some cases, springs may need to be adjusted or upgraded so the door stays properly balanced. [oai_citation:6‡Aaron Overhead Doors](https://aaronoverheaddoors.com/garage-door-parts/what-is-a-garage-door-strut/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Signs You Might Need a Strut (or Strut Repair)

  • The top section looks slightly bowed or “oil-canned” (wavy metal)
  • You see a crease forming where the opener pulls
  • The door shakes, feels uneven, or seems to “bind” during travel
  • The opener bracket area looks stressed, cracked, or bent
  • You replaced an opener and now the door flexes more than before

If you’re seeing any of the above in the Braintree area, it’s smart to have it inspected—panel damage can get expensive fast if it spreads. Book a quick inspection here.

DIY Warning (Quick but Important)

Struts may look simple, but the “gotcha” is weight and balance. If you add reinforcement and the door becomes heavier, your springs and opener settings may no longer be correct—leading to unsafe operation or opener strain.

Garage Door Strut FAQs

Is a strut the same as an opener bracket?

They’re different. A strut reinforces the door section across its width. An opener bracket reinforces the specific spot where the opener arm connects. Many doors benefit from both depending on design and stress points.

Will a strut fix a cracked or damaged panel?

A strut can help prevent further flexing, but cracked panels may need repair or replacement depending on severity. If the opener attachment area is failing, stop using the door until it’s inspected.

Can adding a strut make my door stop working?

It can—if the door weight changes and the springs/balance aren’t adjusted. That’s why professional setup matters. [oai_citation:8‡Aaron Overhead Doors](https://aaronoverheaddoors.com/garage-door-parts/what-is-a-garage-door-strut/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Need Strut Reinforcement in Braintree, MA?

Lynoka Garage Door Services can inspect your door sections, opener attachment point, and overall balance—then reinforce the door correctly so it runs smooth and safe.