One piece of metal broke at the center of my garage door section, can I fix it?

Most residential garage doors are sectional doors and it is possible to repair the individual

sections. The ability to repair the garage door section depends on your skill level and what

piece of metal broke. It is also possible to replace the damaged section if you can determine the

manufacturer and model number of your garage door.

First we will address fixing the broken piece of metal. If the piece of metal that broke off is the

piece where the “J” bar that connects your garage door opener to the door, then you can repair

this by installing a new operator bracket. Operator brackets come in different styles, some are

adjustable to fit different size sections and some are non-adjustable and fit specific size doors.

To install a new operator bracket you will need to remove the old “J” bar bracket after

disconnecting the “J” bar from the garage door.

You will then need to attach the new operator bracket to the garage door panel using self tapping screws.

You will then reattach the “J” bar to the new operator bracket. The next step will be to test the garage

door using the garage door opener.

Starting with the garage door in the fully closed position, press the wall button or the

button on the remote to open the garage door. watch the door closely for any signs of the door

sagging or dragging as it opens and to make sure your open limits are still set correctly. If the

door opens properly you will next test the door closing. With the door fully open press the wall

button or the button on your remote to close the door. Watch the door closely as it closes to

make sure the door does not sag or bend as it closes and be sure the down limit is set properly.

If the door functions properly during your test of both open and close functions, then no

further adjustment is needed. If you need to make adjustments to your open or close limits,

then follow the steps in the owner’s manual for your garage door opener to make any needed

adjustments.

If the piece of metal that broke off your garage door is not where the “J” bar connects to your

garage door, it may still be possible to repair the garage door panel. In this situation it may be

possible to install a strut to support the garage door panel. A strut is a metal piece that runs the

full width of the garage door. The strut is a “V” shaped piece that is designed to provide support

for the garage door panel, most doors come with a strut pre- installed at the top of the top

panel of the garage door. Struts are attached to the garage door using self tapping screws and

can be used on any of the garage door panels. Struts prevent the garage door from bending or

sagging by supporting the panel.

If you are installing one or more struts to your garage door it

may also be necessary to replace your torsion springs, as you are adding weight to the garage

door and your current springs may not be strong enough to lift the door with the additional

weight.

You may also be able to replace the damaged panel. If you decide the panel needs to be

replaced, you will have to locate the sticker on the inside of the door or on the ends of the

panels. These stickers, if present will provide the manufacturer and model number of your

garage door.

Garage door panels are not universal as each manufacturer and model may use a

different pattern on the top and bottom edge of the panels where they join the panels above

and below the damaged panel. Many times it is impossible to determine the manufacturer

and/or the model number of the garage door. In this case it is more prudent to consider

replacing the entire door. Many times it is just as cost efficient to replace the entire door rather

than replacing the damaged panel.

Depending on your skill level and experience working on garage doors, it may be better to have

a garage door technician inspect your door and provide you with options on repairing or

replacing your garage door. Garage doors are the largest door in most homes and are

dangerous to work on if you do not have the proper tools and training.