What is the best way to fix a bent section on my garage door?

Most residential garage doors are made up of panels/sections and are usually either 7′ foot or

8′ foot tall when the panels/sections are together. The panels/sections can bend for many

reasons and it is important to determine why the panel/section bent. The bent panel/section

could be the symptom of another problem with your garage door system. It is recommended

that you have a garage door technician inspect your door and recommend repair options.

The best way to fix/repair and bent panel/section, if it is repairable, is usually to install one or

more struts. Struts are “V” shaped metal supports that run the entire width of the garage door

and attach to the door panels using self tapping screws. Most residential doors have a strut pre-

installed at the top of the top panel on the garage door. Struts can be installed on any of the

panels. Struts provide additional support for the garage door panel(s) and help prevent bending

of the panel(s). Struts can be used on metal, vinyl and wood garage doors.

If you are installing one or more struts to your garage door, it may also be necessary to replace

the torsion springs. When you add struts to your garage door, you are adding weight to the

garage door, and your springs may not be strong enough to lift the garage door with the

additional weight.

In some situations it is not possible or prudent to repair a bent panel/section. In this case you

would need to replace the panel or the entire door. To replace a panel you will have to locate

the sticker on the inside of the door or on the ends of the panels that will tell you the

manufacturer and model number of your garage door. If these stickers are not present, then

you can have a garage door technician inspect the door or take pictures of the panels to show a

garage door company. Many times it is impossible to find the manufacturer or model number.

In this case you would need to replace the entire garage door.

Veteran Garage Door has technicians who will inspect your garage door for free and make

recommendations for repair and replacement options.