Strengthening Garage Doors

JackOfAllTrades · 09-13-2011, 06:52 AM

I have a 2-car wide garage door. I was looking to make it stronger, especially in high wind loads. Is there a way to install metal bracing across the sections to strengthen the door or would I have to buy a completely new garage door?

**oh'mike** · 09-13-2011, 07:26 AM

What is the door made of? That will determine if you can stiffen it up or not.

Windows on Wash · 09-13-2011, 07:42 AM

If it is a builder's grade door (single panel aluminum) you could ad bracing or foam to it.

Just Bill · 09-13-2011, 07:56 AM

You could add those "U" braces like the one at the top for the opener, at each section. You will have to readjust the springs to compensate for the weight. Might seem a bit clunky, but way cheaper than a new reinforced wind rated door.

rossfingal · 09-13-2011, 08:54 AM

Yes - what "Just Bill" says.
Remember - playing with the springs on a garage door can be
very, dangerous!

roossfingal

Windows on Wash · 09-13-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Bill

You could add those "U" braces like the one at the top for the opener, at each section. You will have to readjust the springs to compensate for the weight. Might seem a bit clunky, but way cheaper than a new reinforced wind rated door.

+1

Be very careful with the springs. I nearly got one right across the face. That would have left a mark.

09-13-2011, 06:52 AM	#1
JackOfAllTrades Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 266	Strengthening Garage Doors I have a 2-car wide garage door. I was looking to make it stronger, especially in high wind loads. Is there a way to install metal bracing across the sections to strengthen the door or would I have to buy a completely new garage door?

09-13-2011, 07:26 AM	#2
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,752	Strengthening Garage Doors What is the door made of? That will determine if you can stiffen it up or not. __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

09-13-2011, 07:42 AM	#3
Windows on Wash Exterior Construction Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: VA, MD, DC Posts: 3,846	Strengthening Garage Doors If it is a builder's grade door (single panel aluminum) you could ad bracing or foam to it. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

09-13-2011, 07:56 AM	#4
Just Bill Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 3,098	Strengthening Garage Doors You could add those "U" braces like the one at the top for the opener, at each section. You will have to readjust the springs to compensate for the weight. Might seem a bit clunky, but way cheaper than a new reinforced wind rated door.

09-13-2011, 08:54 AM	#5
rossfingal "Nail-Bender" Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Western suburbs, Chicago, Il. Posts: 2,129	Strengthening Garage Doors Yes - what "Just Bill" says. Remember - playing with the springs on a garage door can be very, dangerous! roossfingal

Strengthening Garage Doors