A 16-foot garage door strut is a horizontal support bar intended to fortify and bolster a garage door with a 16-foot span. The strut is mounted horizontally along the door panels and is usually made of sturdy materials like steel or aluminum. When it comes to a 16-foot garage door, the strut becomes essential for preventing the door from sagging or warping over time.
Its main purpose is to evenly distribute the weight of the door, minimizing the strain on individual panels and guaranteeing the door’s structural integrity. For larger doors, the use of a 16 ft garage door strut is especially crucial to give the required support for dependable and durable operation.
How Do You Install Struts For Garage Doors?
It is simple to reinforce the door’s structural integrity by installing garage door struts. To find the necessary strut length, first measure the width of each door section. Determine the top, middle, and bottom sections for installation while the door is fully open. As you align and center each strut correctly, place it horizontally along the inside of the door. The strut should be fastened to the door at the specified mounting locations using bolts or screws.
For every section, repeat this procedure while offering constant assistance. Although some homeowners might try doing the installation themselves, it is advised to get professional help to guarantee precise alignment and strong reinforcement. A garage door system’s longevity and best performance are largely dependent on routine inspections and the timely replacement of any damaged struts.
Components Used to Make Garage Door Struts
Garage door struts, sometimes referred to as support struts or reinforcement struts, and are usually composed of a variety of materials that offer durability and strength. The following materials are most frequently used to make garage door struts:
➔ Steel:
Steel garage door struts are commonly used because of their remarkable strength, resilience, and ability to support heavy loads. These struts are essential for strengthening garage doors, equating weight distribution, and improving structural integrity. Steel struts are ideal for outdoor use, withstanding exposure to a variety of weather conditions. They are frequently galvanized for enhanced corrosion resistance.
They are perfect for supporting heavy garage doors and standing the test of time because of their durability. Although steel weighs more than some other materials, its superior strength and dependability make it the best material for garage door struts, guaranteeing the safe and stable operation of garage doors in a variety of applications.
➔ Aluminum:
Due to its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting qualities, aluminum garage door struts are very well-liked. These struts offer dependable garage door support, especially in regions where there is a high risk of humidity or salt exposure. Aluminum’s light weight makes installation and maintenance simpler. Aluminum is a practical option for outdoor applications due to its rust resistance, even though it is not as strong as steel.
Its widespread use is attributed to its adaptability and contemporary aesthetic appeal, which provide a balance between strength and weight. For a variety of door configurations where corrosion resistance and handling ease are critical factors, aluminum garage door struts are a good fit.
➔ Fiberglass:
Fiberglass garage door struts offer a special kind of lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternative. Fiberglass is made up of glass fibers enmeshed in a polymer matrix, giving it strength and insulating qualities. Fiberglass struts are appropriate for applications where weight is an issue and insulation is desired, even though they are less common than steel or aluminum struts.
They are perfect for a variety of climates due to their resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Fiberglass is frequently used for lighter garage doors where the advantages of insulation and corrosion resistance outweigh the requirement for maximum load-bearing capacity. Nevertheless, it may not match the sheer strength of steel.
➔ Wood:
Although less common than their metal or composite counterparts, wooden garage door struts provide a traditional and visually appealing option. Wood struts add a traditional touch to custom or vintage garage doors, matching their overall design. But because they are more vulnerable to moisture, insects, and decay, they need more upkeep.
To guarantee longevity, regular sealing and treatments are required. Wood is a popular option for people looking for a more bespoke or rustic look and are willing to dedicate some time to maintaining the beauty of their garage door, even though it is not as durable as metal.
➔ Composite/Plastic Materials:
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and other composite materials are lightweight and resistant to corrosion when used as garage door struts. These struts are simple to install and provide a well-balanced combination of strength and durability.
Garage door struts made of plastic or composite materials work best in situations where weight is an important factor and environmental resistance is a must. Although they might not be as strong as steel, they are still a sensible option due to their adaptability and rust resistance. However, for some garage door configurations, composite or plastic materials offer a dependable and affordable option.
➔ Hybrid Materials:
To maximize the advantages of each material, hybrid garage door struts combine them. For instance, a hybrid strut might have an outer layer made of plastic or aluminum to improve its resistance to corrosion, while the steel core provides strong support.
By using this cutting-edge technique, manufacturers can produce struts that balance weight, durability, and resistance to environmental elements, providing a flexible solution that can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of a wide range of garage door applications.
Bottom Lines
Garage door struts are essential parts that help make garage doors stable and functional. A variety of materials, such as steel, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and hybrids, can be used, depending on the situation and the surroundings. Every material has specific advantages that help garage doors perform at their best, endure the rigors of various environments, and still look good.
