Q: When I open my garage door one of the panels drops and I can’t close door?

A: This problem always happens on sectional roll up doors.( sectional roll up doors: garage doors that use 4 or more independent sections attached with hinges so it can curve with door track.) Sectional doors that are over 8 ft. wide are more subject this problem.

This problem occurs when there is damage to door or age and rust. Most common is being hit by automobiles. Also improperly  installed doors mostly on 18 ft. wide and longer will make the door panels sag when door is in the up position and makes door panels not close correctly.

On most occasions you can fix this problem by replacing the damaged sections. If you can’t match up sections by manufacturer then sometimes adding a strut to the inside of door (Strut: struts are metal reinforcements that attaches at left side of door to right hand side.) Struts are usually found attached to very top of door from side to side put there mostly so automatic openers don’t bend top door panel when lifting door. Adding struts to a deteriorated part of door will fix the door closing problem.

Whenever i have to add a strut to a door i always have to add tension to springs to make up for the added weight to garage door.

Most of the time adding a strut will fix closing problems but if the door makes any popping sounds when opening or closing than you will have to replace the panels.