Options for sagging garage door

[frankd]

I have a 16x7 garage door that is sagging in the middle when open. Only the top panel is sagging so I'm assuming it's not sagging due to it's own weight but rather from the garage door opener pulling on the door. I'm installing a jackshaft garage door opener (liftmaster 8500) so that should prevent the door from bending again...however now I'm looking to fix the sag.
The top panel currently has a strut brace/u-bar but that has bent along with the top panel so I'm looking to replace it. The problem is that I can't find this part anywhere. I can't have it shipped to my house because it's too long. Home depot and Lowes don't seem to stock it. I called a few garage door repair shops in the area but they will only install it and want ~$500 (parts and installation combined). I've found some places online that sell the part but I have to buy two 8ft sections and combine them. I feel like that wouldn't be as sturdy as one piece
Anyone have any ideas as to where I can find this strut brace? Is there something else that's readily available that I can use as a replacement?
Thanks for the help!

 

[BillK]

Frank,
Are you talking about the typical brace that is made out of sheet metal bent in a "U" shape with flanges that bolt to the door ? I got a couple from a local garage door company that was tearing out some old doors, they told me to come and get them before they went to the landfill ?

 

[yeldogt]

I have a big copay door 18' -- the original hardware was not up to the task. I had HD hardware installed -- solved the problem. One long brace -- I also did everything else. make sure that's your only problem.

I feel your pain -- anywhere around NYC .. $$

 

[pattenp]

Here's how I solved my sagging 18X8 door.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29028

 

[Jeepster04]

I bought some of the thinner angle that has holes all in it at lowes and put two 8' pieces up. They overlap in the middle a good bit to make that area stronger.

One day I was trying to set the force that would make the door reverse or not crush someone. I told the gal I was dating at the time to try and stop the door as it went up and the top panel almost folded in half! It put a nice crease in the top of the door. Ill try to find some pics...

They also only had a small piece of the angle at the top of the door to attach the opener arm to. The opener was pulling the screws out of the door. Doubled up on that and lengthened it down to the support that was already on the door.

 

[frankd]

Frank,
Are you talking about the typical brace that is made out of sheet metal bent in a "U" shape with flanges that bolt to the door ? I got a couple from a local garage door company that was tearing out some old doors, they told me to come and get them before they went to the landfill ?

Yup, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I did an online search and the only store that stocks them is Menards and they're only about ~$20 each. But the closest store is about 700 miles away so that wont work!
I called a few local guys but they all gave me ridiculous quotes.

 

[frankd]

I have a big copay door 18' -- the original hardware was not up to the task. I had HD hardware installed -- solved the problem. One long brace -- I also did everything else. make sure that's your only problem.

I feel your pain -- anywhere around NYC .. $$

Yup. Living in downstate NY sure does **** for several reasons. What do you mean by "HD"? Home Depot? If so, what did you use to fix the issue.

Here's how I solved my sagging 18X8 door.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29028

Thanks I actually read this while doing some research a few days ago. If I can't find an affordable replacement brace I'm going to use this method.