If you or someone else has accidentally or deliberately damaged your garage door, knowing how to repair garage door panels may save you a lot of hassle.
After all, it might seem cheaper and easier to replace a single damaged panel rather than order a brand-new door. But this isn’t always the case, and you might need to consider ordering a replacement door.
So, in this article, we reveal some things to consider before deciding whether to repair garage door panels. We also look at what you might be comfortable doing yourself, alongside work only a trusted, expert repair company should carry out on your behalf.
First: Should you repair the panels or replace the door?
The first thing to consider is how badly damaged your garage door is. Is there damage to just one panel, or has it extended to several panels?
Sometimes, it might be more cost-effective and much easier to replace the entire garage door. Generally, if one or perhaps two panels are damaged, repairing the individual panels should work. But here are some other things to consider before deciding what to do:
Assess the cause and scope of the damage
What has caused the damage to your garage door? Was it an accident with your truck or car? Was it damaged by water or strong winds?
If one panel has a minor dent, repairing it should be easy. However, if you crashed into the garage door with your truck and have significantly damaged numerous panels, a replacement door is probably your best bet.
Can the damage be fixed?
In many cases, a handyman can easily fix a small dent or minor damage to a garage door. The key is to consider whether the damage is structural or superficial.
You know it’s a structural issue if the damage has made it more difficult to open the garage door or if the mechanism has a problem. In this case, it probably can’t be fixed. But if the door operates normally with minor damage on show, it can probably be fixed without requiring a replacement.
Consider the age and general condition of the door
You also need to think about how old your garage door is and what condition it’s in. If your garage door is over fifteen years old, it might be time to replace it with a new one, so carrying out expensive repairs may not be a good use of your money.
Also, if other panels on your garage door are showing wear and tear, now might be a good opportunity to replace the entire door, particularly if several panels are significantly damaged. Equally, it’s not always easy to find replacement panels for older doors, making it more viable to install a new door instead.
How to repair garage door panels DIY – Is it a good idea?
If you’ve decided that your garage door panels can be fixed, you’re probably wondering—can you do the work yourself to save money?
This depends on your skill level and whether you’re good with your hands. It also depends on the scope of the damage. Significant damage to garage door panels will likely require specialist tools and expertise to put right.
If you’re inexperienced and try to fix the door yourself, you could cause more damage, which will result in an even bigger repair bill.
That said, if your garage door has a superficial scratch or dent, you can probably touch it up with the right equipment from your local hardware store. You can then give your garage doors a fresh coat of paint, which will look as good as new.
Tools & Steps Required for DIY Repairs to Garage Door Panel
Firstly, if you plan to fix the garage door panel yourself, you will need the following tools:
- Safety gloves
- Rubber mallet
- A wooden block
- Sandpaper
- Filler
- Paint and brush
You can get all of these items from your local hardware store, or you may even have them in your garage or shed already. You’re then ready to proceed with the following steps to fix your door panel:
Step 1: Consider the damage
Before doing anything, assess the damage to your garage door panel. If you notice a scratch or a small dent, you can repair it yourself. In this case, proceed to the next step. If the damage is more significant, you will need to contact a professional for help.
Step 2: Repair the dent
Now, put on your safety gloves, grab the wooden block and place it on the inside of the door where the dent is. Then, using the rubber mallet, tap the block to straighten out the dent. It’s important to do this slowly and carefully, as applying too much force may even make the dent worse.
Step 3: Smoothen the surface
Sand the area of the pane you’ve been working on with sandpaper until it’s nice and smooth. This will take several minutes, and you need to go over all areas of the dent. You can then take the filler to smooth out any remaining marks or scratches. We advise you to leave the area to dry fully before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Paint the panel
Once the putty or filler is dry, you can sand over the area one more time. Then, apply paint that matches the rest of your garage door and ensure that you evenly distribute it. At this stage, you may decide to paint the entire garage door, which is a smart move if it looks old and you don’t want the fixed panel to stand out.
Step 5: Leave it to dry
The final step is to leave the paint on the panel and the rest of your garage door to dry. This will take a few hours, so busy yourself with something else before returning later. You might need to touch up or apply a second coat of paint, depending on the initial damage.
When to Call a Professional
If the damaged panels have caused structural issues with the garage door, you will probably need to call a professional to do the work.
Also, some garage door repairs should only be carried out by an expert. This is particularly true if there’s an issue with the door’s internal mechanisms. If you notice damaged springs, cables, or tracks, you will probably need to ask a professional to fix the door on your behalf.
But before contacting an expert to repair garage door panels, there are some simple things you can do to make the process easier and potentially save some money:
1: Research the make and model of your garage door
The first step is to discover who manufactured your garage door and its material (if you don’t already know). You should find a model number inside your door to help you identify the correct manufacturer and model. This will make it much easier to source a replacement panel if you need one.
2: Take the correct measurements
Next, you will need to measure your garage door, taking height and width measurements. You will also need to measure the panel you need to replace or repair.
3: Disconnect from power
If your garage door is electric, you should disconnect it from the power source as this will help you avoid accidents.
4: Check thoroughly for all damage
Finally, check all garage door panels for damage. Even if you initially think the damage is isolated to one panel, it may have spread to others. Checking this before contacting a repairman can make the job easier when they arrive.
How to Repair Garage Door Panels: The Cost
Research shows that the average cost to replace a garage door panel in the United States is between $415 and $686. This accounts for the cost of the panel, labor, and supplies.
But be mindful that the cost of repairing a garage door panel depends on the type of door you own. The cost depends on the door’s material (wood, steel, aluminum, etc.), design, size, and shape, and whether it has custom designs, colors, and features.
As for the cost of replacing a damaged garage door, this again varies significantly from home to home in the United States. For example, replacing a low-end garage door could be $800 or less, but high-end custom garage doors can cost up to $10,000.
You can check your home insurance policy to offset some of the cost of repairing garage door panels or replacing the door itself. Depending on the cause of the damage, you might find that you’re covered for repairs, which will save you from forking out for the work yourself.
The bottom line? If your garage door panels are damaged, call your Firstline Garage Door Repair. This is the best way to get a real-time quote for the job, and you can weigh up whether it’s cheaper to replace the panel (or panels) or to buy a new garage door.
Broken panels on your garage door? Follow these steps to fix it
As we bring this blog post to a close, we want to leave you with the following steps that you should follow if you have noticed damaged panels on your garage door:
Step 1: Assess the damage
Begin by assessing the damage. Consider how many panels are broken or damaged and whether it’s feasible to replace them. If your garage door is old, you may need to replace the entire door.
Step 2: Decide whether you can fix it yourself
Anyone with a bit of DIY know-how can fix minor damage to the paintwork, such as dents, scratches, or blemishes. You can grab the right tools from your store or buy them from a local hardware store. Then, over the weekend, you can fix your garage door and paint over the area you’ve worked on.
Step 3: Call the professionals to help you
If one or more panels on your garage door are significantly damaged, you probably need an expert to fix it. At Firstline Garage Door Repair , we specialize in garage door panel replacement, offering cost-effective and efficient service to all homeowners.
So, if you notice a broken or damaged panel on your garage door, contact us today, and we will advise you on the best course of action.
Garage Door Panel Repair FAQ
How much does it cost to repair garage door panels?
This depends on numerous factors. Firstly, the extent of the damage and whether one or several panels need to be repaired. You also need to think about local labor and transportation costs, as well as the material of the garage door itself. This is why it’s best to get a professional quote before proceeding with any garage door panel repairs.
Is it better to replace the panels or the entire garage door?
If your garage door is significantly damaged, it might be more cost-effective, and a lot easier, to just replace the garage door. You can consult your local garage door experts for advice on the cost of repairs versus the cost of a new door.
Can just a panel be replaced on a garage door?
Yes, in some cases, it’s possible to replace a single panel on a arage door. But for a replacement to be successful, the door will need to be in good shape, and you will need to find the make and model of your garage door to order the correct replacement.
Written by Alex Caraus.
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