Garage Door Panel Replacement: Can You Repair Instead?
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When your garage door panel gets damaged, you’re faced with a tough decision: should you repair it or replace the entire panel?
You can repair garage door panels, especially if the damage is not extensive. You can reshape door panels, fill cracks or dents with fillers, or replace panels yourself.
In this guide, we’ll explore when it’s best to repair your garage door panel and when replacement is the smarter option, helping you make an informed decision that will save you time and money.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Garage Door Panels?
Replacing garage door panels can be a pricey endeavor, depending on the specifics of your situation. If you’re dealing with a single garage door panel, the cost can range from $250 to $700. This price varies based on factors like:
- material,
- panel size, and
- whether your garage door is insulated.
Steel garage door panels are typically on the lower end of the price range, while wood or customized panels push the price higher. Adding a window or decorative detail will increase the cost.
For a steel garage door replacement panel, you can expect to pay around $150 just for the panel, not including installation.
Insulation adds to the cost, but improving your garage’s R-value and energy efficiency is worth it.
Suppose your door has a garage door opener or springs that need resetting after the panel replacement. In that case, you’ll need to factor in extra service charges.
Don’t forget that labor costs for installation can add another $100 to $400, depending on the complexity. Always check if the current door frame needs adjustments, which can significantly impact the total cost.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair Garage Door Panels?
When deciding whether to repair or replace a garage door panel, the price can vary widely based on the extent of the damage. Repairing the panel is often the cheaper option for a single dent or minor bend.
You’re looking at around $100 to $200 for basic repair services, depending on whether your door is steel, aluminum, or wood. If you’re handy with garage door parts, you might be able to handle smaller fixes yourself, saving on labor costs.
But if the panel is severely damaged, especially cracked or rotted, you should consider a replacement panel. This is especially true if the garage door panel has started to affect the frame or spring system.
The cost to replace a single panel ranges from $250 to $700, depending on the material and availability.
If two or more panels are damaged, garage door replacement might be the most cost-effective option, considering the added insulation benefits and improved R-value of a new door.
If you want the job done by professionals, Here is up-to-date info at Homeadvisor.com and Homeguide.com
https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/garages/repair-a-garage-door
Can You Repair Garage Door Panels Yourself?
You can repair garage door panels yourself, and here are three solid reasons why it’s worth considering.
Cost Savings
The price of professional repairs can add up quickly, especially if you have a steel garage door with multiple panels that need attention.
By tackling the job yourself, you’ll primarily pay for the materials and save on labor costs.
For example, a simple dent repair on an aluminum panel might only set you back $20 in products and services from your local store compared to the $150 or more you’d pay a pro.
If you have a single garage door with minor damage, a little DIY effort can save you a significant amount of money.
Availability of Parts
Some garage door parts are easier to find and replace than you might think. Whether it’s a garage door hinge, a bracket, or weather stripping, most of these parts are available at your local hardware store or online.
For brands like Wayne Dalton, where replacement panels or parts might be hard to source, doing the work yourself means you can spend time shopping for the right pieces without worrying about the clock ticking on labor costs.
Plus, you can choose insulated parts if you want to upgrade the R-value of your door.
You Control the Quality
When you handle repairs yourself, you control the quality and style of the work. Want to ensure your garage door panel looks smooth and flush after a repair?
Doing it yourself means you can take the time to get the paint or finish just right. Plus, you can ensure the seal is perfect, so you won’t have to deal with a garage.
Even tricky jobs, like resetting the garage door opener after a repair, become manageable with detailed guides and the right tools.
How To Repair Aluminum Garage Door Panels?
Aluminum is lightweight and easier to work with than steel, making it a good candidate for DIY repairs. Here’s a detailed guide on the tools you’ll need and the steps to take.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Bucket of Water: Essential for cleaning the area before and after the repair.
- Dish Soap and Sponge: Use these to clean the dented area thoroughly.
- Heat Source: A heat gun, hairdryer, or lighter will do the trick to heat the dent.
- Tinfoil: This will help distribute heat evenly over the dent.
- Compressed Air Can: Used upside down, it provides a sudden cooling effect that helps pop the dent back into place.
- Auto Body Filler Compound: If the dent is deep or the panel is damaged beyond just a surface dent, it is necessary.
- Putty Knife: This is used to apply the filler compound smoothly.
- Sandpaper (80 and 120 grit): Helps smooth the surface after applying filler.
Steps to Repair Aluminum Garage Door Panels:
- Clean the Dented Area: Clean the garage door panel with a sponge, water, and dish soap. Removing dirt and debris ensures the repair is smooth and flush with the rest of the panel. Let the area air dry completely before moving on.
- Heat: Cut a piece of tin foil to cover the dent and tape it securely. Use your heat gun, hairdryer, or lighter to apply heat to the tinfoil for about a minute. The tinfoil helps to evenly distribute the heat across the dent.
- Cool the dent Quickly: After heating, remove the tinfoil and immediately use the compressed air can upside down to blast the dent with cold air. The sudden temperature change should cause the dent to contract and pop out.
- Check and Repeat: Check the dent to see if it’s fully repaired. If not, you can repeat the heating and cooling process until you are satisfied.
- Filler and Sanding: If the dent is still visible or has any scratches, use an auto-body filler compound to smooth over the area. Apply it with a putty knife, then let it dry. Once dry, sand the area with 80-grit sandpaper, then move to 120 grit.
- Paint the Repaired Area: After sanding, clean off the dust and apply paint that matches your garage door. This will help the repaired section blend in with the rest of the panel.
How To Repair Steel Garage Door Panels?
When your steel garage door panel gets dented or damaged, you can often handle the repair yourself, saving time and money. Here’s a detailed guide on how to repair a steel garage door panel.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Bucket of Water: This cleans the area before you begin the repair.
- Dish Soap and Sponge: To thoroughly wash the surface, ensuring the repair products adhere well.
- Auto Body Filler Compound: Perfect for filling in dents and deep scratches on the steel surface.
- Putty Knife: Apply the filler compound evenly across the dented area.
- Sandpaper (80 and 120 grit): To smooth out the filler and prep the surface for painting.
- Rubber Mallet: Useful for knocking out large dents from the inside.
- Block of Wood: Acts as a buffer when using the mallet.
- Paint: Match the paint color to your garage door for a seamless finish.
- Spray Primer: Essential to prevent rust and help the paint adhere to the steel.
Steps to Repair Steel Garage Door Panels:
- Clean the Area: Clean the damaged garage door panel with water and dish soap. Removing dirt and debris is crucial for a successful repair. Make sure the area is completely dry before moving on.
- Assess the Damage: You might get away with using the auto body filler compound for minor dents. For larger dents, use the rubber mallet and block of wood. Place the wood inside the door and gently tap the dented area with the mallet.
- Fill the Dent: Apply the auto-body filler compound to the dented area using a putty knife. Spread it evenly over the dent, ensuring it covers the affected area. Let the filler dry completely, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
- Sand the Surface: After the filler has dried, sand the area using 80-grit sandpaper to remove excess filler and smooth the surface. Then, switch to 120 grit for a finer finish, making the area flush with the rest of the garage door panel.
- Prime and Paint: Apply a spray primer to the repaired area. This step is critical for preventing rust and ensuring the paint sticks to the steel. Once the primer is dry, apply the paint. Multiple thin coats work best, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
How To Repair Wood Garage Door Panels?
Here’s a detailed guide to restoring your wood garage door panel.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Chisel and Hammer: For removing any rotted or damaged wood.
- Wood Filler: To fill in cracks, holes, or other imperfections in the wood.
- Putty Knife: This is used to apply the wood filler smoothly.
- Sandpaper (80 and 120 grit): To smooth the surface after applying the filler.
- Wood Glue: Useful for reinforcing any loose pieces of the panel.
- Clamps: To hold the wood pieces together while the glue dries.
- Replacement Wood Panel: If the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the entire panel.
- Saw: This is used to cut the replacement panel to size.
- Paint or Stain: To match the repair area to the rest of the garage door.
Steps to Repair Wood Garage Door Panels:
- Assess the Damage: Start by examining the wood garage door panel to determine the extent of the damage. Remove the damaged areas before starting the repair if the wood is rotted or cracked.
- Remove Damaged Wood: Use a chisel and hammer to remove any rotted or severely damaged wood. Be sure to eliminate all the bad wood, as leaving any behind can cause the problem to continue.
- Fill Cracks and Holes: Use wood filler for minor damage like small cracks or holes. Apply the filler with a putty knife, pressing it into the cracks and smoothing it out to flush with the surrounding wood. Let the filler dry completely.
- Sand the Surface: Once the wood filler is dry, sand the area with 80-grit sandpaper to remove any excess filler and smooth the surface. Follow up with 120-grit sandpaper for a finer finish.
- Reinforce Loose Pieces: If there are any loose parts of the wood panel, use wood glue to reattach them. Apply the glue, then clamp the pieces together until the glue dries. This step ensures the garage door panel remains sturdy and functional.
- Stain or Paint: After sanding, apply paint or stain to match the repair area to the rest of the garage door. Use multiple thin coats, allowing each to dry before applying the next, to achieve a smooth and durable finish.
Garage Door Panel Replacement: Repair When You Can
Deciding whether to repair or replace a damaged garage door panel depends on the extent of the damage, the age of your door, and your budget.
While repairs can often be a quick and cost-effective solution, sometimes a replacement is the better long-term investment. Carefully assess your situation, considering factors like material availability and the potential for future issues.
You can choose the best approach to keep your garage door functional and looking great by weighing these options.
