For many people, their garage door is a vital aspect of their house, as they use it multiple times each day when leaving or returning home. With regular use, garage doors are often subject to daily wear and tear that can stress the internal mechanisms of the door. On the outside, garage door panels may show physical signs of repeated use. As a result, you may want to consider garage door panel replacement or whole garage door replacement for damaged garage doors.
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Can You Replace the Panels on a Garage Door?
If a garage door has been damaged in a minor accident, but only one or two panels are affected, you may want to consider garage door panel replacement. Replacing just one or two garage door panels is often a more straightforward and cost-effective way to repair your garage door.
While replacing an entire garage door is possible, it’s generally not needed in less severe cases of damage or wear and tear. On average, a garage door can last approximately 10 years before you need a professional to replace it. In most cases, whole garage door replacement is reserved for more severe cases and only when absolutely necessary to maximize your current garage door’s lifespan and save you money.
When Do You Need to Replace Garage Door Panels?
Garage panel replacement is designed to replace single or multiple garage door sections to correct signs of potential damage. If only one garage door panel is damaged, it can be less expensive than replacing several garage door panels or even the whole door. Replacing one panel of a garage door can help homeowners on a budget maintain their garage doors and ensure the longevity of their investment.
Singular Panel Replacement
If a single garage door section is damaged, you may want to consider singular panel replacement as a way to restore the functionality and appearance of your garage door. It’s possible to replace one garage door panel without the need to replace the whole garage door.
Garage door section replacement is typically needed for minor accidents, such as a car bumping into it at low speed. Smaller moving objects like bikes and lawnmowers can also damage garage door panels. You can buy replacement panels for a garage door to correct signs of damage from an accident or if a garage door panel is aging faster than the others.
Multi-Panel Replacement
If multiple garage door sections become damaged, you can replace multiple sections without replacing the whole garage door. For example, if two out of four panels were damaged in a minor accident, it may be more affordable to replace two panels rather than replace the entire garage door.
If most of your panels are damaged, perhaps three out of four, you could need to replace the garage door. In some cases, replacing most sections can cost as much as replacing the whole garage door. As a result, it’s sometimes best to replace the entire garage door so you can enjoy a new product for around the same price.
Color-Matching Panel Replacement
Color-matching your garage door panels is essential to repair a garage door properly. Over time, your garage door sections may fade or change shades slightly with sun exposure. In these instances, replacing a garage door panel without color-matching can result in an unappealing appearance, impacting curb appeal and your property’s overall aesthetic.
Professional garage door specialists can help replace garage door sections and ensure the color seamlessly matches your existing panels. Garage door repair services can ensure new panels are installed correctly and quickly so you have a functional and aesthetically pleasing garage door as soon as possible.
Can I Replace My Garage Door Panels Myself?
Can you buy replacement panels for a garage door? Yes, but for the best results, it’s essential to have a professional replace them. Garage doors can be complex and difficult to install to the point where it’s dangerous for anyone but an expert to install them. Additionally, if you want to achieve the best color match, relying on a professional is essential.
In some cases, you may need to replace your entire garage door. Replacing the whole door will correct the damaged panels and ensure the internal mechanisms are good to go. Sometimes, replacing garage door springs is also needed, which is best done by a professional.
When Should I Replace My Entire Garage Door?
While there are many reasons to replace an entire garage door, three of the most common signs your garage door is broken or damaged include the following:
1. Sagging Garage Door
Without regular maintenance or repairs, wooden garage doors may appear to sag, bend or buckle. If there are large gaps in the door when it’s closed, that’s often a sign of sagging, meaning you may need to replace the entire garage door. Sometimes, a sagging garage door may occur due to a poorly reinforced automatic garage opener.
2. Peeling Paint and Cracking Wood
Periodic refinishing of a wooden garage door can maximize its lifespan and keep the garage door looking its best. Over time, the stain or paint on a garage door may begin to peel or crack, often caused by rotting or deteriorating wood. In addition, the finish on a garage door may start to fade or look patchy due to extended sun exposure. If you notice your garage door panel is cracked, it may be due to holes within the wood or excess moisture.
3. Non-Efficient Garage Door
If a garage door is no longer efficient or doesn’t function properly, you’ll want to consider replacing the whole garage door. Older garage door models built 15 years ago or more may be difficult to match with appropriate replacement panels. Installing an energy-efficient garage door can help improve the functionality of your garage while potentially saving you money in the long run. There are many benefits of a new garage door, including enhanced functionality, efficiency and appearance.
Replace Damaged Garage Door Panels With R&R Doors
At R&R Doors, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services with a continued commitment to professionalism and superior quality. We’re a leading garage door dealer in Wisconsin, offering exceptional service for residential and commercial properties. Our experts can help you find the perfect garage door and operator for your project. In addition to our array of high-quality garage doors and door openers, we also offer various repair services, including garage door opener repair, garage door spring replacement and more.
To get started with garage door repair, schedule a service or request an estimate today.