The garage door is a guardian and sentinel, steadfastly safeguarding your space while welcoming you with open arms. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of replacing garage door panels and learn how to assess the damage, whether a minor dent or something more substantial. Discover the importance of matching colors seamlessly so your door maintains its cohesive appearance. And when it’s decision time, we’ll help you choose whether swapping out a single panel or going all-in is the right move.
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How Do Garage Door Panels Get Damaged?
By understanding how garage door panels fall prey to damage, you can take preventive measures and avoid potential pitfalls for your garage door.
- Incidental collisions: An unfortunate encounter with a vehicle, a misjudged backing maneuver or a chance collision with an object can inflict dents, scratches and even structural deformities upon the panels.
- Weather: The elements can gradually erode garage door panels from exposure to UV rays, which can cause fading and discoloration over time. Rain, snow and fluctuating temperatures lead to warping, rust and overall deterioration.
- General wear and tear: Repeated opening and closing subject the panels to continuous stress, weakening hinges, cracks and a loss of structural integrity.
Can You Replace the Panels on a Garage Door?
If your garage door sustains minor damage due to an isolated incident and it only affects one or two panels, consider panel replacement or a cost-effective repair.
Remember, a whole garage door replacement is a suitable solution for significant damage or wear. This approach helps extend your current garage door’s life span, saving you money and preserving your investment’s value.
When Do You Need to Replace Garage Door Panels?
Garage panel replacement swaps out individual or multiple sections of your garage door, addressing possible signs of damage. This solution tends to be more budget-friendly than replacing multiple panels or even the entire door. Replacing a single garage door panel is an option for homeowners looking to save while maintaining their garage doors’ functionality and safeguarding their long-term investment.
Singular Panel Replacement
When a single garage door panel bears the brunt of the damage, whether due to an unfortunate collision or gradual wear, the obvious choice is to opt for a singular panel replacement. By targeting the affected area, homeowners can accurately restore the door’s aesthetic integrity. Matching the replacement panel to the existing structure ensures seamless integration, preserving the door’s original design and visual harmony.
Furthermore, singular panel replacement aligns with a philosophy of sustainable maintenance. It contributes to the garage door’s longevity by proactively addressing issues that could escalate into broader problems, demanding more extensive repairs or even a complete door replacement.
Multi-Panel Replacement
If your garage door has multiple damaged sections, replacing only the affected portion is a practical alternative to replacing the entire door. For instance, consider a scenario where two out of four panels suffer damage due to a minor accident. Opting to individually replace those two could be a more economical choice compared to an overall garage door replacement.
However, more extensive damage might indicate the need for a garage door replacement. In some cases, the costs of replacing multiple sections could be almost as much as a complete garage door replacement. Then, it’s worth contemplating a comprehensive door replacement, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a brand-new unit at a comparable cost.
The decision to replace specific sections versus the entire garage door hinges on factors such as the extent of damage and associated costs. This nuanced evaluation ensures you make the most practical choice to restore your garage’s functionality and appearance while being mindful of your budget.
Color-Matching Panel Replacement
Elevating your property value demands meticulous attention to detail, where even seemingly minor aspects can make a substantial impact. When repairing your garage door, color-matching the replacement panels speaks volumes about your commitment to a refined and harmonious visual appeal.
Time and exposure to the sun’s rays can gradually alter your garage door’s color and shade. This metamorphosis might appear subtle, but when you replace an aged or faded panel without adhering to the principle of color-matching, the difference can be stark.
Professional garage door specialists recognize the pivotal role of color harmony in maintaining your property’s allure. When replacing garage door sections, their expertise ensures the color seamlessly melds with the existing panels.
Can I Replace My Garage Door Panels Myself?
For the best results, have a professional install and replace your garage panels, even if you bought new replacement ones yourself. Garage door installation can be a complex and challenging project, making it dangerous for anyone but an expert. Additionally, if you want to achieve the best color match, relying on a professional is essential.
Sometimes, you may need to replace your entire garage door to correct the damaged panels and ensure the internal mechanisms are good to go. If you need to replace your garage door springs, it’s best to entrust that project to 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. Often, a poorly reinforced automatic garage opener can cause a garage door to sag.
2. Peeling Paint and Cracking Wood
Periodically refinishing a wooden garage door can maximize its life span. 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 getting a new one. Older garage door models built 15 years ago or more may be challenging to match with appropriate replacement panels. Installing an energy-efficient garage door can improve your home’s resale value while potentially saving you money in the long run.
Replace Damaged Garage Door Panels With R&R Doors
At R&R Doors, we provide the highest-quality products and services with a continued commitment to professionalism. 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.
