Garage doors provide security and curb appeal for your home. However, over time, these doors suffer damage from many sources. When your garage door becomes damaged, you may wonder if you can repair it yourself or if it’s worth the effort. This guide walks you through the process of replacing garage door panels. It helps you decide when to repair, how to make the repair, and when to call in the professionals.
How To Decide if a Garage Door Panel Repair Is Needed
The extent of the damage and its impact on the door’s functionality will help you decide whether to repair or replace your garage door panel. Minor cosmetic issues like surface rust or small blemishes can be repaired without removing or replacing the panel. However, more significant damage requires closer inspection.
Signs That Indicate Panel Replacement Is Necessary
Several signs indicate that panel replacement is necessary. Creases, significant rust, or large dents affect the door’s operation, making it harder to open and close. Cracking, popping, or binding noises while the door moves also suggest that a panel might be damaged. If some panels move inconsistently with the others, such as buckling, it’s a clear sign of a problem. Visible damage that impacts your home’s curb appeal is another reason to consider replacing a panel.
You may not need a repair if the door operates smoothly and the damage is cosmetic. When the door doesn’t function properly, address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and maintain safety and security.
Can You Replace a Garage Door Panel Yourself?
For handy homeowners with DIY experience, replacing a garage door panel is a manageable project. However, use caution and prepare properly. Garage door systems involve tension springs and heavy panels, which pose safety risks if mishandled.
Considerations Before Attempting DIY Panel Replacement
Before attempting a DIY panel replacement, consider your skill level and comfort with home improvement tasks. Make sure you have the right tools and safety equipment to complete the job. Since panels are heavy and difficult to maneuver, enlist a helper. Take the time to fully understand the repair process before you begin. Be safe when handling this project on your own. Consult a professional if you’re unsure about your ability to complete the repair.
The Cost of Garage Door Panel Replacement
The cost of panel replacement factors into the decision to repair the panel or replace the entire door. Generally, installing a new garage door is more cost-effective if more than one panel needs replacement.
Factors Affecting Replacement Costs
The cost of replacing a garage door panel depends on several things—the size and material of the panel, the uniqueness of the door design, and whether the door includes windows or special features. Labor costs play a significant role if you hire a professional for installation. For example, a typical single-car, uninsulated aluminum door panel ranges between $150 and $800*. However, special order panels for older or unique doors are more expensive. Labor costs for professional installation range between $200 and $500*.
How To Replace a Garage Door Bottom Panel
Replacing the bottom panel is one of the more common garage panel replacement tasks. Here is guidance to help you succeed and stay safe.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Step stool or short ladder
- Safety gear (gloves, eye protection)
- Locking pliers (4 pairs)
- Wrenches or socket set
- Cordless drill or impact wrench
- Small 2×4 or concrete block
- Replacement panel (exact match to the original)
Step 1: Ensure Safety
The first step is always safety. Pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the opener from the door. Manually lift the door a few inches off the floor and place the 2 x 4 or block under the door. This step provides the space you need to put the new panel in.
Step 2: Secure the Door
Using the locking pliers, clamp one to the track just below the roller and another just above the roller on the second section. Repeat for the other side. This takes the weight off the bottom section and allows for safer work.
If you have a torsion spring system (identified by its location over the door), secure the slack you just created in the cable. Use another clamp, or whatever you have available, to prevent the cable from unwinding off the spool. This will make re-installing the panel easier.
Step 3: Remove the Bottom Panel
Make sure the cable is no longer under tension—remove the cable from the pin located on the bottom edge of the bottom panel, along with any handles or hardware not provided with your new panel. Remove the lag screws from the bottom half of the hinge connecting the bottom panel to the second panel.
The bottom panel should now be free, so be careful not to let it fall and hit you, and remove the panel. A gentle side-to-side push may be required. Recruit some help if needed, as the panel can be awkward to control. This is a great time to inspect the second panel as well.
Step 4: Install the New Panel
Re-install any hardware to the new panel as needed. Making sure the top of the new panel is facing up, install the new panel using the lag screws and hinge. After ensuring that the cable has not twisted nor tangled, reconnect the lifting cable to the new panel, remove the locking pliers from the track, and gently lift the door.
You can now remove the 2 x 4 or block and test the operation. If the garage door opener doesn’t operate as smoothly as before, your new panel might be heavier or lighter than the original. If needed, adjust the downforce or up force knobs on the opener until the door opens and closes completely.
Replacing Other Garage Door Panels
While replacing a garage door’s bottom panel is common, damage can also occur to other sections. Replacing these sections is critical for keeping your garage door running smoothly.
Replacing Middle or Upper Panels
Replacing middle or upper panels is more challenging due to their position. Safety measures and attention to detail become more crucial when working on higher panels. Carefully determine structural integrity, looking for signs of excessive wear in joints or connecting areas. Address these weaknesses to prevent further issues.
Professional consultation is recommended if you’re uncertain about balancing the tension or safely handling the height and weight of the middle or upper panels. Each additional complication increases the risk involved, reinforcing the importance of professional expertise.
Replacing Panels With Windows
Some garage door panels feature windows, adding style and natural lighting to your garage but also raising additional concerns during replacement. If a panel with windows becomes damaged, the replacement must include window support assembly. Replacing just the pane is more efficient if only the glazing is affected.
Make sure you install seals and weatherproofing correctly to prevent moisture intrusion, which harms the door’s materials or insulation. When selecting window styles available with replacement panels, consider how visibility and light change.
Unique Panel Considerations
Finally, unique customized doors demand specialized panels. Unique panel designs must match originals to maintain visual harmony and curb appeal. Carefully examine vendor-specific systems for unique joints, hinges, or connections requiring disengage and reinstall expertise.
When to Call a Professional
Replacing a garage door panel is manageable, but if multiple panels need replacing, the door’s track or hardware becomes damaged, or you don’t have the right tools or assistance, leave the job to the experts. Repairs involving a torsion spring system, which sits above the door, also require specialized knowledge for safe handling. Bring in a professional if anything about the repair feels outside your comfort zone. Garage door technicians have the experience and tools to tackle complex repairs safely.
Final Thoughts About Replacing Garage Door Panels
Replacing a garage door panel improves your home’s appearance and functionality while saving money. You can handle this repair by understanding the process, assessing the damage accurately, and prioritizing safety. Recognize when a project exceeds your skill level or when replacing the entire door might be more cost-effective. Whether you replace the panel yourself or hire a professional, fixing your garage door damage improves your home’s appearance and safety.
*Costs in this article sourced by Angi
