Can You Replace A Garage Door Panel?
Are you in need of a garage door panel replacement due to a section of your garage door becoming jammed, cracked, worn or damaged? Maybe you’re wondering if you can replace the panel rather than install a completely new garage door. The good news is, it’s possible to replace just one — or a few — panels on your overhead door.
Read on to discover the best way to fix a garage door panel, what costs to expect and when to speak with a professional about a garage door panel replacement.
How to Fix a Garage Door Panel
Garage door panels are the sections of the door you can see from outside when the door is closed or above you in the garage when the door is open. When one of the exterior panels becomes damaged or worn, your first thought may be to replace the panel and nothing else. Sometimes, garage door panel replacement is all that’s needed. You may need to replace or repair only your garage door panels if you have:
- Minor dents on the door
- Slight scuffs or scratches in the paint
- Damaged panels that have available replacements
In other cases, replacing just one panel can be tricky. Garage door parts are specially designed and measured for each specific door. By replacing only one panel, which is a main part of the door, you may be compromising the door’s structural integrity. Also, if one panel is damaged, it may mean the connecting and moving parts connected to the panel are damaged as well, including the struts or the garage door track.
Replacing a garage door panel will be more cost-effective if your garage door is more like a shed. If it’s attached to your home or visible from the street, however, it may be wiser to replace the entire overhead door for cosmetic and security reasons.
Garage Door Panel Repair Cost
Panel repair can be one of the more expensive garage door fixes. The cost to replace a panel is dependent on the servicer’s hourly rate. Usually, one hour’s wages is the minimum charge. Any materials needed for the repair will add on to this minimum charge. Getting a garage door panel replacement can start at $250 for a 9-foot panel and go as high as $700 or more for a 16-foot panel.
If you decide to go for the entire garage door replacement, the full cost — including labor and supplies — can reach approximately $1,000. Always check in with your dealer for a quote or to find out what’s covered by your warranty.
Wood vs. Aluminum Garage Door Panel Repair
When it comes to aluminum garage door panel repairs, dents and scratches may be more prevalent due to the quality of the material. Wood garage door panels, on the other hand, are incredibly durable and resistant to bumps and dings. That’s why at idc-Automatic, we manufacture wood doors to ensure our customers have access to the highest quality and longest lasting garage doors on the market. While repairing an aluminum garage door may run up to $289, wooden garage door repair costs can reach up to $400.
Garage Door Bottom Panel Replacement in Minnesota
Of all the sections of garage doors, the bottom one needs to be replaced most often. Sometimes, an issue with a garage door panel indicates a more significant problem with the door. You may need to purchase a full garage door panel replacement for several reasons, including multiple sections needing to be replaced, the door being an older model, the parts connected to the panel being damaged as well or the entire door having faded due to weather conditions.
idc-Automatic has been serving the Twin Cities area since 1974. Our team of knowledgeable technicians service and install commercial and residential garage doors in Minnesota communities like St. Paul, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Blaine and nearby areas.
If you need help deciding whether to replace or repair a wood or aluminum garage door panel, we’re here to help. We’ll send a trained member of our team to to your home or business to assess the garage door and its needs. We’ll ensure your garage door is safe for operation and answer any questions you have before starting our service repair or replacement.
Contact idc-Automatic today for a free quote or answers to any questions regarding garage door panel repair. You’ll enjoy same-day service, easy financing options, extended warranties and the idc-Automatic signature service when you choose us as your garage door servicer.