When One Panel Is Enough
A garage door is made of separate sections stacked on top of each other. If a car bumper, a ball or a hailstorm damaged one or two of them and the rest of the door is in good shape, replacing just the damaged sections can cost a lot less than a new door.
The Catch: Finding a Match
The new section has to match the door's maker, model, size, panel design and color. That's easy on a newer door from a major brand. On an older door, the model may be discontinued, and even when a section is available, a brand-new one can look a shade brighter than panels that have been in the sun for years. Zach starts by identifying your door, usually from a label on the inside of the door, and checking what's available. If a good match isn't possible, he'll say so and price out a new door so you can compare.
Signs a Panel Needs Replacing
- A dent big enough to bind as the section rolls over the curve of the track.
- A crease or crack across the section.
- The top or bottom section is bent where the opener or the bottom seal attaches.
- Rust through the steel, or rot in a wood section.
Minor dents that don't affect how the door runs can often just be left alone.
How It's Done
Zach secures the door, takes out the damaged section and its hardware, installs the new one, and replaces any hinges or rollers that were bent. The bottom section is connected to the lift cables, which stay under spring tension, so it needs extra care. Then he rebalances the door and runs it.