One of the most frequent questions garage door experts get is whether or not you can replace garage door panels. Strong as garage doors are, they’re not invincible, and they can get damaged for a wide variety of reasons. Garage door panels can be damaged if in a heavy storm, if a car has accidentally backed into your garage door before it was all the way up, if a child threw a baseball ball at it, or for an abundance of other reasons.
If the damage is only to one or two panels, homeowners rightfully wonder whether or not you can replace garage door panels or whether you need to replace the entire garage door. Here’s what you need to know about the circumstances in which you can replace garage door panels, what to do if your garage door panels need replacement, and when you’ll need to replace the garage door as a whole, rather than just a panel or two. Let’s get into it!
When Can You Replace Garage Door Panels?
Whether or not you can replace garage door panels depends on a number of factors, from the age of your garage door to the extent of the damage. In some cases, replacing a damaged garage door panel would be your most cost-effective solution, while in others, you’ll likely be better off replacing the garage door as a whole.
Here’s what you should consider when trying to determine whether to replace garage door panels or the garage door. If you ever have any doubts or questions, your local garage door expert can always help you out.
How Old Is The Garage Door?
If your garage door is relatively new, then replacing the damaged panel is likely your best option. If your garage door is near the end of its lifespan, however, you’ll likely be better off replacing the entire garage door. The older your garage door, the more frequently it will wear out, and the more often you’ll need repairs. Additionally, the older your garage door is, the harder it will be for you to find replacement panels for it, which can necessitate a brand new door in and of itself.
How Much Damage Has It Sustained?
After taking into account the age of your garage door, you’ll then want to consider how much damage your garage door has sustained. If there’s only a small amount of damage to one or two panels, you may very well be able to replace garage door panels. However, if they were significantly damaged, then the damage to your garage door could very easily extend beyond your panel to the mechanisms of your garage door system itself.
Your local garage door expert will be able to help you determine whether or not you can replace garage door panels or whether your garage door will need more extensive repairs or replacement.
How Many Panels Were Damaged?
Depending on your garage door, the number of panels it has can vary and impact whether or not you can replace garage door panels or if you need to replace the garage door. Typically, in order for a garage door panel replacement to make sense, there should only be damage to one panel, two at the most – provided your garage door isn’t a three panel door which would thus mean most of your garage door has been damaged.
If most of your garage door has been damaged, it would make more sense to consider a full garage door replacement, and it would likely cost you less too.
What’s The Condition Of Your Current Panels?
When you replace garage door panels, you want the replacement panels to blend seamlessly with the rest of your garage door. If your garage door is older, faded, or worn out, it could be difficult to color-match a new panel to your existing panels. If this is the case, you may be able to paint your garage door so that all of your panels are the same color. However, this can be quite expensive, so you’ll want to weigh that cost against the cost of replacing your garage door as a whole.
Can You Replace Your Garage Door Panels Yourself?
Technically, yes, you can replace garage door panels yourself. However, any garage door expert who knows their stuff would strongly advise you against attempting to do so. This is because garage doors are heavy and complex and if you aren’t experienced in how to deal with them, you could end up seriously injured, or worse, if you try to take on a job like this yourself.
Rather than trying to replace garage door panels yourself, it’s best to leave this job to trained professionals, such as the team at Advanced Door. If you need to replace garage door panels or are wondering if your garage door panels need replacement, contact us today! We’re here to help.