Garage doors are made up of panels that have been hinged together. When one panel is damaged, it can be replaced.
Replacing just one panel of the door is often less expensive than replacing the entire door. For a homeowner on a budget, panel replacement is a relatively affordable way to repair the door. If you’re thinking about replacing a garage door panel, here’s what you need to know.
When is Panel Replacement Appropriate?
When considering replacing a garage door panel, it’s important for you to understand when panel replacement is appropriate and what factors to consider. If only one or two panels are damaged due to minor incidents, such as a small accident or wear and tear, replacing just those panels can be a cost-effective solution.
Panel replacement is appropriate when a garage door suffers structural damage. Sometimes this happens when a car is driven into a door at a low speed. Panels can also be damaged by smaller moving objects, like riding lawn mowers.
Minor damages like dents, scratches, or small cracks can often be addressed by replacing the affected panels. However, structural damage affecting the door’s integrity or extensive damage to multiple panels may require a full door replacement.
Panel replacement is typically less expensive than replacing the entire door, making it a budget-friendly option. However, consider the cost of labor and the potential difficulty in finding matching panels. In some cases, the cost difference between panel replacement and full door replacement might be minimal.
Can You Replace More than One Panel?
Yes, it’s possible to replace more than one panel. However, more panels means more expense. Sometimes, replacing more than one panel is just as expensive as replacing the door altogether.
Additionally, you should verify that the replacement panels will not compromise the door’s structural integrity or functionality. Consulting a professional for this task is recommended, as they can ensure proper installation and alignment, helping to avoid potential issues with the door’s operation and safety.
Will the Color Look Right?
Ensure the new panels match your existing door in terms of color, design, and material. Manufacturers might have discontinued certain styles or colors, making it difficult to find an exact match. For relatively new doors (less than 5-10 years old), panel replacement is often more feasible as matching panels are likely available. For older doors, it might be harder to find matching panels, and the overall condition of the door might warrant a full replacement.
Garage panels can fade with time. Replacing just one panel could leave your garage door looking discolored or odd. Work with your garage door contractor to ensure that the panel you install will look as good as it can, given the circumstances. It may help to use the same garage door contractor who installed the original door, as they will have a record of the kind of door you’ve installed and will be able to match the old product to the new panel.
Can you DIY Your Panel Replacement?
Installing garage door replacement panels can be complicated. It helps to have the right tools, skills and training. If you install the panel incorrectly, you might have to contact a contractor to finish the job for you. You could even do damage to the door.
While you might consider DIY panel replacement, it is often recommended to hire a professional to ensure proper installation and alignment. Professional replacement ensures the job is done correctly, preventing potential issues with door operation or security.
Contact Overhead Door Wilmington for Help
If you’re a homeowner with a damaged garage door, work with Overhead Door of Wilmington to get your garage door repaired or replaced. We provide quality products to homeowners, and make quality repairs as well. Contact us today for an appointment.
