How To Repair Broken Garage Door Panels
Garage door panels can get damaged in many ways. One of the most common problems is when you accidentally hit your garage with your car. If you are lucky, this will only damage the panel and not effect the frame of your garage. Replacing just one or two panels is very simple as long as the frame is not too damaged. Here is how to determine if you will be able to fix your damaged panel. It also explains the process and how to do most of the work on your own.
Assessing your Damage
First of all, you won't be able to change your panels if your door is so damaged that it does not open or close. If your problem is mainly cosmetic, you will probably be able to handle most of the work on your own. It is important that you closely inspect your damage to make sure their is not irreparable damage to the frame. Most frames are aluminum, no matter what material the actual panels are made out of. If the metal is severely kinked, you might not be able to just change the panel. Most likely, when you pull the old panel out, the frame will buckle. If your frame does seem to be severely damaged, you will definitely want to call in a garage door specialist.
Ordering Replacement Panels
The cheapest way to replace a broken panel is to buy a new panel directly from the manufacturer and have it delivered to your home. You obviously first need to confirm not only that your manufacturer is still in business, but make sure they are still making that model with your finish. If they have the replacement panels, but not in your finish, you will need to change all of your panels and choose a new style.
Removing and Replacing Your Panels
Don't take off your existing panel until your new one arrives. Make sure it is the right size and color. All you need to remove the panels is a power drill and a helper. Have your helper be on the outside of the garage while your remove the screws. The panel shouldn't fall out of frame until you push it out. As you push it out the helper can catch it. You don't want it to fall out and scrape up the good panels. Put the new panel into the frame and secure the new screws.
This is a surprisingly simple job if your garage door frames are still in good shape.