- Discover when garage door panel fixes can be done DIY.
- Learn about the factors influencing garage door replacement panels cost.
- Find out when it's time to replace the whole garage door instead of a panel.
A broken, dented, or decayed garage door panel can create more than cosmetic problems. Holes or cracks provide insects and critters the perfect entrypoint into your house, while also letting the elements in. A dent can also prevent the door from functioning as it should. Given how important a garage door panel is to your home and garage, you'll want to get it repaired as soon as possible.
At first, nothing seems quicker than a good ol' fashioned DIY project. In some cases, that might be the right decision. But Balanced Garage Doors can install garage door replacement panels fast with just the click of a button. Schedule your service today and enjoy an aesthetically pleasing, high-functioning garage door.
When It's Safe to DIY
Whenever you're in doubt about whether you can repair yourself or whether it's time for professional support, it's best to err on the side of caution. That said, there are some situations where attempting to fix a broken garage door panel is the right call.
- Cosmetic: When the damage is purely cosmetic—think chipped or scraped paint—that can be done DIY. Just be sure to contact the door's manufacturer to get a matching paint color.
- Cleaning: Cleaning the garage door or getting rust off a steel door can and should be done routinely. These help maintain the door in good working order.
- Window repair: If you have a single garage door window, you can typically find and install a new one. However if you have to install multiple garage door replacement panels with windows, that will require professional expertise.
Why Hire Professional Repair
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing garage doors replacement panels themselves is thinking that the damage is limited to a single panel. When we consider how garage door panels become damaged in the first place, it's often possible for the damage to be more extensive. There may be multiple panels requiring repair or damage to other parts of the garage.
Beyond underestimating the extent of the damage, here are some other situations when you should schedule a professional to install garage door replacement panels:
- Extensive Damage: When there are multiple panels damaged, or you need to install garage door replacement panels with windows, a professional is the right call.
- Complicated Design: While sectional garage doors are the most common type of garage door available, that doesn't mean they're the simplest. It can be a challenge taking account of all the hardware involved in replacing a panel.
- Risk of Improper Installation: There's always a risk of improperly installing a garage door replacement panel when done DIY. That can impair the door's function and require more extensive repairs.
Factors Determining Garage Door Replacement Panels Cost
Whether you choose to handle the repair work yourself or hire a professional, you're bound to wonder what the garage door replacement panels cost. A quick search on popular online shopping platforms will lead to a tremendous range in costs that reveal little helpful information.
Instead, it's better to call a trusted garage repair company for a free quote. They can explain some of the factors that contribute to the overall garage door replacement panels cost.
- Materials: Is the garage door made of steel? Wood? Composites? The answer to this question helps determine what the cost of the replacement panel will be. While a more expensive material may cost more to replace, it should also be more durable and less likely to need replacement in the first place.
- Age: An older garage door brand or older model may not have parts as readily available as current models. This might require creating a custom solution or more work sourcing the right panel. These can increase the costs of the replacement process.
- Labor: If the company performing the work has to track down the part or create a replacement panel from other similar ones, those can increase the cost of replacing a single panel.
Is It Time To Repair or Replace?
While garage door replacement panels cost less than replacing an entire garage door, it doesn't necessarily mean that's the best choice in every situation. A professional can help you assess when to repair or replace. Here's what they'll consider:
- Extensive Damage: Replacing multiple panels at once may not make sense from a financial standpoint, as it may be as costly or more expensive than just replacing the entire door.
- Age: Consider the door's age, material, and damage. If the damage is directly related to the age and material, it's likely that other panels will suffer the same damage soon, if not already. In short order, you'll need to replace another panel, and then another, and so on.
- Aesthetic Value: The single replaced panel may stick out like a sore thumb that distracts from the appeal of your entire home. It might also disrupt any attractive look your garage door has acquired as it aged.
Hire Garage Door Replacement Panels Experts
If storms, winds, neighbors, or time have damaged your garage door panels, you can't afford to leave them unaddressed long. When you turn to Balanced Garage Doors for garage door replacement panels, you'll receive fast, considerate service on your schedule. Call us for a quote or schedule service online today. We're standing by for all North Georgia garage door needs.
