When to Repair or Replace Garage Door Panels

No matter which material your garage door is made from, whether steel, aluminum, or wood, it’s possible for the panels to become damaged for any number of reasons. When your door has received substantial damage, you are going to have to make a decision on whether you should have the door panels repaired or replaced. There are several considerations that you will want to keep in mind before making this decision, from the age of the door to the cost of both options available to you.

Age of Door

The age of the door can play a large part in whether you have the panels repaired or opt to replace the door. If your door is over 20 years old, it may be worn down regardless of the recent damage done to the panels, making a replacement beneficial, especially because recent garage doors are equipped with the latest features and technology that help with sturdiness, convenience, and comfort in the garage. However, if the door is only 5-10 years old, having the panels repaired would likely be your best option, as the door could otherwise be in good condition.

Cost Considerations

It’s important to understand that door panel repair is among the costly repairs for a garage door, as a single panel can be several hundred dollars depending on the size. Take a look at both costs and match them with your budget as well as the age of the door to get a more informed idea of whether you should repair the damaged panels or if it’s better to replace the door itself.

What the Damage Was Caused From

The factor that caused the damage can determine whether you have the door panels repaired or replaced entirely. For instance, a car striking the panels or the automatic opener attempting to open the door when it was still locked could damage more than just the panels and might indicate that an entire replacement is necessary. On the other hand, it’s possible that the damage was caused by standard wear and tear that led to small dents, cracks or scratches. If this occurred, the panels could be repaired easily with a strut or paint. If you settle on repair, make sure that you contact a professional company to do the garage door panel repair work so as to ensure that the repairs are completed properly.