5 Things to Know About Garage Door Panel Replacement

A basketball, a bumper or a slip of the snowblower: one dented garage door section is a common sight. It's tempting to leave it, but a damaged section can let in water, warp further, put stress on the sections next to it and knock the tracks out of line. A repair that would have cost a few hundred dollars can become a whole new door. Here's what you need to know.

Why Waiting Costs More

A typical progression:

• First few weeks: the damage looks cosmetic.
• Next couple of months: the section starts to warp and gaps open up at the joints.
• After that: stress spreads to the neighbouring sections and the tracks drift out of line.
• Eventually: the whole door has to be replaced.

Damage can also hide on the inside of a section, where moisture gets into the insulation.

How Modern Panel Doors Work

Older garage doors were often one solid piece. Today's sectional doors are made of three to eight horizontal sections that move independently, so one damaged section can often be replaced on its own. They also seal better at the joints, don't swing out into the driveway, and come in steel, aluminum, wood and composite.

What Panel Replacement Costs

Installation labour: about $250 for one section and about $350 for two. With three or more damaged sections, a new door is usually the better value.

Prices are before GST and assume the new section matches your door's joints. If your door's design has been discontinued, adapting a section can add $300 to $500, or a new door may be the only option.

Panel Cost Calculator

The 40% Rule of Thumb

If replacing the damaged sections would cost more than about 40% of a new door, or the joints won't match, a new door is usually the smarter buy.

5 Things to Consider

1. Can you still get a matching section?

Manufacturers change their designs, joints and colours over time. Matching sections are usually available for doors a few years old, get harder to find after about five to seven years, and are often unavailable for doors over ten. Before you call, photograph the inside of the door and the label with the model and serial number.

2. How many sections are damaged?

One section is usually worth replacing. With two, compare the cost against a new door. With three or more, or any structural break, replace the door.

3. How bad is the damage?

Check the inside of the section for cracks, look for stress marks on the sections above and below, check the tracks, and look for gaps when the door is closed. Have a technician check the balance; a damaged door can put extra strain on the springs.

4. How old is the door?

Typical lifespans are 20 to 30 years for steel (less right by the ocean), 20 years or more for aluminum, 15 to 30 years for wood with regular care, and 20 years or more for vinyl. If your door is near the end of its life, a new door is better value.

5. Will the colour match?

Doors fade, especially on sunny sides, and paint codes change. A new section may not match an older door exactly, so ask about painting or matching the whole door.

Repair or Replace the Section?

• Often repairable (about $100 to $300 per section): small dents, surface scratches, paint chips and light surface rust.
• Needs replacing: holes, cracks, dents that affect how the door runs, warping or bowing, and broken hinge points.

Why Panel Replacement Isn't a DIY Job

The door is held up by springs under high tension, a double door can weigh 150 to 350 pounds or more, and the tracks must be lined up precisely. A technician replaces the section, checks the spring balance and track alignment, tests the safety sensors, replaces the weather seal and inspects the hardware, usually in about two hours. Our work carries a 1-year warranty on parts and labour.

Three Common Scenarios

• One damaged section, door about 3 years old: a matching section is very likely available. About $700 installed. Replace the section.
• One damaged section, door about 6 years old: matching may need adaptation, so the total could reach $1,150 to $1,350. A new door starts at about $1,650 installed. Get quotes for both.
• Several damaged sections, door about 8 years old: section work would likely exceed $1,800. Replace the door.

Your Action Plan

Today:

• Photograph both sides of the damage and note the model and serial number.
• Check the door still runs safely: it should stay put when stopped halfway, with no broken sections or loose cables.

This week:

• Book a free inspection and quote.
• Check whether your home or car insurance covers the damage. Storm damage, vandalism and a car backing into the door are often covered; wear and tear isn't.
• Plan how you'll get your car in and out while the work is done.

Keep Your New Section Looking Good

Wash and wax steel doors a few times a year, lubricate the hinges, and book a yearly tune-up. A bumper on the garage wall helps prevent the next dent.

Get a Free Assessment

Unless the damage is structural or a security risk, there's no need to panic, but don't leave it for months either. Call 604.398.4009 or book online for a free assessment.