Garage doors are one of the essential elements of your home. They provide security for your home and can occupy up to 30% of your home’s curb appeal. Yet you need to ask yourself, should you repair or replace a damaged garage door panel? Or consider getting a new garage door.
A new garage door could be the answer to refresh your home’s curb appeal. But if aesthetics are not your concern, how do you know if it is time to repair or replace your garage door panel?
Should You Repair or Replace a Damaged Garage Door Panel?
It all depends on the extent of the damage to the garage door panel. For minor cosmetic issues like small dents or scratches, repair is the answer. However, significant structural damage, such as warping, cracks, or multiple damaged panels, may warrant a complete panel or multiple panel replacement.
Key factors to consider to Repair or Replace a Damaged Garage Door Panel :
The severity of damage:
Small dents, scratches, or minor cracks can often be repaired, while large dents, significant warping, or multiple broken panels may require replacement.
Impact on functionality:
If the damage affects the door’s ability to open and close properly, replacement might be necessary.
Age of the garage door:
If the door is already old, replacing the damaged panel might be a good time to consider replacing the entire door.
Aesthetics:
If the damaged panel significantly impacts the appearance of your garage door, replacement may be preferred.
When to repair:
Small dents or scratches, Minor cracks, and Cosmetic damage like chipped paint.
When to replace:
Large dents or significant warping, Multiple damaged panels, Structural damage affecting the door’s function, and Extensive rust.
Always consult a professional garage door technician to assess the damage and provide the best recommendation for repair or replacement
Invest in a New Garage Door:
Determining whether or not your garage door needs to be replaced depends on several factors unique to your situation. The age of your garage door can significantly assess its current condition. If your door is approaching or exceeding its expected lifespan, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continue to invest in repairs.
Factors to consider when deciding to repair or replace:
- Severity of damage: Minor damage can often be repaired, while significant cracks, large dents, or holes usually require panel replacement.
- Age of the garage door: If the door is old, replacing the entire door might be more economical than just replacing panels.
- Cost of repair vs. replacement: Compare the cost of fixing the panel to the cost of replacing it.
