Damaged garage door panels are not only an eyesore. They can also compromise the entire system’s integrity, which puts your property’s security at risk. If you’re not ready to get another one installed to address the issue, you might ask, “Can a cracked garage door be repaired?”
At Garage Door Doctor, we understand the importance of repairing and replacing garage doors when necessary. Here, we explain when fixing the whole thing is best and when to get individual panel replacement or repair services.
How Garage Door Panels Crack
Although garage doors are durable enough to hold a lot of weight, they’re not invulnerable to damage. You may need garage door repair to address cracks, dings, and bent garage door panels due to the following problems:
- Direct impacts from vehicles, people, or tools
- Extreme weather conditions, such as hail
- Defective springs or worn tracks
Assessing Damaged Panels
Can a cracked garage door be repaired? First, you must determine the extent of the damage. This information can help you decide whether to replace the whole structure, replace moving parts, or repair damaged panels.
Start by visually inspecting the damage. Do the garage door panels have chipped paint and a few scratches, but are they generally in good condition? You could avoid replacing the panel using basic tools or supplies like epoxy filler, medium-grit sandpaper, and fresh paint.
Deeper cracks or problems with hardware that affect the whole door, such as a faulty garage door opener or broken spring, usually require help from professional garage door technicians. Trying to repair or replace damaged panels under serious conditions can create safety issues, so seeking expert guidance is ideal.
What’s Best: Getting a Garage Door Panel Replacement or Replacing the Entire Garage Door?
Even if the damage to garage door panels seems superficial, replacement may be better than repairs. All doors are different, and appropriately addressing damage depends on several factors, such as:
- Door material
- Insulation
- The location and severity of the cracks
- The overall visual appeal of the door
It is best to call a garage door technician to assess the damage. They have the expertise to determine whether the door needs a total replacement, a panel replacement, or repairs for minor cracks.
Related article: Benefits of Adding Insulation To Your Garage Door and What’s The Best Material For A Garage Door?
Repair Options for Different Situations
Since the answer to the question “Can a cracked garage door be repaired?” is maybe, consider these tips and options for dealing with broken garage door panels.
Use Wood Fillers and Adhesives for Minor Damage
Wood garage doors with small cracks are the easiest to repair. You can fill the hole with wood filler or epoxy and sand everything down to create a smooth surface. Then, you can repaint the door, and the panels will look consistent and unblemished.
Handle Large Cracks on Aluminum, Steel, Vinyl, and Wooden Garage Doors According to Material
Unfortunately, broken vinyl, aluminum, and steel panels are tougher to repair. Some garage door panels have multiple layers, with insulation in the center.
If an insulated metal door has a dent, you probably can’t hammer it out, regardless of the size of the damage. Even if you try to remove the ding, it would be challenging to replicate the panels’ texture or finish with basic supplies. Technically, you could hammer out a dent in a steel or aluminum hollow back door, but your panels won’t look new or untouched; the repair attempt would be obvious.
If your garage door panels aren’t wooden, you also have to consider their integrity. Dents and cracks of any severity will worsen over time and create cracks due to the stress the panels experience every time you use the door. The exception to this situation is dents in steel-back garage door panels, which are less likely to become cracks.
Repairing these kinds of garage door panels is usually not ideal. It’s better to replace them. By replacing these garage door panels, you can ensure that your door system is visually appealing, fully functional, and safe to use.
Contact Our Experienced Garage Door Technicians for Cost-Effective Panel Replacement and Repairs
If you need help fixing cracked garage door panels or total garage door panel replacement in or around Indianapolis, turn to Garage Door Doctor. Can a cracked garage door be repaired? Our top-rated company can evaluate your broken door and provide expert recommendations to help you make informed decisions regarding your system.
Our experienced technicians have the right tools and skills to provide reliable garage door repair. Faulty garage door openers, hinges, and panels are no match for us. Contact us today at 317-342-4995 to request service.