Garage doors protect your home and add to its look. In Stockton, a damaged panel can be very noticeable as it not only looks bad, but can also be unsafe. It might upset you because replacing the whole garage door can cost a lot and take extra effort.
The good news is that you might not need to replace the entire door. In many cases, you can change the damaged panel and restore your door’s appearance and functionality. This helps save you enough time and money while keeping the rest of your garage door intact.
When Does Replacing One Panel Make Sense?
You can replace a single panel in the following cases –
- Only one panel has been damaged due to an accident, such as a vehicle backing into it.
- The manufacturer still produces the same model and style.
- The rest of the door is in good condition.
However, if the door is old, rusted, or the damage is extensive, a full replacement might be more cost-effective.
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How to Replace a Single Garage Door Panel?
1. Identify the Damage
Start by inspecting the panel for rust, bends, or other damage. If the rest of the door is in good shape, you can replace just that panel.
2. Order the Correct Replacement Panel
Garage doors are available in a wide range in the market. They differ in size, material, durability, and color. To get the perfect matching and fitting panel, you’ll have to note down all the details before you visit a garage door shop.
Check your door’s brand, model, panel size, color, and finish. Always double-check measurements before ordering.
If the new panel doesn’t match the other one, it won’t fit properly, wasting your time and money.
3. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
For your safety, unplug or disconnect the garage door opener before you begin with the replacement. Even a slight accidental activation can cause serious injury.
4. Remove the Damaged Panel
After you’re prepared with all the tools and the new panel, it’s time to remove the damaged one. You need to be very careful while removing it.
- Support adjacent panels with clamps or a helper to prevent them from falling.
- Remove hinges, rollers, and fasteners carefully.
- Slide the damaged panel out.
Don’t try to force the panel out without supporting other sections, as it can bend or misalign the door.
5. Install the New Panel
- Position the new panel into place, aligning it perfectly with the existing door sections.
- Reattach hinges, rollers, and fasteners securely.
- Make sure the new panel fits evenly with the rest of the door, and there are no gaps or uneven movements.
6. Reconnect the Garage Door Opener
After installing the panel, reconnect the opener and test the door. If you notice strange noises, rough movement, or misalignment, make small adjustments accordingly.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Replacing the Panel
- Ignoring hidden damage can lead to major malfunction later. Check the tracks, springs, and other panels. A hidden crack or rust spot can cause future problems.
- Incorrect measurements won’t allow Panels to fit properly and will compromise your door’s operation.
- Garage doors are heavy, so don’t perform DIY steps without proper support.
- Using the wrong hardware, like old screws or mismatched hinges, can make the door unstable.
What is the Cost of Garage Door Panel Replacement in Stockton?
The cost of a single damaged garage door panel would be much less than the full door replacement. The prices may vary depending on the door type, material used, and the labor employed. The average prices are mentioned below –
- Materials may cost you around $100-$400 for a standard steel or aluminum panel.
- Labor charges could be around $200-$500, depending on the requirement.
So the total cost of panel replacement is around $250-$800.
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When to Call a Professional?
While DIY can work for some homeowners, consider calling a garage door repair expert in Stockton if –
- You’re unsure about the panel size or fit.
- The door is old or has multiple damaged sections.
- You lack tools or experience handling heavy panels and springs.
Professional garage door technicians have the experience and skills to handle tricky replacements. It makes sure that the job is done safely and correctly, often saving money in the long run by avoiding mistakes.
Commonly Asked Questions About Garage Door Panel Repair
1. Can I replace a single panel on any garage door?
Most sectional doors allow single-panel replacement, but very old or custom doors may require a full replacement.
2. How long does a panel replacement take?
On average, 2-4 hours for a professional, depending on door size and complexity. The time taken for a DIY replacement depends on individual skill level.
3. Will the new panel match my existing door?
If you provide the correct model, size, and color, professionals can usually match it closely. For older doors, some custom fabrication may be needed.
4. Is it safe to replace the panel myself?
Yes, if you follow the safety steps carefully and have prior experience in handling garage door repair jobs. However, garage doors are heavy and springs are under tension, so hiring a professional is often safer.
Takeaway
Fixing just one damaged garage door panel is an easy and budget-friendly option for Stockton homeowners. By inspecting the damage, selecting the right panel, and installing it securely, you can restore your door to look and function like new without needing a complete replacement.
But do it yourself only if you’re confident enough or have prior experience in handling such DIY tasks. If you’re uncertain about the repair process or the extent of the damage, contacting an experienced professional is the best way to get the job done safely and correctly.
Read More About:
- Creative Ways to Reuse or Recycle Your Old Garage Door
- Is Your Garage Door Killing Your Home’s Curb Appeal?
Restore Your Garage Door’s Look & Safety With Dependable Overhead Door Co.
Looking for a trusted and experienced contractor for garage door panel repair in Stockton? You’re at the right place!
At A Dependable Overhead Garage Door Co., we handle everything – installation, repair, replacement, and quality garage door parts. With years of experience, our licensed technicians are committed to delivering lasting solutions you can trust.
We believe in honest pricing and customer satisfaction. You can call us anytime as we provide emergency services and are 24/7 available.
Contact us today to get a free quote and let us get your garage door back in shape!