Broken or damaged Garage Door Panel?
A garage door should last 15 to 30 years, depending on the frequency of use and how well you maintain it. However, unexpected damage, wear and tear, and your garage door’s design can influence its life span. You can likely repair minor damage on your own by replacing a single panel, but extensive or structural damage may require a complete garage door replacement. In this article, we’ll discuss how to replace garage door panels, ideal garage door replacement types, and when to contact a professional.
Garage Door Panel Repair in Greater Chicago
Overhead Garage Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company. We offer same-day, 24-hour emergency service throughout greater Chicagoland and southeast Wisconsin.
How To Replace Garage Door Panels
As a homeowner, you probably take pride in maintaining your home independently without having to call someone else in to tackle the job. DIY projects can also be a fun learning experience as you discover the tools, materials, and steps needed to complete them. However, it’s important to note that not all home repair projects are ideal for DIY.
Replacing garage door panels is a multistep process requiring utmost care to prevent damage, injury, and incorrect installation. First, you need to use a come-along cable puller to secure the garage door and prevent any force from acting on the panel you replace. You also need to use locking pliers to clamp the tracks in place to remove excess weight on the door so you can repair the bottom safely.
Completing a garage door bottom panel replacement can be daunting. You need to ensure there is ample room and no tension so the panel doesn’t fall and hit you. Once everything is secure, you can replace the panel and test the system to ensure it works properly.
Seek Professional Assistance From a Garage Door Expert
If replacing garage door panels sounds too complicated or scary to repair alone, that’s because it is. The replacement process is potentially dangerous, from the door’s weight to the special tools, expertise, and precision required for a quality installation. Without adequate experience or the knowledge to complete this difficult repair, you risk further damage to your garage door or injury to yourself.
Ultimately, it’s best to leave a garage door panel replacement job to the professionals. Contact our trained professionals at Overhead Garage Door for expert garage door repair and replacement in the Chicagoland or southeast Wisconsin area. With over 35 years of experience, you can trust us to diagnose your garage door issues and provide the perfect solution to get it back in working order in no time.
How Long Does It Take To Replace Garage Door Panels?
If you wish to replace your garage door panels on your own, plan for a five- to six-hour window to complete the project due to lack of experience and potential mistakes. If you let a professional take care of the replacement, it should take between three and four hours, but it will depend on the size and type of door you have. Help our Overhead Garage Door experts speed up the process by providing the necessary information about your garage door. Here’s what we need to know:
- Garage door panel measurements: Measure the width, height, and thickness of the garage door panel that needs replacing.
- Garage door manufacturer and model: Provide the information about your garage door manufacturer and the model number so we may identify the specific panel needed for replacement.
- Garage door color: Help us color-match your replacement panel to uphold your home’s aesthetic appeal.
- Parts: Identify the joints, rollers, or hinges used in your garage door for appropriate replacement and installation.
Don’t worry if you’re unable to provide this information. Overhead Garage Door strives to provide you with peace of mind. We can send one of our professionals to inspect your garage door system and determine what panels need replacing and what parts are required.
What Are Ideal Garage Door Replacement Panels?
If your garage door panels are old, it can be challenging to find an exact replacement because of manufacturing or design changes over the years. If this is the case, it’s probably best to replace the entire door. A complete replacement is more cost-effective, especially if the damage is significant or affects multiple panels.
Determining which garage door replacement panels are best for your home depends on your budget, needs, and home’s design. Based on our experience working with multiple manufacturers, we recommend some brands over others.
Wayne Dalton Garage Door Replacement Panels
Wayne Dalton garage doors address safety, functionality, durability, and aesthetic concerns. The company continuously improves its designs, factoring in wind resistance to protect your home and ensure you’ll have the necessary insulation to reduce your home’s energy costs. Wayne Dalton will instantly increase your home’s curb appeal with its impressive color-matching system comprising 6,000 colors. Wayne Dalton offers modern, traditional, or carriage house-style garage doors in various materials, including steel, wood, fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum-glass.
Clopay Garage Door Replacement Panels
Overhead Garage Door is a certified dealer for Clopay Garage Doors, meaning we carry the brand’s stamp of approval to install their beautiful doors. You can’t go wrong choosing Clopay for wood garage door replacement panels. Select from gorgeous Cedar or Redwood wood grains or a reclaimed wood garage door for a rustic look. Customize your Clopay garage door further with various available styles, finishes, and window configurations for a unique appearance. Contact us today for a free quote on Clopay Garage Doors.
Get Expert Help From Overhead Garage Door
A single-panel replacement for your garage door is possible, but it’s far from ideal, as it may be difficult to find the right one for a perfect fit. If there’s extensive damage or your garage door is old and needs updating, you’re better off replacing it entirely. If you’re still determining your garage door needs, call us at 888-459-3720 to schedule a consultation. Our Overhead Garage Door professionals are ready to help. We’ll assess your garage door and determine the best next steps to maintain your home’s beauty and security.