Your garage door is one of the most used features of your home, opening and closing countless times over the years. It’s inevitable that wear and tear will eventually take its toll on the panels. Rather than paying a professional for garage door repair, you can potentially save money by doing some of the work yourself. Here are some tips for replacing damaged or broken garage door panels as a DIY project.
Inspect Your Panels
The first step is to carefully inspect each garage door panel to identify any that need replacing. Pay attention to dents, cracks, splits or panels that no longer sit flush with the others. You’ll need to remove and replace any faulty panels to maintain a smooth operation of your garage door.
Purchase New Panels
Take measurements of the existing panels and use those to purchase matching replacement panels from your local home improvement store or online. Make sure to get panels made of the same material, usually steel, wood or fiberglass. Check that the panel thickness and rails match what’s currently installed.
Remove the Old Panel
To remove a damaged panel, start by opening the garage door halfway. Then locate the panel bolts or nuts on the inside edges of the rails that hold the panel in place. Use a socket wrench or nut driver to loosen these bolts or nuts. You may need to gently tap them loose with a hammer if they’re stuck. Once unbolted, the panel should lift out easily.
Install the New Panel
Installation is basically the reverse of removal. Lift the new panel into position between the rails. Make sure the panel sits flush along all edges before securing it. Then use the bolts or nuts to hand-tighten the panel into place. Don’t over-tighten as this could damage the rails. Test that the panel is secure before closing the garage door.
Adjust and Test
With the new panel installed, check that it moves freely when opening and closing the door. The door should operate smoothly without binding. If needed, loosen the bolts slightly to adjust the panel position. Also check that any opener safety sensors or brackets aren’t obstructed by the new panel. Fully test the door’s functionality before moving on to other repairs.
Consider Calling a Pro for Complex Jobs
While replacing a single garage door panel is certainly a DIY-friendly project, more extensive repairs may require a professional. For example, if you need to replace multiple panels or do structural work on the rails, a garage door company named Integrity Garage Door Repair in Virginia Beach can complete the job more efficiently. Their technicians have the special tools and expertise to handle complex repairs while ensuring safety. Some situations are simply beyond the ability or recommended for a DIYer. Don’t hesitate to call a pro when a repair feels beyond your capabilities.
With some basic tools and patience, you can save a lot of money by tackling small garage door repairs like panel replacement yourself. Just be sure to inspect your work thoroughly and make any adjustments needed to keep your door operating smoothly for many more years. With these DIY tips, you’ll be well on your way to basic garage door repair without breaking the bank.
