Can You Repair A Section Of A Garage Door?

Are you dealing with damage to your garage door?

When this happens, it’s easy to wonder if you need to replace the entire thing, or just repair the affected section.

In this article, we’ll help you answer this question by covering:

• A brief overview of garage door repairs
• Your options for section-by-sectional repairs
• Tips for navigating conditions, sizes and regulations

This article will also dive deep into whether repairing a section of a garage door is feasible, what factors come into play, and when you might need to consider a full replacement instead.

Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Types of Garage Door Repairs

Garage doors come in various materials with each type presenting its own set of repair possibilities:

• Wooden Doors: If you’ve got a wooden door, you’re in luck in terms of repair flexibility. Sections of wood can often be sanded down, filled in, or even replaced without needing to disturb the rest of the door.
• Steel and Aluminium Doors: These types can also be repaired, but they usually involve fixing dents or replacing damaged panels. The tricky part is matching the new section with the existing door, especially if it’s older and the paint has faded.
• Fibreglass Doors: Repairs here can be more challenging. While fibreglass is durable, it can crack under stress, and fixing it might require a specialist, particularly if the damage is extensive.

Advantages of Sectional Repairs

Repairing a section of your garage door instead of replacing the whole thing comes with several benefits:

• Cost-Effective: Why replace an entire door when only a small part is damaged? Sectional repairs can save you a significant amount of money.
• Time-Saving: Full replacements can take time, especially if the door has to be custom-ordered. A sectional repair, on the other hand, is usually quicker to complete.
• Environmental Impact: Repairing instead of replacing means less waste and a smaller carbon footprint. It’s a win for your wallet and the environment.

Challenges of Repairing Garage Door Sections

• Matching Materials: One of the biggest hurdles in repairing a section of a garage door is finding materials that match the original door, particularly in terms of colour and finish.
• Structural Integrity: If the damage has compromised the door’s overall structure, a repair might not be sufficient. In such cases, replacing the door could be the safer option.
• Technical Know-How: Some repairs are straightforward, but others require specific tools and expertise. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it might be best to call in a professional.

Type and Extent of the Damage

The first thing to consider is the nature of the damage. Is it just a small dent, a scratch, or maybe a crack? Or are we talking about a full-blown section that’s been completely compromised?

• Minor Damage: For small issues like dents in steel doors or superficial cracks in wood, a sectional repair is often straightforward. These types of damage usually don’t affect the door’s overall function, meaning a repair can restore it to nearly-new condition.
• Significant Damage: If a section of the door is completely warped or structurally unsound, repair becomes more complex. In some cases, it might be possible to replace just the damaged panel, but you’ll need to consider whether the door’s alignment or balance has been affected.

Availability of Replacement Parts

Another critical factor is whether you can find matching replacement parts. If your door is a common model or relatively new, this might not be an issue.

However, if your door is an older model or custom-made, finding a matching panel or material could be tricky.

• Stock Parts: If your door is still in production, chances are you can easily find the exact panel you need. This makes sectional repairs a breeze.
• Custom or Out-of-Production Doors: For older or custom doors, you may face challenges in sourcing materials that match both in size and appearance. In these cases, you might have to consider repainting the entire door to ensure uniformity, or worse, replacing the whole door if a match isn’t possible.

DIY vs Professional Repair

Another important aspect to think about is whether you should tackle the repair yourself or hire a professional. This largely depends on your skill level and the complexity of the repair.

• DIY Repairs: If the damage is minor and you’re handy with tools, a DIY repair could be a cost-effective solution. There are plenty of tutorials available online for different types of doors and damages.
• Professional Repairs: For more significant damage or if you’re unsure about your ability to match materials and restore the door’s function, calling in a professional is usually the safer bet. Professionals not only have the tools and expertise but can also ensure that the repair maintains the door’s safety and security.

Safety and Functionality Considerations

Finally, it’s crucial to consider the door’s safety and functionality after repair. The door is heavy and operates under tension, both of which can be dangerous if it isn’t properly repaired.

• Safety: Ensure that any repair, especially those involving springs or cables, doesn’t compromise the door’s safety mechanisms.
• Functionality: After a repair, the door should open and close smoothly without any hitches. If it doesn’t, the repair may have affected the door’s balance or alignment, which could lead to further damage down the road.

Assessing the Conditions for Repair

Before any repair begins, it’s essential to assess the overall condition of your door. This will help you determine whether a sectional repair is a viable option or if a full replacement is necessary.

Overall Door Integrity

The first step is to evaluate the integrity of the entire door. If the damage is isolated to one section but the rest of the door is showing signs of wear and tear, you might be better off considering a full replacement.

• Signs of Structural Weakness: Look for rust, rot, or warping across other sections of the door. If these issues are present, a sectional repair might not be enough to ensure long-term functionality.
• Balance and Alignment: Even if the damage is localised, check if the door still operates smoothly. A misaligned door could indicate underlying problems that could worsen after a sectional repair.

Size Considerations

Standard Sizes

Most doors follow standard sizes, which means finding a replacement section is often straightforward.

• Single-car doors: Typically around 2.4 metres wide and 2.1 metres high. Replacing a section here is usually less expensive due to the smaller size.
• Double-car doors: These doors are generally about 4.8 to 5.5 metres wide and 2.1 metres high. Repairing a section on a larger door can be more complex, particularly in terms of maintaining the door’s balance and smooth operation.

Custom Sizes

If your door is custom-made, things can get a bit trickier.

• Unique Dimensions: Custom-sized doors might require specially made sections, which can drive up costs and extend the repair timeline.
• Matching the Existing Design: For custom doors, it is crucial to ensure that the new section seamlessly matches the existing design in size and aesthetics. This might involve custom fabrication, which could require more time and money.

With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, Swan Garage Doors is here to ensure you avoid costly mistakes and get the job done right the first time.

Whether you’re considering a simple repair or a complete replacement, our team of experts is ready to provide the personalised advice you need to make the best decision for your home.

Don’t leave your garage door’s safety and functionality to chance—contact us today at 1300 296 108 or claim a fast and FREE quote online.