Unfortunately, most homeowners will have to deal with a dent in their garage door sooner or later. Dents in a garage door can come from your car, a wayward basketball, or even be caused by flying debris during high winds. No matter the reason, they look unsightly and can potentially lead to functional problems. There are a few things to consider when you are thinking about whether you should repair your garage door.
Why Repairing a Dented Garage Door Is Important
At first glance, a dented garage door might seem like a minor cosmetic issue. However, while small dents may only affect appearance, larger or deeper dents can impact the door’s operation. Addressing these issues is essential to prevent further problems and maintain the overall durability of your garage door.
Unbalanced Garage Door
A balanced garage door is essential for smooth operation. Balanced means the door’s weight is evenly distributed, allowing the springs and motor to lift and lower it without excessive strain. When properly balanced, the door can stop at any point along the tracks without falling or drifting. However, deep dents can throw this balance off. For instance, damage that shifts part of the door’s weight to one side may cause the door to tilt or become misaligned. As a result, the door may struggle to move smoothly along the tracks, leading to jams, uneven wear on components, or even the door crashing down unexpectedly. Addressing dents ensures the door stays balanced and operates safely.
Minor Dents on Metal Doors
Dents in metal garage doors do more than affect their appearance; they can also damage the protective coating that prevents corrosion. Your door is most likely coated with factory-applied polyester, an epoxy finish, or a layer of galvanized zinc. When a dent damages these protective layers, it exposes the metal, which can then start to corrode and lead to rust. Over time, rust will spread and eat away at the door, causing further structural damage. Addressing dents helps maintain the integrity of these coatings and extends the lifespan of your garage door.
Reduced Energy Efficiency
Many garage doors contain layers of insulation that help prevent energy loss. A dent can prevent the garage door from sealing properly, allowing drafts to enter your garage. For instance, a deep dent may create gaps around the edges, letting cold air in during the winter. Even a small dent that affects the seal at the bottom of your door can noticeably impact your home’s overall energy efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that poorly sealed doors and windows, including garage doors, can account for up to 30% of a home’s energy loss.
Saftey Concerns
A dent that affects your garage door’s ability to open and close should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. If the door doesn’t close properly, intruders can exploit the vulnerability. This situation compromises not only the contents of your garage but also the safety of your home and family.
Decreased Curb Appeal and Home Value
Your garage door is one of the most noticeable aspects of your home’s facade. A dented garage door detracts from your home’s beauty and can make potential buyers turn away if you decide to sell.
Repairing or Replacing a Garage Door
When your garage door becomes dented, you have two options: repair or replacement. Before deciding, consider a few factors.
Age of the Garage Door
A major consideration is your garage door’s age. With proper installation and maintenance, garage doors last 15 to 30 years. It may be more cost-effective to replace a garage door that is nearing the end of its lifespan. Investing in a new energy-efficient garage door may make more sense than paying to repair an older door.
Damage Severity
The feasibility of repairing dented garage doors varies depending on the severity of the damage. Minor dents that do not impact the door’s balance or structural integrity are usually straightforward for professionals to fix. They typically use techniques such as dent-pulling tools or specialized fillers to restore the door’s surface.
Garage Door Materials
When deciding whether to repair a dent in your garage door, the material of the door plays a significant role in determining the ease of repair. Manufacturers make garage doors from materials such as steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood.
Steel garage doors are known for their durability and strength. However, they are also prone to more noticeable dents when impacted. Repairing dents in steel doors often involves panel replacement. If the finish has faded, steel doors may also require repainting to restore their appearance after repair.
Aluminum doors are lighter and more resistant to rust compared to steel doors. Dents in aluminum doors are generally easier to fix because aluminum is more malleable. However, the repair process still involves specialized tools and techniques to ensure a smooth finish. Professionals often use heat and suction pullers to address dents without causing further damage.
Fiberglass doors are less common but offer excellent insulation and resistance to weather. Damage to fiberglass doors can be more challenging to repair due to the material’s rigidity and the potential for cracking. They may involve filling and sanding techniques and, sometimes, a complete replacement of the affected panel.
Wood garage doors are valued for their classic appearance and strength. However, dents and dings in wood doors can be complex to repair due to the material’s susceptibility to splitting. Repairing a wooden door involves sanding out the dent, filling it with wood filler, and then refinishing or painting the surface. Replacing the affection section is also possible if you have a paneled wooden door.
Garage Door Replacement
Once their garage doors become damaged, many homeowners decide to update them, especially if they are older than ten years or malfunctioning. With advanced technology, today’s modern garage doors work more effectively and operate more quietly. Other features include increased insulation, customizable designs, and enhanced security.
The garage door replacement process involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and efficient installation. You should consult a professional to select the right material and style to match your home’s aesthetic and functional requirements. For instance, you may want to choose a door with superior insulation if you use your garage as a workshop or hobby space.
Once you choose a new garage door, a professional installer will measure the existing door frame to ensure a precise fit. The old door is then removed, which involves carefully detaching the door and its components, including the tracks and springs. After removing the old door, the installer will prepare the frame for the new door, making any adjustments necessary for a proper fit.
The professional then installs the new door using the existing opener if the motor is still in good condition. Finally, they will test the door’s operation and make any necessary adjustments to optimize performance.
Professional Garage Door Repair or Replacement
Our knowledgeable and experienced team at ADS Automatic Door Specialists in San Diego, CA provides garage door installation, repair, and maintenance services for all commercial and residential makes and models. We also offer gate installation and repair services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
