The Best Idea to Do When My Garage Door Panel Is Bent
A bent garage door panel is not a minor problem. It makes your door look bad and signals operational issues. So, fixing right away is essential.
You can try repairing it on your own or hire a specialist. Keep reading and learn which steps to take to handle this situation!
Why Garage Door Panel Bents?
Bent garage door panels aren’t just a cosmetic problem. It’s often a sign that something is wrong with the door’s operation or maintenance. You need to understand what might be driving this issue.
Physical impact is usually the most common cause of a bent. Strong aluminum and steel panels can dent under direct force.
Another reason is the breakage of a torsion or extension spring. They are responsible for counterbalancing the door’s weight. Lack of balance puts extreme strain on the panels and causes bending.
Misaligned or damaged tracks can also cause this problem. The panels can twist while moving.
Some other reasons include
- Obstructions in the door’s path,
- Aging,
- Temperature and moisture damage,
- Improper adjustment of the opener force settings.
Early detection and proper repair are essential in all these cases.
Fixing the Garage Door Panel
Panel damage is not only an aesthetic issue. It can compromise the smooth operation and put you in danger.
You probably want to know, “What should I do if my garage door panel is bent?”
Here are the steps to fix it efficiently.
Evaluate the Harm
Check the inside and outside parts of the panel before you start any repairs.
First, evaluate how deep the bend is. Shallow dents might be repairable at home. Yet, deeper creases or cracks may require professional replacement.
Also, look for other issues that could’ve appeared at the same time, like
- Misaligned or damaged tracks,
- Loose or bent hinges,
- Broken rollers or cables.
Try to document the damage with photos if you need to consult a repair service or claim it under warranty.
Disconnect the Opener for Safety
It is dangerous to do something with a garage door if it’s connected to the opener. The motor might activate unexpectedly. So, it’s essential to disconnect it.
Start by pulling the emergency release cord to disengage the door from the opener. It’s usually a red handle hanging from the opener rail.
This activity allows you to move the door manually. Always ensure it is fully closed before starting any repair work to stop it from falling.
Straighten Minor Dents in the Panel
If the panel’s bend is not severe, you can try fixing it yourself. The measures depend on the material of your door.
For metal constructions, you can place a small wooden block against the dent. Next, tap it with a rubber mallet from the inside. It will help you push the metal back into shape.
Heat the dented area with a hair dryer for 30-60 seconds for aluminium panels. Then quickly spray it with compressed air. This temperature change helps the metal contract back to its original position.
Strengthen the Damaged Panel for Stability
The panel might lose some of its original strength even after straightening.
You need to add a reinforcement strut or a metal brace behind the damaged section. It will help you avoid the bend returning. These supports distribute the weight evenly and reduce stress during work.
You can buy pre-made kits at hardware stores or ask a garage door technician to install one for you.
Test the Operations
Reconnect the opener and use the door manually a few times after you complete the repairs.
Then, use the opener to check automated movement. Listen for any unusual noises. They could indicate that the panel is still misaligned or that other components were affected.
Finally, check the edges of the door to ensure they are straight during movement. Any wobbling may require additional adjustment.
Call a Specialist for Bigger Damage
Professional help is the safest option if the damage is more serious.
Many companies can replace just a single panel for you. It is often cheaper and faster.
A technician can also realign tracks and adjust springs to guarantee smooth operations after the repair.
Conclusion
A bent panel doesn’t just make your garage door look bad. It can also be a sign of some internal problems that impact overall operations. This issue usually appears because of physical impact, component breakage, misaligned tracks, and more.
To fix this problem
- Evaluate the damage,
- Disconnect the opener,
- Fix minor dents,
- Strengthen the damaged panel,
- Test the door’s work,
- Hire a professional.
Hope that our tips were useful!
