Determining whether or not your garage door panel needs to be replaced depends on several factors unique to your situation. These factors include the age of the door, the extent of damage done to the garage panel, and the design of your particular garage door. For residential garage doors, a garage door panel replacement is possible depending on the factors stated. At Unity Garage Door Repair & Installation, we recently assisted a local customer from Plantation near American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus, with a damaged garage door panel. 

 

The Initial Call for Emergency Garage Door Repair

Customer Daniel reached out to us on a Thursday afternoon. His 11 yr old Amarr garage door’s bottom panel was damaged after a car accidentally bumped into it. He asked for an emergency garage door repair Plantation to make sure their home is secured before they leave for a trip. When our specialist arrived at Daniel’s home, the first step was a thorough analysis of the damaged bottom panel. The technician carefully inspected the panel to determine if it could be repaired or needed a full replacement. Our goal was to find the most cost-effective solution while ensuring the garage door's integrity.

Professional Analysis

The garage door specialist checked the extent of the damage, looking for cracks, dents, and any signs of structural weakness. The garage door was tested to see how the damage affected its operation, including how smoothly it opened and closed. The connections between the bottom panel and the other sections were also examined to ensure that the replacement would not compromise the door’s overall strength. During the inspection, the technician noted that although the garage door is old and the bottom panel was indeed damaged, the rest of the garage door section were still in good condition. This meant that the damaged bottom panel could be replaced without affecting the other sections of the door, saving Daniel both time and money. Before doing anything, the repair process was explained to Daniel first to make sure he understood.

 

Repair Process of Garage Door Panel Replacement

Once the analysis was complete and the repair plan was approved by Daniel, our technician got to work. The process of garage door panel replacement involves several critical steps to ensure the new panel is seamlessly integrated with the existing sections. The technician identified first  the garage door’s measurement, manufacturer, and color. It was a 16x7, Amarr brand in color white, which we have in stock. The type of hinges used were also checked to ensure a seamless installation of the new bottom panel.

The Steps Performed

  • Removal of the Damaged Panel: The first step was to carefully remove the damaged bottom panel without disturbing the other sections. This involved detaching the garage door from the automatic opener to allow for manual operation, followed by removing the bottom brackets, cables, and rollers attached to the panel. The panel was then unbolted from the hinges that connect it to the section above, allowing it to be lifted out of place.
  • Preparation of the New Panel: The new white panel, matching the color and style of the existing door, was prepared for installation. This included aligning the panel with the door’s tracks and ensuring a tight fit. The garage door company specialist  ensured that the replacement panel was pre-drilled for hinge and bracket attachment, and that the insulation inside the panel matched the existing door’s thermal properties.
  • Installation: The new bottom panel was installed securely, with attention to aligning it perfectly with the existing sections to maintain the door’s appearance and functionality. They used new bottom brackets, rollers, and weather seal to ensure the panel was properly sealed and would operate smoothly. The panel was then bolted to the hinges connecting it to the rest of the door, and the cables were reattached.
  • Adjustment and Testing: After installation, the door was tested to ensure it operated smoothly and without any issues. The necessary adjustments to the door’s balance and alignment were made, ensuring that the new panel was level with the other sections and that the door opened and closed without strain on the motor or tracks. This step included testing the tension of the springs to ensure the door’s weight was evenly distributed. 


Finally, the
residential garage door space was cleaned, with all debris removed, leaving the area spotless. The old panel and any other scrap materials were disposed of properly, ensuring the customer’s property’s cleanliness. The technician also provided tips for garage door maintenance of the new panel, including checking the weatherstripping occasionally and scheduling regular checks to extend the door’s lifespan. Everything was successfully completed in under 3 hours, saving Daniel’s time throughout the day.

 


Quality Local Garage Door Repair Company

As a local garage door company, at Unity Garage Door Repair & Installation, we take pride in serving our local community by meeting its unique garage door service needs. Our commitment to prompt and reliable garage door repair ensures that our local customers receive affordable cost to fix garage doors solutions directly from our expert technicians. Although the garage door panel cost varies depending on the manufacturer, our panel installation cost ranges between $300 to $400.

Whether you require a garage door panel repair, a full replacement, or any other service, our skilled team is ready to assist. We maintain a large inventory of garage door parts, allowing us to quickly respond to urgent garage door repairs Plantation requests, and even across the area. Based in Fort Lauderdale and proudly serving Plantation, Davie, and surrounding areas, we are dedicated to being your top choice for local garage door repairs.

 

If you have a damaged garage door panel or any other issue with your garage door, don’t hesitate to schedule a repair appointment with our garage door professionals online. We are here to ensure your garage door is in perfect working condition, keeping your home and valuable belongings safe and secure.