Garage door panels get damaged whether it’s due to wear and tear over time or by accident. We recently completed a garage door panel replacement project for a customer, Grant, in the Springs Park community near Parkside Elementary School. After his wife accidentally bumped their car to their 16x7 Clopay garage door, the bottom panel was damaged which is a safety hazard, the garage door may fall down.


What is a Garage Door Panel?

A garage door panel plays a crucial role in your garage door’s overall functionality and safety. These panels are the individual sections that are horizontally aligned to make up the garage door. Each panel is connected by hinges, enabling the door to bend and curve along the track during opening and closing, creating a seamless operation.

The number of panels in a garage door depends on the door’s size and design. Standard residential garage doors typically have four to five panels stacked vertically.

Garage Door Panel Replacement

After a thorough assessment, the technician confirmed that Grant's garage door only needed the garage door panel replacement of the damaged bottom panel, rather than replacing the entire door. Since the 16x7 Clopay garage door is only 6 years old, replacing the damaged bottom panel was the best solution for Grant’s case.

Note: Garage doors that are 15 years or older may not qualify for panel replacement due to manufacturer codes. Some manufacturers no longer produce the same models, making it difficult to find matching panels.


Garage Panel Replacement Process

The garage door panel replacement cost was clearly provided by the technician to make sure there were no surprises for Grant. To replace a bottom panel/section of a 16x7 garage door it costs $650 depending on the door’s brand, which he approved. Here’s a process of how our technician expertly replace the garage door bottom panel:

  • Removal – Disconnect the garage door opener, securing the door 10 inches from the ground using vice grips. Disconnect the springs to loosen the cable. Remove the weatherstripping/bottom seal. Unbolt the damaged bottom panel. Detach the hinges and rollers that are connected to the entire door. Then slide the bottom panel/section to remove it.

  • Installation – Properly align the garage door section with the rest of the door. Reattach the hinges and rollers making sure they are placed in the tracks properly. Using the same bolts (if it’s still good to reuse) secure the new bottom panel to the rest of the garage door structure. Then put back the tension on the springs, tighten the cable and reconnect the garage door opener. 


Last but most importantly, test the door several times to ensure smooth operation. Open and close the door slowly to make sure the new panel is functioning seamlessly with the rest of the door. Listen for any unusual noises and observe the
residential garage door for any unsteady movements to make sure it is balanced without jerking. 


What You Should Know: Garage Door Panel Replacement

While replacing only the damaged panel is more affordable than replacing the entire garage door, it's important to note that the new bottom panel will not perfectly match the color of the rest of the door. This is because of the fact that the original door has been exposed to sunlight and has faded over time. For this reason, we usually install a white bottom panel, giving customers the option to repaint it for a better appearance. Additionally, panel replacement is a quick and efficient garage door service.

 

Let Us Help for Panel Replacement

At Unity Garage Door, all our garage doors are hurricane-rated and so as the panels/section that we use for panel replacements. Our expert technicians can quickly assess the damage and provide professional resolutions, whether you need a garage door repair Coral Springs. We serve Coral Springs and nearby cities, including Parkland, Coconut Creek, Sunrise, Tamarac, Lauderhill, and Boca Raton. With years of experience in the field, we take pride in delivering top-quality services as a local garage door company.

Call us today at Unity Garage Door to schedule your garage door panel replacement or any garage door repair inquiries. Our garage door specialists are here to assist you!