Symptoms
- Visible dent, crack, or hole in one or more panels
- Door still opens and closes normally, or with new resistance
- Damage from a vehicle impact or falling object
Likely causes
- CommonVehicle or object impactBacking into the door or a fallen object are the most common causes of panel damage.
- PossibleHail or severe weather damageLarge hail can dent lightweight steel or aluminum panels.
- PossibleRust or corrosion weakening a steel panel over timeRust can eventually cause a panel to crack or crumble at the damaged area.
- PossibleImpact affecting the door's structural alignmentSignificant damage can bend the panel enough to affect how it rides in the track.
What to do
- Assess whether the door still opens and closes smoothly despite the damage.
- Check the affected panel for sharp edges that could be a safety hazard and cover them temporarily if needed.
- For minor dents in steel doors, a plunger or dent-pulling technique can sometimes improve the appearance, though results vary.
- Check nearby rollers and hinges for any misalignment caused by the impact.
- For a single severely damaged panel on a sectional door, ask a garage door company whether that single panel can be replaced rather than the whole door.
- If the door binds, doesn't sit flush, or you notice new noise or resistance, stop using the opener until it's inspected.
Tools and parts
- Plunger (for minor dent attempts)
Replacement garage door panelSearch: “garage door replacement panel matching your door model”
When to call a pro
Call a garage door company for an assessment if the damage affects operation, alignment, or if you want a matching panel replaced rather than living with cosmetic damage.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.