How to Fix a Dented Garage Door
Written by Nir S. Garage Door Technician – B&W Garage Doors
Do you have a dented garage door? Yes, It can be a real problem not only for the appearance of your garage but also for the safety of your home.
Still, fixing garage door dents can be a simple task.
Here, we will guide you through some DIY steps to repair a garage door dent or tell you when to call a professional.
Table of Contents
Garage Door Dent Repair Key Takeaways
Still, before we get to fixing the garage door, here are some essential things to know:
- Start by assessing the damage first before trying to do any repairs yourself.
- You can easily fix a small dent, but doors with larger indentations might need specialist help.
- Before repairing the dent door, wash the surface with warm, soapy water to help the paint or patching material adhere to it.
- To fix minor dents, use a mallet or small wooden block.
However, if the damage is extensive and affects the door’s function, contact us for a restoration or replacement. - Never neglect a garage door with extensive damage, as it can require expensive repairs or a replacement.
How to Fix a Dented Garage Door?
The first and most crucial step in “How to get dents out of a garage door?” is to determine the damage first and clean the area with soapy warm water.
Step 1: Determine The Damage
First, assess the damage to determine its severity.
This will help you decide whether you can use a do-it-yourself solution or need a professional. Take notes on the depth and size of the dent and its location on the panels.
For minor and shallower dents, you can use DIY techniques, such as a mallet or a small wooden block.
However, larger dents might require a professional to replace the whole panel so that it can function again.
Step 2: Clean The Dented Area
Now, you may wonder if you can fix a dented garage door.
The answer depends on how extensive the damage is.
But for minor dents, you need to start by cleaning the area with warm, soapy water by doing the following:
- Take a bucket and mix household detergent with warm water.
- Take a cloth or sponge and immerse it in the soapy water.
- Scrub over the dented area and surroundings to remove debris and dirt.
- Rinse the area with water and leave it to dry.
Step 3: How to Pop Dents Out of Aluminum Garage Door?
The next step will answer your question, “Can a dented garage door be repaired?” You will use a mallet and a small wooden block to remove the dent for this step.
You place the block on the back of that dent.
To remove any dents, gently tap the block with a rubber mallet.
Repeat the step if needed, as it must be leveled out.
Another approach to fixing a dent is tapping it gently using a rubber mallet or wooden block.
You can start inside the dent and work your way outwards until the dent disappears.
Tap around the edges and work to the middle.
Before proceeding with the repair, it is essential to check for raised areas.
If you see any, you can use a putty knife to level them out.
Once you’ve done that, continue tapping the dent until it’s even with the surrounding panels.
Take fine-grit sandpaper, sand down the edge, touch the sanded area with auto-body filler, and paint it.
The method only works on minor dents that do not affect the door’s functionality.
When Should You Call a Professional For a Garage Door Dent Repair?
Call a professional garage door repair service if the indentation is deep or affects the door’s functionality.
Contact B&W Garage Door Specialists to help fix your garage door instead of trying to fix it yourself, leading to more damage.
Leave it to the specialist to repair, whether a deep dent or structural damage.
So, start by assessing the damage first before trying any repairs yourself.
FAQs:
Can a dented garage door be repaired?
It all depends on the damage.
Minor dents can easily be repaired, while larger dents might require a professional to assist or replace the panels.
What DIY methods can I use to fix a minor dent in my garage door?
You can use aluminum foil and a hairdryer to fix a small dent and expand the metal back into place.
Alternatively, you can use a plunger to create suction and pull the dent out or spray the area with compressed air for a minute to restore its original shape.
It’s important to note that these methods work best for minor dents, and a professional should handle more extensive or more complex damage.
When must I call a professional to fix my dented garage door?
Consider seeking help if you need help fixing the dent or have tried repairs that have not worked.
If significant damage requires many cosmetic fixes, call a professional to help prevent substantial costs in the long run.
How long does it take to repair a dented garage door?
The time depends on the dent’s severity and whether you plan to use DIY repairs or a professional.
Still, simple tools and methods can fix most minor repairs in an hour.
