Is your garage door looking a little beat up? Dents on garage doors happen all the time. A ball hits it, a car bumps into it, or maybe it gets damaged in a storm. No matter the cause, you can fix dents on a garage door at home with a few tools and a little time. In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix those dents yourself, when to call a garage door service, and how to keep your door looking new.
Why Fix Garage Door Dents?
Garage doors are big and visible. Dents make your home look messy and old. But that’s not all. A dent can stop your garage door from opening and closing the right way. Fixing dents helps your door last longer and work better. It’s also a smart part of regular garage door maintenance.
What Causes Garage Door Dents?
There are many ways a dent can happen:
- A bike bumps the door
- A car hits it by accident
- Hail or strong wind blows debris into it
- Kids play ball near the garage
Small dents are easy to fix with DIY garage door repair. Big dents or cracks may need a garage door panel replacement or help from a professional.
Check the Damage First
Before you start fixing, look at the dent carefully. Is it deep or shallow? Are there cracks or holes? If the dent is small and the metal is not torn, you can try to fix it yourself. You will need some basic tools:
- Rubber mallet
- Hair dryer or heat gun
- Compressed air or dry ice
- Aluminum foil
- Sandpaper (for steel doors)
- Body filler (for large dents in steel)
If the damage is large or the door won’t open, call a local garage door service to help.
How to Fix Dents on a Garage Door
For Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum is soft, so dents in aluminum garage doors are often easy to fix.
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Cut a piece of aluminum foil and place it over the dent.
- Use a lighter or hair dryer to heat the foil for 1 minute.
- Quickly remove the foil and spray the area with compressed air.
- The sudden cold will pop the dent out!
This method works great for small dents. For deeper ones, use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to gently tap the dent from the inside.
For Steel Garage Doors
Steel garage doors are tougher, but dents still happen. You can fill dents in steel doors with body filler, just like fixing a car.
- Clean the dented area.
- Sand the surface to make it rough.
- Apply body filler with a putty knife and let it dry.
- Sand it smooth after it dries.
- Paint the area to match the rest of the door.
This DIY garage door repair method makes your door look brand new again.
When to Replace a Garage Door Panel
Sometimes, the dent is too big to fix. If the door is bent, cracked, or the metal is torn, it’s time for a garage door panel replacement. Replacing one panel is cheaper than replacing the whole door. But always check if the new panel will match the old ones.
Call a Garage Door Service When Needed
Some garage door problems need a pro. If your door doesn’t open or close right after a dent, call a trusted garage door service. They can fix the issue quickly and safely. Garage door dent repair by professionals is also a smart idea if you don’t have the tools or time.
The average cost of garage door dent repair can be $100 to $300, depending on the damage. Always get a quote first!
How to Prevent Dents
It’s better to prevent dents than fix them. Try these tips:
- Don’t park too close to your garage door
- Keep sports equipment away from the door
- Teach kids not to play near the garage
- Use garage door bumpers or guards
- Keep up with regular garage door maintenance
Doing these things will help your garage door last longer and look better.
Conclusion
Fixing a dent in your garage door is easier than you think. With the right tools, you can make your door look great again in no time. Small dents are perfect for a DIY garage door repair. Bigger ones might need a professional garage door service.
Take care of your garage door with regular garage door maintenance. It saves you money and keeps your home looking sharp.
Need help with a dent? Call your local garage door service today and keep your door working like new!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a garage door dent myself?
Yes! You can fix small dents with heat, cold, or body filler.
How much does it cost to fix a garage door dent?
DIY is cheap—sometimes free. A pro garage door service may charge $100–$300.
Will home insurance cover garage door dents?
Sometimes. Check with your insurance company to be sure.