If you’ve ever parked too close to your garage and accidentally hit the door with your car, you know the feeling of panic when you see the door start to bow. You may also be wondering “can a bent garage door be repaired?” Yes, …but only if it’s done correctly.
Truth be told, a bent garage door can be a hassle. If you’re unsure whether a repair is feasible or if you’re not confident in your ability to fix it, read on for some helpful tips. Alternatively, residential garage door repair near me is Titan Garage Door’s strong suit- a solid option if repair work isn’t your cup of tea.
Let’s consider a few ways to repair a bent garage door- if you decide to take on the task. We’ll also discuss when a replacement is imminent. Here we go.
1. Use a Rubber Mallet
If you have a bent garage door, there’s no need to call a professional to fix it immediately, especially for a simple or minor bent. You can unleash your inner DIYer by straightening the door in most cases using a few simple tools.
Start by opening the door and placing a piece of wood underneath the bottom edge. This will prevent the door from closing while you’re working on it.
Next, place another block of wood on the dented surface, and use a rubber mallet to gently tap the bent portion of the door back into place. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this could cause the door to bend in the opposite direction.
If the dent is severe, you may need to use a hammer instead of a rubber mallet. Once the door is straight, remove the piece of wood and close the door to test it. Clearly, with a bit of effort, you can easily fix a bent garage door.
2. Apply Filler
You may also use filler- on a minor dent- to give your garage door a smooth appearance. To go about this, apply auto filler mixed with hardener to the dented section. This will help fill in any dents or scratches.
Once the filler dries, sand the surface to create a smooth, even surface. Then, apply primer and a fresh coat of paint to the area to match the rest of the door.
3. Heat is Your Friend
Applying rapid heat and cooling a bent garage panel can force it back into place. For this method, stretch aluminium foil over the dented surface. Then, heat the foil with a lighter for a minute or so.
Once the metal is hot enough, remove the foil and spray the area with compressed air, and voila! The cooling effect of carbon monoxide will reshape the panel.
Another option is to use a heat gun to straighten out the metal. This should only be done if the door is made of steel, as heat can damage aluminum doors. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always contact a professional for assistance. Either way, with a bit of time and effort, you should be able to fix your bent garage door.
4. Use Suction Cups
Attach suction cups to the affected area, making sure they are evenly spaced. Then, slowly straighten the door by pulling on the suction cups. Once the door is aligned, remove the suction cups and smooth out any wrinkles.
This approach is ideal for dents on metal doors. The suction cups apply pressure on the dented surface, getting it back in shape. If your door has a minor ding, this technique can restore it to its original condition.
When to Call a Pro
And while a bent garage door is fixable, it’s essential to know when to replace it altogether. Here are four signs indicating it may be time to consider a new garage door:
- The panels or sections of your garage door are damaged or warped.
- The garage door isn’t opening and closing smoothly.
- The entry is at the end of its lifespan (20-30 years).
- Your garage door is making strange noises.
Besides, some garage door materials call for different repair techniques. But generally, metal surfaces are easy to work on compared to wooden garage doors.
With that in mind, it helps to consult a certified technician to assess the damage. That way, you can determine whether it’s time to replace or repair your garage door or panels.
In the long run, a bent garage door is an easy fix- requiring some elbow grease- if you know what you’re doing. But, if you’re unsure about anything or would prefer to leave it to the professionals, it’s perfectly understandable. In that case, contact a professional for an inspection and professional repair.