How To Fix A Dented Garage Door? (3 Effective Methods)

If you have no plans of selling your house, you should not worry about faults in its aesthetics. Most house buyers do not want to have to fix things like a dented garage door, and this may be important to them because of its visual and curb appeal.

If your house already has garage door dents, there are different ways to fix them. That way, you improve its market value, even if you are only renting it out. But you must ensure you have the right tools for this job for the best result.

Different things can cause a dent in your garage door, whether it is steel, wood, fiberglass, glass, wood composite, or vinyl. A dent can be structural or cosmetic depending on the kind and source of impact.

Different Methods of Fixing a Dented Garage Door

As mentioned, you can employ different methods to fix the problem with the garage door. We have compiled the most effective ones, and you can choose one or more to use for your specific needs.

Method 1

For this method, you will need a heat source. It can be:

• A lighter
• A lamp,
• A heat gun,
• A hairdryer

You will also need:

• Detergent
• Water
• Compressed air
• Aluminum foil

When you have all you need for the process, the next step is to heat a little amount of water. The water should not get hot; the temperature should be warm.

So, you must observe it closely until it reaches the correct temperature. Add a little detergent to the warm water and use a soft rag to clean the problem with the garage door to remove dust. Use mild detergent and do not put too much.

Afterward, clean off any soft residue and allow the washed area to dry completely. You can allow the entire area to air-dry or use a towel to dry it completely. Next, place a piece of aluminum foil over the affected area and use a heat source – a hair dryer or heat gun – to heat the foil in an even manner. The aluminum will protect the door’s body and finish.

Lift the foil off after a minute and spray the area with compressed air, holding the can upside down and keeping it steady for about thirty seconds. The reaction of heat and cold will cause the dent to pop out.

Note that this method may not be effective on an extensive dent.

Method 2

This second method is a little different from the first but not less effective. You will need:

• Water
• Dish soap
• a wooden block
• Patching material
• A rubber mallet, paint
• A small knife
• Fine-grit sandpaper (80 coarse & 120 coarse)
• Primer

The first step is to heat some water to a warm temperature. It must not exceed a specific point, so you must monitor it until it is just warm. Dip a finger in it, if necessary, to check the temperature.

Next, add a mild detergent to the water and thoroughly mix it. Do not put too much to make it foamy, and do not use too little. Use a soft sponge or rag to clean the affected area until there is no dirt or grime. Then, allow it to air-dry or use a towel to dry it.

Now, place the block of wood over the area and lightly hit it with the mallet to smooth out the dent. Use gentle force and increase it only when necessary, so you do not further damage the door. Afterward, sand it with 120 coarse sandpaper even out the surface.

Cover the area with the patching material and even it out using a small knife. Let it dry before sanding it down again using the 80 coarse. Finally, apply the primer and let it dry before painting the door to mask the area.

Method 3

If the dent is only cosmetic, you will not need much to fix it. That means the dent is barely perceptible, and you only want to leave the door as smooth as possible. For this method, you will only need a 2 x 4 piece of wood and a mallet.

Place the wood on the protruding side of the dent and check to see that it completely covers the area. Next, use the mallet to hit the wood so that it pushes the dent out. Gently tap it to even out the surface. Since it is not a significant dent, you do not have to do much tapping.

Use Professional Services

Not everyone has the time or skillset to fix a dented garage door themselves. If you are unsure of the steps or do not have the time, it is best to call for professional assistance.

It saves you time and ensures you get the best results, although it will cost you money. It is usually expensive to replace any part of the door or the entire door. But if the dent is extensive or beyond repair, consider having the repair agents replace the entire panel.

Causes Of a Dented Garage Door

Several factors, accidents, and mishaps cause dents on any garage door or other surfaces. Let’s discuss them so you know what to avoid in the future after fixing the dent.

1. Bumping Your Vehicle Against the Door

If you constantly back up your car such that it hits your garage door, it will cause a dent, irrespective of the door material.

When driving into your garage, wait for the door to open fully, and be mindful of the space on both sides of the car before driving in or out. Bear in mind that continuously hitting your garage door will cause significant damage.

2. Lack of Maintenance

Your garage door needs maintenance, too. The majority of garage doors are made with metals and metals need to be serviced from time to time. There are springs to be checked and oils to be dropped.

Regular maintenance and servicing will improve the door’s functionality. On the flip side, a lack of maintenance can escalate underlying minor issues into bigger ones.

3. Ignoring Small Dents

When your garage door sustains a small dent, it can successively lead to larger dents over time. If a baseline bashes against your garage door, be sure to check it out and do something about it before it becomes irreparable.

To achieve this, inspect the door as regularly as you can and fix issues immediately after you spot them. This will keep you ahead of any issues you need to take care of as they occur.

4. Weather Damage

If your garage is always exposed to the elements, the natural wear and tear from these elements and age can cause structural damage. If your door is struck by lightning, for example, there is a good chance that your electric circuit may get fried, and this could lead to a bigger issue.

Sometimes, there is nothing you can do about this factor, but speaking with a garage door expert can help you preserve the door for longer.

5. Problem With the Foundation

Big stones or cracks in the foundation can cause insidious damage to the door. The foundation can shift or expand, which ultimately puts pressure on the garage door, especially during closing.

This pressure is bound to damage the garage door cables, springs, and hinges. Ensure to hire an expert or professional contractor to take look at the foundations before you install the garage door or to determine if there are underlying cracks beneath your already-installed door.

6. Natural Disasters

Natural disasters like hurricanes, storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods can cause substantial damage to your garage door. These occurrences are an extensive natural phenomenon and are unpreventable as nobody has any control over them.

If you live in a flood or disaster-prone area, ensure you have home and contents insurance. This type of insurance provides cover for the building, permanent fixtures such as a garage door, and items inside it.

7. Force

If your garage door is one that you have to pull open manually, be careful when closing it, as constant banging can cause damage or a visible dent. This is especially true if it is wood. If it is electronically controlled, ensure that it is not set to slam hard when closing or jerk when opening.

If the dent is in the middle of the panel where there is an embossing, it is a cosmetic dent. You can choose to do this yourself or to get an expert to do it. Your best bet is to allow a professional to fix it so that you do not damage the embossing while fixing it.

Some people do not mind dents on their doors because they believe they add character to their houses. While this may be true, it does not always reflect the same way to every buyer or observer. Therefore, clean the dents as much as possible, even if you do not make them as smooth as before.

Conclusion

Fixing a garage door can be a relaxation task if you find repairs a way of relaxing. However, this only works if the dents on the door are mild; extensive damage will need professional attention. So, how you fix your garage door depends on the extent of the damage.

We have listed some effective methods to try; you can employ all the methods if one does not work. But if the problem persists, have a garage door repair contractor fix it to prevent additional damage.