One morning, while pulling out of your driveway, you notice a nasty crack in your garage door. Your stomach sinks with the worry that you might have to replace the entire door. Thankfully, though, you may be able to repair the door with a little elbow grease.
Below, learn what to do about a cracked garage door, then call us for garage door repair in Louisville.
What Causes Cracks in Garage Doors?
Garage doors, especially metal ones, are incredibly tough. However, their constant exposure to the outdoors means that some damage is almost inevitable over time.
Impacts are the most common cause of cracks in garage doors. Impacts can be caused by vehicles, toys, and lawn equipment such as lawnmowers. Hail and wind can cause your garage door to crack as well.
Defective or worn springs are another cause of cracked garage doors. The springs are responsible for opening and closing the door smoothly. If the springs wear down too much, the door can slam shut suddenly, causing warping and cracks. This is why it’s so important to have your garage door regularly inspected by an expert.
Is There an Easy DIY Garage Door Crack Fix?
Can you fix a cracked garage door yourself? The short answer is that it depends. If the crack is small and only affects one panel, you may be able to repair it on your own. But if the crack affects the entire door, you’re better off calling for professional repair or garage door replacement.
Your repair options depend on the type of garage door you have. If it’s wood, you’re in luck, as this is the easiest type of door to fix. Simply sand down the affected area and fill the crack with a wood filler. Once it dries, you can repaint the door, and it will look as good as new.
Fixing cracks in a metal garage door is a much bigger challenge. If the door is made of heavy-gauge metal, you may be able to weld the crack shut. However, most garage doors are made of light-gauge metal, such as aluminum, which is nearly impossible to repair once damaged.
What About Garage Door Dents?
Dents in metal garage doors don’t just look unsightly. Left unaddressed, they can turn into cracks that compromise the structural integrity of garage doors.
Is it possible to repair dents in garage doors? Sometimes. If the door has a hollow back, you can hammer out the dent as you would with a dented car door. No matter how good of a job you do, though, the door might never look the same as it once did.
If your garage door is steel- or vinyl-backed, you’re unfortunately out of luck, as it’s not possible to hammer dents out of these doors. Additionally, such doors usually have a textured finish that hammering will ruin.
When To Schedule Cracked Garage Door Panel Repair
If you’re unable to repair a cracked garage door yourself, the smart thing to do is call our experts at Action Overhead Door Inc. Calling the pros ensures that you won’t damage the door further, which many homeowners inadvertently do during DIY repairs.
When you call us, we’ll inspect the extent of the damage to your garage door. If the damage is minor, we may be able to get away with only replacing the affected panel. But if the door is severely cracked, we might suggest replacing the entire thing instead.
We’ll also determine whether the door may be too heavy for the motor to handle. If it is, we can install supportive struts to brace the door from the inside. Although installing struts won’t fix cracks, it does prevent them from worsening.
Installing struts adds some weight to the garage door, so we might need to adjust the springs and recalibrate your garage door opener to accommodate the change.
Should You Consider Replacing Your Cracked Garage Door?
Even if it’s possible to repair your cracked door, you might instead opt for replacement. Here’s how to know if you should replace the garage door:
- The door is more than 30 years old. Many garage doors start to develop major problems at this age, and it would be more cost-effective to replace yours if it’s this old.
- You’ve had to repair your garage door several times over the past few years. Again, replacement will be more affordable in the long run.
- You’re not happy with the way your garage door looks. We can swap it out for a new one that better matches the aesthetics of your home.
Why Action Overhead Door Inc. Is the Best Choice for Garage Door Repair and Replacement
Why choose us for your garage door repair or replacement? We have so much to offer homeowners in Louisville, such as:
- We perform all of our repairs in accordance with the latest garage door provisions set by the International Residential Code (IRC).
- The late Robert M. Driver, who founded Action Overhead Door Inc. in 1985, was deeply committed to strong family values and superb customer service. We follow the same path that took the company from its humble beginnings to the experienced operation it is today.
- If you need a garage door replacement, you’ll be pleased to know that we partner with top garage door companies such as Liftmaster and CHI Overhead Doors.
- Our expert technicians are available to help you with garage door emergencies 24/7.
- We offer affordable rates and regular specials, such as discounts on garage door repairs and tune-ups.
To get help with your cracked garage door, call Action Overhead Door Inc. today.
Schedule Professional Garage Door Repair Today and Say Goodbye to Those Unsightly Cracks
Are cracked garage doors fixable, and should you repair or replace yours? Our pros will thoroughly inspect your door and determine whether repair is possible. If not, we’ll talk to you about your options for replacement.
To schedule a garage door crack assessment or learn about our panel replacement solutions, contact Action Overhead Door Inc. at (502) 955-7725.
