How to Fix a Dented Garage Door

Types of Garage Door Damage

Dents

One of the most common types of garage door damage, dents can range from minor, superficial dings to more significant indentations. Dents detract from the overall appearance of your garage; they may also affect the functionality of your garage doors.

Fortunately, fixing a dented garage door is a manageable task for many handy homeowners.

Cracks

Another common garage door issue, cracks can occur due to various reasons, including harsh weather conditions and impact. They may appear on the surface of the garage door or extend through the material.

Because cracks can compromise the structural integrity of garage doors, they should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage. They can also be more challenging to fix than minor debts, which is why it’s advisable to call in a professional to fix any damage beyond minor dents.

Bends

Often caused by collisions or other forceful impacts such as a car backing into the door or a sports accident, bends can affect the door's ability to open and close smoothly.

Addressing bends promptly and professionally is critical for minimizing stress on the door’s components, which can lead to future damage.

Supplies You'll Need to Fix Dent in Garage Door

Depending on how you plan to fix your dented garage door, you may need the following supplies:

• A rubber mallet or hammer for reshaping the dented area
• A wooden block to bolster the backside of the dented area during repair
• C-clamps for holding the wooden block in place
• A plunger or vacuum suction cups for suction-based dent removal
• A hair dryer, heat gun, lighter, or other heat source to apply heat for better flexibility
• A compressed air sprayer
• A bucket of soapy water and a soft cloth, rag, or towel for cleaning your garage door
• Sandpaper or an abrasive pad for smoothing out any rough edges
• Aluminum foil for covering the dent
• Paint and primer for touching up the paint job when your repair is done

Before starting your garage door dent repair project, make sure to gather the appropriate supplies you’ll need.

Fix Your Garage Door Dent: 2 DIY Methods

If you notice a minor dent in your garage door, there are two proven do-it-yourself methods for fixing it:

DIY Method #1: The Wooden Block + Rubber Mallet Method

1. Use a mix of warm water and detergent to clean the dented area of any dirt or debris
2. Thoroughly dry the area (use a towel or let air dry)
3. Place a wooden block against the inside of the dent, and gently tap it with the mallet to push out the bulge and reshape the metal (Securing the wooden blocks with C-clamps can help with maintaining consistent pressure)
4. Continue this process until you have leveled out the dent
5. If necessary, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges and/or apply touch-up paint

DIY Method #2: The Compressed Air Method

1. Use warm, soapy water to thoroughly clean the dented area
2. Dry the area and cover with a strip of aluminum foil
3. Use a hair dryer to heat the aluminum foil until it gets hot (approximately a minute)
4. Remove the foil and spray compressed air directly onto the dent for 30 seconds to two minutes to force the dent back into place
5. Repeat until the dent disappears



Note that both methods start with a thorough cleaning. This step is critical, as it establishes an optimal surface for repair work.

When to Contact a Garage Door Repair Professional

While fixing your own dented garage door can save you time and money, larger garage door repair projects are best left to the professionals.

1. Your Garage Door No Longer Opens or Close Correctly

If damage to your garage door is interfering with its functionality, it’s advisable to consult with a professional. Safety is always the top priority, and garage door experts have the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate tricky and/or potentially dangerous garage door failures.

2. Large Dents, Many Dents, and/or Structural Damage

If your garage door has sustained extensive damage, such as multiple dents, cracks, and bends, it may be best to seek out the expertise of a garage door repair professional. They’re qualified to assess the door’s overall condition, and to determine whether a repair or replacement is the best course of action. (If you do need a new garage door, the pros can also offer tips on how to choose the best one.)

3. Your Repair Attempts Aren’t Working

If you’ve tried to fix your garage door dent to no avail, it’s probably time to call in the pros. They have the experience and specialized tools to tackle everything from the most common garage door issues to the biggest and most complicated garage door dent repair projects.

As long as the damage is minor, homeowners can handle many garage door fixes on their own. However, when faced with extensive damage or safety concerns, it's wise to enlist the expertise of a garage door repair professional like Uplift Garage.

In addition to garage door repairs and replacements in the Chicagoland area, the Uplift team can also offer insights and guidance on everything from how to weatherproof your garage door to key considerations when installing a new garage door.

To schedule your garage door installation or repair or to get a quote on a garage door replacement, contact Uplift Garage today.