Garage Door Dent Repair 101: A DIY Guide for Homeowners

Have you ever pulled into your driveway only to find a dent on your garage door? As a homeowner myself, I’ve experienced a similar situation. Maybe you accidentally backed into it, or a stray baseball found its way onto your property. Whatever the cause, dents in your garage door can be an eyesore affecting not only your home’s curb appeal but also its resale value. 

The garage door repair cost is between $150 and $375. Now that’s an expense you may not be ready for. 

Fortunately, most dents can be easily fixed with the right tools and a little bit of elbow grease. So if you’re feeling up to the challenge, why not try fixing the issue yourself?

With this garage door dent repair DIY guide, you can avoid costly replacements and save some serious cash while restoring your garage door to its former glory. 

In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to repair the dent, including tips on identifying the dent’s severity, what tools you need, and knowing when to call a professional. 

So, if you’re tired of staring at that unsightly dent every time you pull into your driveway, keep reading!

How to Fix a Garage Door Dent in Six Simple Steps

While some dents may require professional assistance, many small dents can be easily repaired by you with the right tools and knowledge.

Tools Needed:	Materials Needed:
1. Rubber Mallet or Hammer 2. Metal Rod 3. Plunger 4. Hair Dryer or Heat Gun 5. Duct Tape	1. Bucket of Soapy Water 2. Clean Cloths 3. Sandpaper (180 and 320 grit) 4. Paint and Primer (matching color of the garage door) 5. Protective Gloves

Now that you have all the necessary tools and materials let us proceed with the actual repair steps.

Step 1: Identify the Dent

Identifying the dent is the first step in fixing it. Inspect the garage door from a close distance and locate the dent. Minor dents are often barely noticeable but can greatly affect the aesthetic look of your garage door.

Step 2: Clean the Area.

Use soapy water and a clean rag to clean the area around the dent. Dirt and debris can make it difficult to see the dent’s extent and prevent it from being fully repaired. Ensure the area is dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Heat the Garage Door

Warm the dented area with the hairdryer or heat gun until it’s hot enough to touch. This process makes the garage door material easier to mold and reshape.

Step 4: Push the Dent from the Inside

Using the metal rod, push the dent out from the inside. Place the rod at the center of the dent and gently push outward until the dent pops out. You can also use the plunger by placing it over the dent and pushing and pulling until it pops out.

Step 5: Tap the Dent from the Outside

If the dent is large and not entirely removed from the inside, use the rubber mallet or hammer to tap the dent outward gently. Start by tapping around the dented area, then move towards the center.

Step 6: Sand and Paint the Area

Using sandpaper with 180 grit followed by 320 grit, sand the affected area until it’s smooth. You can then apply primer and paint to match the garage door’s color. Before painting the area, it’s essential to ensure that the garage door is clean and dust-free by wiping it with a clean cloth.

Garage Insider Tip: Before starting the repairs, it is important to create a conducive environment. Close the door and secure the opener to avoid accidents. Also, ensure that you have the right protective gear before starting the repair process.

Remember that this method is best reserved for small garage door dents. If the dent is too big or complicated, contacting a garage door repair technician is best.

What Causes Dents in Garage Doors?

While there can be many reasons for dents, here are some of the most common causes:

• Wear and Tear: As with any other product, wear and tear is inevitable over time. This includes your garage door! Over time, the panels may become scratched or dented due to frequent use. 
• Improperly Balanced Garage Door: An improperly balanced door puts extra pressure on one side or part of the system, which can lead to dents in the panels over time. (Our guide on How to Balance A Garage Door in 4 Simple Steps will help you.)
• Weather-related Damages: Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and hail, can cause significant damage to garage doors, resulting in dents and other forms of damage.
• Garage Door Dented by Car: Accidents happen—even when it comes to cars parking too close to our garages! If a driver isn’t careful when parking, they may accidentally hit the garage door and cause a dent. Backed Into Your Garage Door? Don’t panic! Read our guide on what you should do.)
• Improper Installation: Poorly installed garage doors can develop dents and other forms of damage because they may not be properly fitted or reinforced.
• Door off Track: When a garage door is off-track, it can cause the door to rub against the frame or other objects, resulting in dents and other forms of damage.
• Object Hitting the Garage Door: Kids playing ball around the house or strong gusts of wind carrying sticks and stones toward your home can accidentally hit the garage door, causing dents and other damages. 

Garage Door Dent Repair Cost

When it comes to garage door dent repair costs in the United States, several factors come into play. The size and severity of the dent, the type of material the garage door is made of, and the technician’s level of expertise all affect the repair cost.

To give you an idea of the cost involved, here are some sample dent repair scenarios along with their estimated repair costs:

Material	Minimum (avg in USD)	Maximum (avg in USD)
Aluminum	$200	$600
Fiberglass	$150	$550
Wood Garage	$250	$1,000
Steel Garage	$250	$700

Source: “How Much Does Garage Door Repair Cost in 2023? (Forbes Home).” 2023. Forbes.

These estimates are based on national averages and may vary depending on location, garage door material, and the extent of the damage. It’s important to note that some companies may charge additional fees for emergency repairs or after-hours service.

When Should You Call a Professional to Fix Your Dented Garage Door?

I know that hiring a professional may mean spending more money than you would if you did the repair yourself. However, there’s nothing better than having the job done right the first time. 

You’ll save yourself the headache of having to repeat the process if it isn’t done correctly, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your garage door is working properly.

Here are some situations where Garage Insiders recommend you seek the help of a professional:

1. The Dent is Large
   If the dent in your garage door is large and has affected two panels or more, it’s best to call a professional. 
2. You Don’t Have the Necessary Tools or Experience
   Garage door repairs require specific tools and experience to ensure success. If you’re not confident in your ability to repair the dent, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
3. The Door is Misaligned
   If the garage door is misaligned due to the dent, it’s best to call a professional to ensure that the door is properly realigned. Misaligned doors can cause further damage and even compromise the security of your garage.
4. The Garage Door is Old
   If the garage door is old and has suffered extensive damage over the years, it’s best to call a professional to assess whether it needs replacing or repairing.

Attempting to fix the garage yourself in any of these situations might result in further damage, ultimately costing you more money in the long run. Plus, if something goes wrong during the repair process, you could be risking your safety and that of your family.

Garage Insider Tips! 
When hiring a garage expert such as myself, I want you to remember these things.

• Get multiple quotes from different professionals before making a decision.
• Ask for a written estimate before agreeing to any work.
• Make sure the professional has experience working with your specific type of garage door.
• Ask for references from past clients and contact them to get an idea of the professional’s work.
• Check if the professional is licensed and insured.

I hope I’ve convinced you why it’s best to leave this type of repair to professionals with specialized knowledge and experience in repairing dented garage doors. Not only will they be able to diagnose any underlying issues quickly and correctly, but they will also likely provide warranty coverage for their services.

I know investing in a professional may cost a bit more upfront, but it could ultimately save you both time and money. 

Final Thoughts

The little things can make a big difference when it comes to your home. A small dent on your garage door is no exception.

Remember, a dented garage door not only affects the appearance of your home but can also negatively impact its resale value. Don’t let a simple dent leave a lasting impression on your property. 

The good news? You don’t have to settle for a dented garage door or break the bank with a full replacement. With some DIY skills and the right tools, you can repair that dent and have your garage door look new again.

But if you’re not confident in your abilities or just don’t have the time, let the experts help you fix those pesky dents. 

So, if you’re tired of feeling embarrassed every time you pull into your driveway or worried about the impact on your home’s resale value, have your garage door professionally repaired today.