Are you wondering if you can replace just one piece of your garage door? Our 2025 expert guide will help you learn the pros, cons, and cost-effective options!
Garage doors play a big role in home safety and appearance. When just one panel gets damaged, many homeowners ask, “Can you replace one piece of the garage door?” If your door is made of sections and the damage is small, you can often replace just that part if a matching panel is still made.
But it’s not always simple. Older or one-piece doors may not allow panel replacement, and finding matching parts can be hard. A complete replacement may be smarter if damage is widespread or parts are outdated. It’s best to hire a garage door repair expert to inspect and suggest the best option.
What Are the Main Components of a Garage Door System
Before answering “Can you replace one piece of the garage door?“, it’s important to understand the different parts:
Panels/Sections
Most garage doors today are made with several horizontal panels, called sections. These panels bend and move along the tracks when the door opens or closes. Sectional garage doors are standard because they save space, are easy to repair, and look modern.
Springs & Cables
Springs and cables work together to lift and lower your garage door. Springs hold the tension, while cables guide the movement. If either part breaks, your door may stop working or become unsafe. Regular checks help keep these parts in good shape and prevent damage.
Rollers & Tracks
Rollers and tracks help your garage door slide up and down smoothly. The rollers roll inside the metal tracks on each side of the door. If rollers are worn or the tracks are bent, your door may shake, get stuck, or become noisy during use.
Opener & Sensors
The opener is the motor that moves the garage door automatically. Safety sensors are placed near the ground to detect anything in the way. If sensors are misaligned or blocked, the door may not close. A working opener and sensors keep your door safe and easy to use.
Can You Replace One Piece of the Garage Door
Yes, you can sometimes replace one piece of your garage door. Here’s what you need to know before deciding on a panel or part replacement:
Replacing a Single Panel
If a garage door panel is dented, cracked, or warped, replacing just that section is possible if:
- The door is sectional (not a single solid piece).
- You can find an exact match in size, material, and color.
- The structural integrity of adjacent panels isn’t compromised.
However, finding a matching panel may be difficult if the door is older, making a complete garage door replacement more practical.
Replacing Other Components
- Springs & Cables: These can usually be replaced individually, but due to high tension, professional installation is recommended.
- Rollers & Hinges: Easily replaceable if worn out.
- Opener & Sensors: These can be swapped out if they are malfunctioning.
Steps to Replace a Single Garage Door Panel
If you’ve determined that you can replace one piece of the garage door, follow these steps:
1. Identify the Damaged Panel
Start by checking which garage door panel is damaged. Measure its width, height, and thickness. Note the panel’s material, such as steel, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. This will help you find the right replacement that fits well and looks good.
2. Source a Replacement
After getting the panel details, contact the garage door brand or a local supplier. If your model is no longer made, look at salvage yards or specialty shops. Getting a close match keeps your garage door working right and looking neat.
3. Remove the Damaged Panel
- Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door.
- Secure adjacent panels with clamps.
- Detach hinges and rollers from the damaged section.
4. Install the New Panel
- Align the new panel with the tracks.
- Reattach hinges, rollers, and cables.
- Test the door’s balance and movement.
5. Professional Help vs. DIY
Fixing a garage door panel by yourself may look simple, but some parts, like torsion springs, can be risky. A garage door repair expert has the right tools and skills to do the job safely. Hiring a pro helps your door work better and last longer.
When Should You Replace the Entire Garage Door
Sometimes, replacing just one piece isn’t the best solution. Consider a complete replacement if:
- The door is over 15-20 years old.
- Multiple panels are damaged.
- The door lacks modern safety features.
- Matching replacement parts are unavailable.
Cost Comparison: Repair vs. Full Replacement
Knowing the cost of garage door repair or replacement can help you make wise choices. This chart shows simple 2025 prices for fixing parts or replacing the whole door.
If you can replace one piece of the garage door, it’s often more cost-effective. But if repairs exceed 50% of a new door’s cost, upgrading may be smarter. Contact G & G Garage Door and book an appointment today for a fast quote.
Safety Tips for Garage Door Repairs
Working on new garage doors can be hazardous if proper precautions aren’t taken. Here’s how to stay safe:
Disconnect the Opener
Before you start working on your garage door, unplug or turn off the opener. This keeps the door from moving by accident while you’re fixing it. It’s an easy step that keeps you safe and helps avoid damage to the door or opener.
Use Proper Tools
Using the right tools makes the job easier and safer. Use C-clamps or locking pliers to keep the door in place. A strong ladder helps you reach higher parts. With the right tools, you can avoid mistakes and finish the job faster and safer.
Handle Springs with Care
Garage door springs hold a lot of pressure. They can snap and hurt you if you try to fix or remove them incorrectly. These parts are dangerous, so it’s best to let a garage door expert handle them for you.
Check Balance Regularly
A garage door should open and close evenly. It may be unbalanced if one side feels heavier or the door moves roughly. This puts stress on the opener and other parts. Checking the balance often helps stop bigger problems before they happen.
Avoid These Common Issues with Your Garage Door
Ignoring Balance Issues
If your garage door isn’t balanced, it puts extra stress on the opener and other parts, which can cause them to wear out faster or break. Fixing balance problems early helps your garage door last longer and move up and down more smoothly.
Mismatched Panels
If you replace a garage door panel that doesn’t match the others, it can look odd. A small difference in color or texture can hurt how your home looks from the outside. Always try to use a panel that matches the rest of the door.
DIY Spring Repairs
Garage door springs are powerful and can be risky to handle. They could snap and hurt you if you try to fix them yourself. It’s better to let a garage door repair expert do the work. They have the right tools and know how to stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace just one section of a garage door?
It’s possible to change just one panel if the others are still in good condition. It’s cheaper than replacing the whole door. A garage door technician will match the new panel to the existing style, color, and size.
How much does one panel of a garage door cost?
A garage door section can cost between $150 and $500, depending on what it’s made of and how big it is. Labor is extra if installed by a pro. If only one section is damaged, replacement is a wise choice. Contact G & G Garage Door for a fast quote.
What is a one-piece garage door called?
A one-piece garage door is called a tilt-up door. It lifts in one solid panel instead of folding in sections. These doors swing outward when opened, so they need space in front. Tilt-up doors are strong but not as common today.
Can I replace just the garage door?
You can replace the garage door without changing the opener or other parts if they still work. A new garage door can give your garage a fresh look and better insulation. For a smooth and safe repair, hiring a trusted company like G & G Garage Door is best.
Can you replace a garage door without replacing the tracks?
Yes, you can replace a garage door without changing the tracks if the new door is the same type and size. But if the tracks are bent, worn, or not a match, replacing them for smooth movement is safer.
Conclusion
Garage door damage can be a real hassle, but there are smart ways to fix it without changing the whole thing. If you’re asking, “Can you replace one piece of the garage door?” the answer depends on your door type and the damage.
Many times, if your garage door has separate panels and only one is damaged, you can replace just that part. However, it may not be possible for older or one-piece doors. In those cases, a complete garage door replacement might be the better choice to save time and trouble.
G & G Doors in Torrance offers expert garage door repair service. Our team checks the problem, explains what you can do, and works fast with care. Whether one panel or the whole door, we’re here to help keep your garage safe and looking good.
End Note
If you’re unsure whether you can replace one piece of your garage door or need a complete replacement, G & G Garage Door is here to help. Our team gives clear advice and trusted solutions. Visit our homepage to start your garage door project today.
We handle everything from replacement garage doors and garage door repairs to garage door openers and commercial garage door installations. Learn more about our trusted team on the About page, and explore helpful tips, news, and updates in our blog anytime.
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G & G Garage Door Co.
2335 Abalone Ave #108, Torrance, CA 90501, United States
+13107829000
