Garage door panel replacement

When one panel is enough

Sectional garage doors are built from three to five horizontal sections hinged together. If a bumper caught the bottom section, or one panel cracked or caved in, the technician can often swap that one section. That works when:

• The door's maker and model are known, from a sticker on the inside edge or the paperwork.
• The manufacturer still makes that panel in your size, color and design.
• The other sections are straight and in good shape.

When a new door makes more sense

If the panel is discontinued, a new section can look different from the rest, especially on a door that has faded in the sun for a decade. Once two or more sections need replacing, the cost gets close to a new door. I'd price both before deciding.

For reference, This Old House lists a new installed door at $1,151 to $1,869 for a typical single door and $2,186 to $3,348 for a two-car size (March 2026). New door installation.

Panels and hail

Hail damage usually shows on every panel facing the storm, not just one. Swapping one section leaves the rest dented. If hail is the cause, look at the whole door and check whether your homeowner's policy covers it before paying for a single panel. Hail-damaged doors.

What to have ready

• A photo of the whole door from outside and the damaged section up close.
• The manufacturer label, usually on the inside edge of a section or near the spring.
• The door's width and height.