Panel Replacement
Restore Your Door's Appearance
Damaged garage door panel from a car, hail, or age? We replace individual panels with factory-matched parts. Restore your door's appearance and function without full replacement. Insurance claims welcome.
What Is Panel Replacement?
A garage door is made of multiple horizontal sections called "panels" - typically 4-5 panels for a standard 7-foot door. Each panel connects to the next with hinges and includes rollers that ride in the tracks. When one panel is damaged, it can often be replaced individually without replacing the entire door.
Panel replacement is a cost-effective alternative to full door replacement when damage is limited to 1-2 sections. The key requirement is finding a matching panel - same manufacturer, model, color, and style. Modern doors from major manufacturers (Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton) have panels available for 10-15 years after production.
The bottom panel is most commonly damaged (vehicle impact), followed by the second panel. Top panels rarely need replacement unless tornado debris or severe hail is involved. We remove the damaged section, transfer hardware (hinges, struts, weatherstripping), and install the new panel - typically 1-2 hours of work.
Common Panel Damage Scenarios
Different types of damage require different approaches. Here's how we handle common scenarios in Oklahoma.
Vehicle Impact
ModerateBacked into the door, dented or cracked bottom panel
Solution: Single panel replacement, hinge inspection
Insurance: May be covered by auto insurance
Hail Damage
Low-ModerateMultiple dents from Oklahoma hailstorms
Solution: Panel replacement or full door if extensive
Insurance: Usually covered by homeowners insurance
Wind/Tornado Debris
HighPunctures or cracks from flying debris
Solution: Emergency boarding + panel replacement
Insurance: Covered by homeowners insurance
Sun Damage/Warping
LowWarped panels from heat exposure, fading
Solution: Panel replacement, consider insulated upgrade
Insurance: Not typically covered (wear and tear)
Rust/Corrosion
ModerateRusted through steel panels, holes forming
Solution: Full door replacement usually recommended
Insurance: Not covered (maintenance issue)
Basketball/Sports Impact
LowDents from sports activities
Solution: Single panel replacement
Insurance: Not typically covered
Repair Panel vs Replace Entire Door
Use this decision guide to determine whether panel replacement or full door replacement makes more sense for your situation.
| Factor | Panel Repair | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Door Age | Under 10 years | 15+ years |
| Number of Panels | 1-2 panels damaged | 3+ panels damaged |
| Panel Availability | Manufacturer still makes panel | Discontinued/unavailable |
| Color Match | Good color match available | Significant color mismatch |
| Overall Condition | Door otherwise good | Other issues (springs, rust) |
| Insulation Goals | Current insulation adequate | Want to upgrade R-value |
| Curb Appeal | Minor cosmetic goal | Major aesthetic upgrade |
| Cost Comparison | <50% of new door cost | >50% of new door cost |
Choose Panel Repair When:
- Damage is isolated to 1-2 panels
- Door is under 10 years old
- Matching panel is available
- Rest of door is in good condition
Choose Full Replacement When:
- 3+ panels need replacement
- Door is 15+ years old
- Panel match unavailable or poor
- Want to upgrade insulation/style
Our Panel Matching Process
Identify Door
Find manufacturer label (usually on inside of door), note model number, color code, and panel style.
During Estimate
Source Panel
Contact manufacturer distributor, verify availability, confirm exact specifications and color match.
1-2 Days
Order & Deliver
Place order through authorized dealer network, coordinate delivery to minimize your wait time.
5-10 Business Days
Install & Test
Remove damaged panel, transfer hardware, install new panel, balance door, test operation.
1-2 Hours
Manufacturers We Source From:
Clopay
15+ year availability
Amarr
10-15 year availability
Wayne Dalton
10-12 year availability
CHI/Raynor
10+ year availability
Panel availability varies by model. Older doors or builder-grade brands may have limited panel options. We'll confirm availability during your estimate.
Insurance Claims Assistance
Oklahoma's severe weather means many panel replacements are covered by insurance. We help make the claims process smooth.
Typically Covered
- Hail damage from storms
- Tornado/wind damage
- Windblown debris impact
- Vehicle collision (auto policy)
- Vandalism/break-in damage
Usually NOT Covered
- - Normal wear and tear
- - Rust/corrosion (maintenance)
- - Sun fading/warping
- - Sports/play damage
- - Cosmetic-only issues
How We Help With Claims:
- Detailed damage documentation with photos
- Itemized repair estimates for adjuster
- Meet with adjuster on-site if needed
- Work within approved claim amount
- Direct billing to insurance when possible
- Emergency boarding during claims process
Oklahoma Weather & Panel Damage
Oklahoma's severe weather puts extraordinary stress on garage door panels. We're in Tornado Alley, experience regular hailstorms, and deal with temperature extremes that damage doors faster than moderate climates.
Hail Damage Capital
Oklahoma City averages 3-5 significant hailstorms per year. Golf ball-sized hail creates multiple dents per panel. Baseball-sized hail can crack or puncture panels. After major storms, we see 200-300% increase in panel replacement calls.
Tornado Debris Impact
Even when tornadoes don't directly hit, wind-driven debris from miles away can damage doors. Two-by-fours, roofing materials, and tree branches become projectiles. We offer emergency boarding and expedited panel replacement after storms.
Extreme Heat Warping
110°F+ temperatures cause non-insulated panels to warp, especially on south-facing garages. Dark-colored doors absorb more heat. Insulated panels resist heat warping better. Consider upgrading to insulated panels during replacement.
UV Fading
Oklahoma's intense sun fades door colors in 5-7 years (vs 10+ years in overcast climates). This makes color matching older panels challenging. Factory-matched panels may appear noticeably brighter until they fade to match.
Storm Season Tip: After any major storm, inspect your garage door for damage before filing a claim. Hail dents are often subtle - look at the door from an angle in morning/evening light to see indentations. Document all damage with photos immediately.
How Oklahoma Weather Affects Your Garage Door Panels
Oklahoma's extreme climate creates unique challenges. We know how to address them.
Hail Damage (Oklahoma Tornado Alley)
Oklahoma averages 55+ hail days per year - among the highest in the nation. Hailstones routinely reach golf ball to baseball size (1.5-2.75 inches), causing dents and cracks in garage door panels. May storms bring particularly severe hail that can destroy panels completely.
Tornado Debris Impact
Oklahoma experiences 50+ tornadoes annually. Even F1-F2 tornadoes hurl debris (tree branches, patio furniture, trash cans) that puncture and crack panels. Wind-driven projectiles during severe storms cause most panel damage we repair.
Extreme Sun Warping (110°F+ Days)
Oklahoma summers bring 40+ days of 100°F+ temperatures. Prolonged UV exposure and heat cause wood panels to warp, vinyl panels to become brittle, and steel panels to expand. South-facing doors experience accelerated aging and paint fading.
Temperature Cycle Stress
Oklahoma's 70-80°F daily temperature swings (especially spring/fall) cause expansion-contraction cycles that stress panel joints and seams. Winter ice storms followed by rapid thaw create moisture infiltration that warps wood panels and rusts steel panels.
With + years of Oklahoma experience, we've seen it all. From tornadoes to ice storms, we know how to keep your garage door working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does garage door panel replacement cost?
Single panel replacement costs $250-$500 depending on door type, panel size, and material. Steel panels are less expensive than wood or insulated panels. Multiple panel replacement runs $600-$1,500. If 3+ panels need replacement, full door replacement may be more cost-effective.
Can you match the color of my existing door?
Yes, we can match most door colors and styles. We order factory-matched panels from the original manufacturer when possible (Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, etc.). For older or discontinued doors, we can find close matches or suggest repainting all panels for uniform appearance.
Should I replace just one panel or the whole door?
Single panel replacement makes sense for newer doors (under 10 years) with isolated damage. If your door is 15+ years old, has multiple damaged panels, significant rust, or we can't match the color, full door replacement provides better long-term value. We'll help you decide during the estimate.
How long does panel replacement take?
Most single panel replacements take 1-2 hours once we have the panel. If ordering a factory-matched panel, allow 5-10 business days for delivery. Emergency temporary repairs can be completed same-day to secure your garage.
Will the new panel look different from my old panels?
Factory-matched panels from the same manufacturer blend well. However, sun exposure fades colors over time, so brand new panels may appear slightly brighter initially. Fading equalizes over 6-12 months of sun exposure. For significant color differences, we can repaint all panels.
What causes garage door panels to get damaged?
Common causes include vehicle impact (backing into door), hail damage during Oklahoma storms, windblown debris, warping from sun exposure, wood rot/deterioration, and rust in older steel panels. Oklahoma's severe weather is particularly hard on garage doors.
Does insurance cover panel replacement?
Homeowners insurance typically covers panel damage from storms (hail, wind, tornado), vehicle collisions, and vandalism. Normal wear and tear is not covered. We provide detailed documentation and photos for insurance claims and can work directly with your adjuster.
Can damaged panels affect my door's operation?
Yes, significantly. Dented panels can bend hinges, stress springs, and cause rollers to bind. A severely damaged panel can compromise the entire door's balance and safety. We recommend addressing panel damage promptly to prevent cascading failures.
Related Garage Door Services
Panel damage often relates to these services
Installation (Full Door Replacement)
When 3+ panels need replacement or your door is 15+ years old, full door replacement is often more cost-effective. Includes upgraded insulation, modern styles, smart opener compatibility.
Spring Repair
Damaged panels stress springs and cause premature failure. If your panel was damaged by impact, we inspect springs for stress damage. Prevent cascade failures.
Preventive Maintenance
Annual tune-ups prevent panel damage from worn rollers, track misalignment, and spring imbalance. Early detection saves money on major repairs.
Ready to Replace Damaged Panels?
Get factory-matched panels with professional installation. We handle insurance claims and provide upfront pricing. Call now for a free estimate.
