Nowadays, most garage doors come with multiple panels instead of one-piece constructions. But more panels also mean more garage door elements that can break or malfunction. So it’s essential to know what can damage a garage door panel to prevent door failure, loss of insulation, or reduced curb appeal.

Impact damage

Backing into the garage door panel is a common issue. Even the lightest impact can damage the door panel and disturb the door’s opening and closing mechanism. Depending on the impact’s severity, some boards may require complete replacement.

Weather damage

Heavy winds damage garage door panels more often than homeowners think. First, they can carry lots of debris and cause them to slam into the panels. Secondly, an unfortunate garage door positioning or poor alignment can allow strong winds to pull and push door panels damaging them in the process.

Hail is another common problem known in garage door specialist circles. Roofing materials have the composition and durability to resist intense hailstorms. But not all garage doors are tough enough to avoid denting and chipping when hail impacts the door directly.

Sun damage

Although damage from the sun is more of a visual issue in most cases, extensive sun damage can accelerate the wear and tear of specific garage door panels. Homeowners can quickly see the signs of fading in the paint.

But wooden garage door panels can also dry out from consistent exposure to sunlight. Even metal panels aren’t safe, as thin ones can warp due to exposure.

Wear and tear over time

An old garage door can look beaten down and worn out even without taking any impact damage. This is because materials degrade over time and with heavy use.

Hiring a garage door specialist for maintenance and routine inspection is necessary. The older a panel gets, the more likely it is to show signs of splitting and cracking.

Insect damage

Wooden panels can look amazing and enhance a home’s curb appeal. But untreated wood and old wood are susceptible to termite infestation.

Without proper maintenance and repellent use, wood door panels can sustain insect damage beyond repair. Furthermore, this problem can become even more severe when infestations extend to the rest of the house, putting other doors, windows, and decorating elements in danger.

Garage door specialists can look for signs of termite activity and use special repellants to prevent infestations.

Some damage is preventable

No garage door is indestructible. But just like going through a door panel with the car, many main reasons for panel damage are preventable.

Safeguard the garage door

Homeowners can do a lot to preserve the aesthetic appeal of garage door panels, protect their structural integrity, and prevent expensive repairs and replacements. However, it takes careful use, maintenance, and professional inspections. 

Call Quick Response Garage Door Service – We are your Arizona garage door service specialists.
Greater Phoenix Area (602) 825-2925