The garage door is usually the first line of defense against the outside world, taking a beating from things such as flying objects, angry neighbors, and teens sneaking the car out. There is no wonder that a garage door can get dings and dents over time. Fortunately, dings and dents in a garage door can be repaired, and if you’re lucky, these could be simple DIY repairs. Calgary Garage Door Fix, which does garage door repair in Calgary, has helped out by providing some different methods you can try
Before You Fix Your Garage Door
As with any home improvement DIY project, don’t jump into fixing your garage door without being fully prepared. Here are some important tips to remember before you proceed with your garage door repairs:
Assess the Damage
Before you embark on your DIY garage door repairs, it is important that you make a thorough assessment of every ding and dent. First, assess the extent of the damage of your garage door. In cases where damage is more than just a dent, it is important to note whether the door still opens and closes as it should.
While small dings and dents are not much of a problem to fix, larger ones and more serious problems require the assistance of a professional technician. Otherwise, your DIY project could turn into a disaster and cost you more money than if you hired an expert.
Have All Your Tools Ready
There is nothing more inconvenient than starting a home repair project only to find out that you do not have all the tools that you need. After a proper assessment of the damage, make a checklist of all the tools and equipment you would need to fix your garage door.
Get Help
If this is your first time undertaking a garage door repair, you may want to ask around for help. Don’t hesitate to seek recommendations, hire a helping hand or even get tutorials from a more experienced homeowner.
DIY Methods for Repairing Dents in a Garage Door
Dents in garage doors are easy to repair, especially if they are aluminum or steel garage doors. Home improvement website The Bump recommends that you think twice before replacing your garage door because of dents, and try these DIY methods for repairing garage doors:
Drastic Temperature Change
This method utilizes heat and carbon dioxide in order to get the aluminum or steel to pop back into place.
Tools you will need:
- Bucket of water
- 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
- Sponge
- Aluminum foil
- Lighter
- Air canister
Procedure:
- Clean the dent with the sponge and soapy water, then let it dry.
- Lay a section of aluminum foil flat over the dent; hold one side to secure it in place. Using the lighter’s flame, apply heat to the aluminum foil for at least one minute. Remove the foil.
- Spray air over the dent for at least 30 seconds by keeping your air canister upside down during the whole procedure.
- After two minutes, the dent should pop back into place. Clean the affected area once again with sponge and soapy water.
Pound the Dent Out
This procedure utilizes force to pound the dent out until it is even once again.
Things you will need:
- Block of wood
- Mallet
Procedure:
- Check the inside of the door for the dent area and place the block of wood over the dent.
- Pound on the wood by using light force in the beginning then gradually building it up. You can stop pounding on the wood once you notice the area completely evening out. It is important that you use gentle force so as not to cause new dents in the garage door.
Paint and Primer
This paint and primer method is another way to fix dents in a garage door. This method is similar to the second method but finished with a patching material and paint for a smooth finish.
Tools you will need:
- Bucket of warm water
- Detergent
- Sponge
- Wooden block
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Rubber mallet
- Paint
- Primer
- Patching material
Procedure:
- Clean the dent with the sponge and warm, soapy water, then wait for it to dry.
- Even out the dent by placing your wooden block over the dent and lightly tapping it with the mallet.
- Once the dent is even, sand the affected area thoroughly.
- Cover the dent area with patching material, then even it out with the putty knife for a smooth finish.
- Let the patching material dry completely, then sand it again.
- Apply primer, then let it dry completely. You are now ready to paint over the affected area.
What to Do When You Can’t Fix the Dent
Large and/or deep dents make it difficult—even impossible—to fix the garage door yourself. In such cases, you may be required to replace a whole door panel or the entire garage door completely. To be on the safe side, contact a qualified technician before you proceed with any repairs.