How to Fix a Garage Door Hit by a Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Accidents happen, and sometimes, unfortunately, they involve your garage door. Discovering you’ve backed into or driven into your garage door can be frustrating and concerning. If you’ve just had this mishap and are now facing a damaged garage door, don’t worry. This guide will provide you with the essential steps on how to assess the damage and what actions you can take to fix your garage door after a car collision. We’ll walk you through everything from initial safety checks to deciding whether to DIY or call in professional help.

Assessing the Damage: Key Areas to Inspect

After a car has made unwelcome contact with your garage door, the extent of the damage can vary greatly depending on the speed and point of impact. A thorough inspection is crucial before you attempt any fixes or even operate the door. Here are the common problem areas to examine:

• Door Panels: These are often the most visibly affected, especially the bottom panels which are at car bumper height. Look for dents, cracks, punctures, or breaks in the panels. The severity of the damage here will dictate whether you can repair individual panels or need replacements.

• Garage Door Tracks: The vertical and horizontal tracks guide your garage door’s movement. Impacts can bend or misalign these tracks, preventing the door from moving smoothly or at all. Inspect for any visible bends, kinks, or separation from the garage frame.

• Rollers: These wheels run inside the tracks, enabling the door to roll up and down. A forceful impact can knock rollers off their tracks or damage them. Check if all rollers are correctly seated in the tracks and if any are broken or visibly damaged.

• Hinges: Garage door panels are connected by hinges. Examine all hinges for bends, breaks, or loose screws. Damaged hinges can compromise the structural integrity of the door and its operation.

• Garage Door Opener and Hardware: While the impact might be on the door itself, the force can transmit to the opener mechanism and mounting hardware. Check the opener for any signs of being dislodged or damaged. Also, look at the springs, cables, and bottom brackets for any signs of strain or damage. Important safety note: Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle if you’re not trained.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Garage Door

Once you’ve assessed the damage, you can start planning your repair strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Keep the Door Closed

Your immediate priority is safety. A damaged garage door can be unstable and potentially dangerous to operate. Do not attempt to open the door automatically. Keep the door in its current position, preferably closed, to prevent further damage or risk of collapse.

Step 2: Conduct a Detailed Damage Assessment

Revisit your initial inspection and be as detailed as possible. Document the damage with photos if possible – this will be helpful when you consult with repair professionals or your insurance company. Try to manually lift the door slightly (if it feels safe to do so) to check for binding or sticking points, but do not force it. Note down all damaged components you identified in the previous section.

Step 3: Decide on DIY Repair vs. Professional Help

For minor, cosmetic damage like small dents in a panel, you might consider a DIY approach. There are garage door repair kits available for patching dents. However, for any significant structural damage, issues with tracks, rollers, hinges, openers, or springs, it is strongly recommended to call a professional garage door repair service. Garage door systems are complex and involve high tension components that can be dangerous for untrained individuals to handle.

Step 4: Contact a Local Garage Door Repair Company

If you’ve decided (or it’s clear that you need) professional help, the next step is to contact a reputable local garage door repair company. When you call, be ready to describe the damage you’ve observed in detail. Providing photos can be incredibly helpful for them to give you an initial assessment and potentially a rough estimate. Mention the make and model of your garage door if you know it, as this can help them prepare for the service call.

Garage Door Repair Options and Costs

The repair needed will heavily depend on the type and extent of the damage. Here are common repair scenarios and factors influencing the cost:

• Panel Replacement: If panels are dented, cracked, or broken, individual panel replacement might be possible, especially for sectional garage doors. The cost will depend on the material and style of the panels.

• Track Realignment or Replacement: Bent or misaligned tracks require professional attention. Minor bends might be straightened, but severely damaged tracks will need replacement. This is a more involved repair that impacts door operation significantly.

• Roller and Hinge Replacement: Replacing rollers or hinges is generally less expensive than panel or track work. If these components are damaged, replacing them promptly is important for smooth and safe door operation.

• Garage Door Opener Repair: If the opener was impacted or is malfunctioning after the incident, it will need inspection and potentially repair or replacement.

• Full Garage Door Replacement: In cases of extensive damage, especially to older doors, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire garage door system. A professional can advise you on whether repair costs are approaching or exceeding the cost of a new door.

The overall cost of repair will be influenced by the extent of the damage, the type of garage door, the cost of parts, and labor charges in your area.

Insurance Coverage for Garage Door Damage

Homeowner’s insurance often covers damage to your garage door if it’s caused by a vehicle, even if it’s your own. Similarly, if your car sustained damage, your auto insurance policy might cover those repairs. It’s wise to review your policies and contact your insurance providers to understand your coverage. Consider the deductibles on your policies to determine if filing a claim is the most financially sensible option versus paying for the repairs out-of-pocket.

American Overhead Doors, Inc. is Here to Help

Dealing with a garage door damaged by a car can be stressful, but American Overhead Doors, Inc. is ready to assist you. Our expert technicians can assess the damage, provide efficient and reliable repair services, whether it’s panel replacement, track realignment, or hinge repairs. We are committed to getting your garage door back to safe and optimal working condition.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Contact us online or call 860-347-1507 to schedule a service appointment and let us take the hassle out of your garage door repair needs.

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