Garaga says replacing a single section typically costs about 30 to 40 percent of the price of a new door, but it only works if a matching section is still made. The cost depends on the model, color, insulation and windows. If the panel is discontinued, several sections are bent, or the door is worn, a new door is usually the better value.
1How much does a panel cost?
We do not publish a single price for a section, because a panel is matched to the exact door: its model, size, insulation, windows and color. The price is confirmed after we identify the door and check availability.
For a rough guide, Garaga says one section typically costs about 30 to 40 percent of the price of a new door, and that replacing one or more panels is usually more affordable than a full door. For comparison, our typical new doors are:
- Steel door, non-insulated, 16x7: $1,400 to $2,400
- Insulated steel door, short panel, 16x7: $1,800 to $3,400
- Carriage house door, steel: $2,200 to $4,500
2Can one section be replaced?
Often, but not always. Amarr says you can replace just one section for most garage doors, as long as the model is still in production and is not custom-built. Matching the color can be harder because finishes change over time, and Garaga warns that a new panel may not match faded or worn sections.
Garaga also says repair may not be possible when damage is severe, such as a major bend or a break. A section is also connected by hinges to the ones above and below it, so a technician checks those and the rollers at the same time.
3One section or a whole new door?
Replace one section
- Lower cost when a match exists
- Faster, because only one panel is ordered
- Keeps your door, tracks and hardware
- Risk of a visible color or texture difference
Replace the door
- Higher cost, but everything matches
- Fresh springs, rollers and hardware
- Insulation and style can be upgraded
- A replacement door cannot be connected to an older opener without a battery backup, so the opener may be part of it
4When a new door is the better choice
- The model has been discontinued or the door was custom-built
- More than one section is damaged or bent
- The door is old, faded or has other worn parts
- You want better insulation, a new style or glass
- Amarr says severe damage from an accident, storm or vandalism typically calls for replacing the whole door
California Health and Safety Code section 19892 matters here. A replacement residential door cannot be connected to an existing opener that lacks the required battery backup, so budget for the opener if yours is old. Our opener prices are on the opener page.
5What to have ready for a quote
- Photos of the damaged section and the whole door
- The door's make and model, often on a label on the door or in the manual
- The door size and the color
- Whether the door has windows or insulation
- Any damage to the tracks or rollers
A good quote says whether the section can be matched, what the new panel is, whether hinges and rollers are included and what the total is.
6A short verdict
If the door is fairly new, the model is still sold and only one section is hurt, replacing the panel is worth pricing first. If a match does not exist, or the door is old and worn, put the panel money toward a new door. Read whether a bent door can be fixed and the repair or replace guide.
7Ask us about your door
Emil Garage Doors repairs and replaces garage doors in Southern California, and our city pages include Fontana, Claremont and Lemoore. Call (213) 340-4232 or send the estimate form with photos of the damage. See garage door repair and new garage doors.
Questions people ask
How much is it to replace a garage door panel?
Garaga says a single section typically costs about 30 to 40 percent of the price of a new door. The exact price depends on the model, color, insulation and windows, and we confirm it after we identify the door.
Can you replace just one garage door panel?
Often, if the model is still made and not custom. Amarr says most garage doors allow one section to be replaced. Color matching can be harder.
When should I replace the whole door instead?
When the model is discontinued, several sections are damaged, or the door is old or worn. Severe damage from an accident or storm typically calls for a new door.
Does a new door need a new opener?
It can. A replacement door cannot be connected to an older residential opener that lacks a battery backup, under California Health and Safety Code section 19892.
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