How To Fix a Bent Garage Door: Expert Repair Guide

Published Date: Nov 17, 2025

A bent garage door panel can cause more than just cosmetic damage. From uneven movement to full mechanical failure, it can throw your whole system off. Whether you hit the garage door with a car or it warped over time, this guide explains how to fix a bent garage door, what kind of damage you can handle yourself, and when it’s time to call Up & Down Garage Doors for professional help.

What Causes a Garage Door to Bend?

There’s no single reason — most bends come from either impact or pressure.

Minor accidents, like when you hit the garage door with a car
Gradual stress on the panels from use
Misaligned rollers or a bent garage door track
Loose bolts or worn hinges
A garage door is off track due to strain

These issues can create minor dents — or more serious structural bends that prevent the door from operating properly.

Minor Dents You Can Fix at Home

If the damage is mostly cosmetic, you may be able to fix dented garage door sections yourself using a few common tools.

Tap it back: Place a block of wood over the dent and gently tap it with a rubber mallet from the inside. This can help fix garage door dents without damaging the outer surface.
Use heat and cold: For tougher dents, apply heat with a hairdryer or heat gun (carefully), then cool it rapidly with compressed air to help the metal return to shape. Just be cautious not to overheat or blister the paint.
Fill and paint: If there are cracks or small holes left, use auto-body filler. Once dry, sand it smooth and repaint to match your door.

These methods are best for small issues that haven’t affected alignment or pulled your garage door off track. If you suspect track issues, here’s a helpful guide on fixing a garage door off track.

How to Handle Moderate or Structural Damage

When your garage door panel is bent beyond light denting or the door moves unevenly, it may be affecting the tracks and frame.

Reinforce the panel: For more serious bends, attach a steel strut or angle iron across the inside of the panel. This will prevent further bowing or sagging.
Check the tracks: A bent panel can lead to a bent garage door track. If the door hesitates or sticks, loosen the bolts holding the track in place, gently adjust it with pliers, and then retighten everything securely.

Pro Tip: If the panel damage is extensive or causing alignment issues, you may be better off considering a garage door panel replacement instead of repeated patch jobs. For DIYers, Up & Down Garage Doors created a step-by-step guide on how to replace a garage door panel. And if you prefer a professional touch, we’re always ready to help.

When DIY Isn’t Safe: Time to Call a Pro

Not all damage can be fixed at home. It’s time to call for professional garage door repair when:

The door feels heavy or crooked when opening
You notice gaps between panels or strange popping sounds
The opener groans, strains, or stops mid-cycle
You spot damage to the springs, cables, or tracks
Your garage door opener is unresponsive altogether
You need emergency garage door repair after a collision or a serious bend

In these cases, it’s not just about appearance — it’s about safety. A misaligned or bent garage door track can cause further damage or even injury if mishandled. A professional can assess whether you need repair, realignment, or something more involved, like garage door panel replacement.

Call Up & Down Garage Doors for Expert Service

Bent doors don’t fix themselves — and waiting too long can lead to bigger, more expensive problems. Whether you need a quick fix, a full garage door panel replacement, or help with a garage door off track, the team at Up & Down Garage Doors has your back. We help homeowners and property managers across the U.S. with fast, reliable garage door repairs backed by real experience and care.

Need help today? Contact Up & Down Garage Doors to schedule a visit — and get your garage door back in working order.

FAQs: Bent Garage Door Repairs

How to fix the bent bottom of a garage door?

You can reinforce the bottom section with a metal strut, but if the damage affects movement or sealing, a garage door panel replacement may be the better option.

How to fix a bent garage door track?

A slightly bent garage door track can sometimes be adjusted by loosening the brackets and reshaping it with pliers. For deeper bends, consider a garage door repair by an Up & Down Garage Doors specialist.

Can you fix a bent garage door yourself?

Yes, if it’s just a minor dent. You can often fix dented garage door sections with a mallet or filler. For larger issues or a bent garage door panel, it’s safer to call a pro.

What if my garage door is bent at the bottom?

A garage door panel bent at the bottom can affect sealing and function. Depending on the severity, it might need reinforcement or full replacement.

What if my garage door is bent at the top?

Top panel damage can cause misalignment or opener strain. If you hit the garage door with a car or it won’t close properly, consider emergency garage door repair by Up & Down Garage Doors.

That grinding, shrieking noise every time you use your garage is more than just annoying — it’s your door asking for help. A garage door squeaks when opening for a few common reasons, usually related to friction or loose parts. Understanding how to fix a squeaky garage door often comes down to simple maintenance you can perform yourself. This guide will walk you through the steps to quiet that noise. Should you find the problem is more complex, the team at Up & Down Garage Doors is always here to help.

Repair vs. Replace: When a Damaged Garage Door Can Be Fixed

After a fast-moving hailstorm dents an aluminum sectional door, the weather seal may still look tight, the opener may run, and the rollers may stay in the tracks. The first question most homeowners ask is, “Can a damaged garage door be repaired?” Often, yes. If the tracks are straight, the hinges are intact, and the torsion shaft isn’t bent, a single cracked garage door panel or a deep dent can be repaired or swapped without buying a whole new door. In this guide, Up & Down Garage Doors shows you how to assess common problems and helps you decide whether to repair or replace garage door components.

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