Many people have a preconceived notion that if one panel on a garage door is broken, that the entire garage door must be fully replaced. This is not at all a true statement. If one door panel is replaced, it will save some time and a lot of money. This is mainly because it is much cheaper to by a single door panel than an entire door. It is also much easier to fix one panel than take off the entire door and put a new one back on. This is an easy job for anyone, whether it is an experienced worker or just someone who does not want to spend the money on a professional.

The first thing that is needed to be done is for the garage door to be lifted. If the door is connected to the electric door opener, it should be unplugged. Bring a ladder to the side rail and unhook the springs that lay on each side of the door. Very slowly and carefully lower the door to the ground. It will be a lot heavier than you think now that it is not held on as well. Next, the track rollers need to be unbolted from each side of the broken panel. It should be done with a socket wrench. The rollers can be removed and the hinges unbolted. Only unbolt the hinges that attach the broken panel to the panels above or below it.

Now, lift the broken panel out of the door and slide the replacement panel into its position. Make sure to line the panel up with the track and the hinges with the small pre-drilled holes in the new panel. It can then be bolted into its position with the same hardware that was taken out of the old panel. The socket wrench would be best to use for this. Finally, lift the garage door back up into its standing position. This may take another person to help be safe. Reattach the springs that were taken from the sides. If there is an electric opener, make sure to plug it back in before trying to use the door again.