Backed into your garage door? Hail cracked a panel? Kid nailed it with a lacrosse ball? A single damaged section usually costs a fraction of a full door replacement — if the door meets a few conditions.
DFW Panel Replacement Cost
| Panel type | Installed cost per panel |
|---|---|
| Single-layer steel, standard color | $275–$450 |
| Insulated steel (EPS core) | $375–$600 |
| Insulated steel (polyurethane) | $450–$800 |
| Carriage-house style (Coachman, Classica) | $550–$950 |
| Full-view aluminum & glass | $400–$800 (glass panel only) |
| Wood or Canyon Ridge composite | $800–$1,500 |
Labor to install: $100–$200 for the panel swap itself. Add $50–$100 if hardware also needs to be replaced (bent hinges, damaged struts).
When Section Replacement Makes Sense
Replace individual sections instead of the whole door if all of these are true:
- Door is under 8 years old (paint hasn't faded significantly — new panel will match)
- Color is still in production (some paint codes get discontinued after 5–7 years)
- Only 1–2 sections damaged (3+ sections and you're better off with a full door)
- Undamaged sections are structurally intact (no rust, no bowing, no delamination)
When to Just Replace the Whole Door
- Door is 10+ years old — new panel will visibly differ in color/sheen
- Color is discontinued — even “same brand” matches don't match after weathering
- Multiple sections damaged — approaching full door cost anyway
- Insurance approved full replacement — take the full door
- You've been meaning to upgrade anyway — storm damage is your excuse
Which Section to Replace
Doors are typically 4 or 5 sections tall. Common damage patterns:
- Bottom section — most common (car bumps, dogs, storm debris). Also the heaviest and most reinforced.
- Middle section(s) — ball impacts, deer, thrown items
- Top section — rare from below, common from hail
Bottom-section replacement is trickier because it includes the bottom seal and pinch-resistant edge. Middle sections are the most straightforward.
Timeline for Section Replacement
If the color and panel style are current production:
- Diagnostic visit + measurement: same day
- Panel order: 3–10 business days depending on stock
- Installation: 60–90 minutes on-site
Custom colors or discontinued lines: 4–6 weeks or unable-to-match, respectively.
Hidden Costs to Ask About
- Bent hinges at the damage point — usually $30–$80 per pair
- Bent bottom bracket — $30–$60 per side, and cables usually come off during replacement
- Damaged track — if the section came off the track violently, tracks may need straightening or replacement ($100–$300)
- Old door counterweight recalibration — new heavier panel may need a spring adjustment
Insurance Angle
Section replacement is often the sweet spot for homeowner's insurance claims: enough damage to file, not enough to justify a full replacement. Insurance typically pays for the panel + labor + any related hardware. Deductible applies. See our hail claim guide for the full process.