Panel Replacement is one part of our garage door repair coverage in Montana. For the full picture — symptoms, costs, and when to repair vs. replace — start with the complete Garage Door Repair guide, or browse every garage door repair service we offer.
Panel replacement saves homeowners thousands compared to a full door replacement when only one or two sections are damaged. A car backing into the bottom section, a kid's basketball hitting a center panel, or rust creeping along the bottom edge are all repairable without scrapping the rest of the door — if you have the right vendor relationships. We carry stock panels from Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and Raynor, and we color-match the profile and finish so the replacement panel is invisible against the rest of the door.
We will tell you honestly when a panel replacement is the wrong choice. If three or more sections are damaged, if the door is more than 20 years old, or if the door is a discontinued model where replacement panels aren't manufactured anymore, full door replacement is usually the better economic decision. Our techs photograph the damage, measure the door, and price both options so you can choose with full information.
Every panel replacement includes hinge replacement at the new section, a roller inspection, and a balance test once the door is reassembled. Insulated panels (R-8, R-12, R-18) cost slightly more than non-insulated and are a great upgrade opportunity for homeowners with attached garages.
Signs you need panel replacement
Visible dent or crease in one panel
A backed-into bottom section or a basketball dent in a center section is a cosmetic issue that can pull double duty as a structural one if it's deep enough to bend the panel's frame.
Rust streaking from the bottom edge
Coastal homes see bottom-section rust progress upward into the panel skin. Once rust pierces the skin, the panel cannot be refinished and needs replacement.
Wood doors suffer water damage and warping that won't reverse with refinishing. Replacing the affected section is faster and cheaper than re-veneering.
Mismatched panel from prior repair
Prior repairs that used an unmatched panel make the door look patched. Replacement with the correct profile and color restores curb appeal.
Insulation upgrade desired
Replacing center panels with R-12 or R-18 insulated panels is an inexpensive way to improve thermal performance on attached garages without replacing the whole door.
Common causes & what we fix
Vehicle impact
Backing into the bottom section is the single most common cause of panel damage we see. The bottom edge takes the hit and the panel buckles inward.
Coastal corrosion
Salt-air pitting on uncoated steel panels progresses over years until rust breaks the painted skin. Repainting only delays it; replacement with hot-dipped galvanized panels stops it.
Hail or wind-blown debris
Hail dents are usually a series of small dimples across one section. Wind-blown branches leave linear creases. Both are good candidates for single-panel replacement.
Hinge or roller failure
A failed hinge can cause the door to twist as it travels, bending the section at the connection points. Repairing the panel without addressing the hinge guarantees a repeat.
Settling foundation
Door frames that have shifted with the foundation force the door panels into a slight twist. The lowest section takes the most stress and is often the first to crack.
Our process
1
Call or schedule online. Book your panel replacement in Montana online or by phone and pick a 2-hour window. We confirm in under five minutes with the assigned tech's name and photo.
2
On-site diagnosis. On arrival we diagnose the panel replacement on-site — free for most repairs, $39 on minor service calls (waived if you proceed). You see the issue and the fix before we start.
3
Flat-rate quote. You get a flat-rate panel replacement quote in writing, good for 30 days — no hourly creep and no add-ons after the fact.
4
Same-visit fix. Most panel replacement work finishes the same visit: our trucks carry the common springs, cables, rollers, and opener boards, so a second trip is rare.
How much does panel replacement cost in Montana?
Panel Replacement the United States starts at from $279, every panel replacement quote is flat-rate and presented in writing before work begins — no surprise add-ons, no hourly creep. Seniors (65+) and military save 10% on labor, and financing covers projects over $1,500 at 0% APR for 12 months, with no prepayment penalty.
Why homeowners in Montana choose us for panel replacement
We've been a trusted choice since 1974 — over 50 years of family-owned garage door service across Montana. Our techs are CSLB-licensed (#1098234), background-checked, and complete an internal 12-week training program before rolling on calls alone.
Our panel replacement carries a 10-year workmanship guarantee — separate from any manufacturer warranty on the parts themselves. If the panel replacement we performed fails because of how we did it, we come back and fix it free for a full decade. Springs rated for 30,000 cycles carry a lifetime warranty for the original homeowner, and parts and accessories carry standard 1–5 year warranties by item.
We quote panel replacement on honest scope: no unnecessary up-sell, salaried (never commissioned) technicians, and a transparent diagnostic so you see exactly what we see — including the parts still in good shape. If a repair is the right call we say so; if replacement is the better long-term economics, we say that. The flat-rate panel replacement quote is written and good for 30 days.
Areas we serve for panel replacement
We provide panel replacement throughout Montana, with fast coverage in every major Montana metro.
Reach times for panel replacement vary by traffic and time of day, so we quote an accurate ETA when you call — and the dispatch line routes straight to an on-call technician, no voicemail in between.
Frequently asked about panel replacement
Top questions homeowners searching for Panel Replacement near me ask us:
Can you match my exact door color?
For stock factory colors (almond, white, sandstone, brown, terratone), yes — we order the exact factory finish. For custom paint jobs or aged finishes, the replacement panel can be field-painted to match.
How long until the new panel arrives?
Stock panels (Clopay Premium, Amarr Heritage) ship from regional distribution in 2–5 business days. Special-order panels (full-view, custom carbon, wood) take 2–4 weeks.
Is it cheaper than a full door replacement?
For one or two damaged sections, yes — single-panel replacement is typically 30–50% of full-door cost. Past three sections, replacement starts to make economic sense.
Will my panel coverage be affected?
The new panel comes with the manufacturer's standard panel coverage (typically 3–10 years depending on brand). The existing panels retain their original coverage terms.
Do you replace insulation when replacing panels?
Yes — replacement panels arrive with their original factory insulation in place. You can also upgrade insulation rating at this time (R-8 to R-12 or R-18).