A garage door is one of the largest and most used parts of any home. It protects your car, adds curb appeal, and makes daily access easier. When panels begin cracking or warping, it can affect both the look and function of the door. If you are starting to notice these issues, reaching out to a garage door repair company in Puyallup can help keep the problem from getting worse.
Why Your Door Panels Might Be Cracking or Warping
Below are the common reasons this damage happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Weather and Moisture Exposure
The climate in Puyallup brings plenty of rain along with seasonal temperature changes. Wood and even some types of metal are vulnerable to moisture. Over time, rain and humidity can cause wooden panels to swell, crack, or rot. Steel doors can begin to rust if their protective coating wears away, while prolonged exposure to extreme heat or physical damage may cause the panels to warp.
Tips to help protect your panels:
- Choose a door material that holds up well against damp weather.
- Apply weather-resistant paint or sealant to wood doors.
- Wash and dry metal panels regularly to prevent rust.
By paying attention to weather protection, you can add years of life to your garage door.
Normal Wear and Tear
Garage doors move up and down hundreds of times each year. With so much use, small cracks or bends can slowly form in the panels. Even if the damage looks minor, it may spread and weaken the door over time.
Signs of wear include:
- Small hairline cracks in the surface
- Panels that look uneven or bowed
- Flaking paint or peeling finish
When these signs appear, it may be time to schedule an inspection with a local garage door repair company before the problem spreads.
Accidental Damage
Sometimes panel damage is caused by an impact. A bumped car, a bike, or even kids playing too close to the door can leave dents or cracks. These accidents not only affect how the door looks but can also impact how smoothly it opens and closes.
When the damage is limited to a couple of panels, you may be able to replace only those parts instead of the entire door.If the door is older or has multiple issues, a full replacement may be the better option.
Poor Installation or Low-Quality Materials
A garage door is a long-term investment. If the original installation was rushed or the materials were lower in quality, the panels may begin to fail much sooner than expected. Uneven tracks or poor alignment can put stress on the panels, causing them to bend or crack.
Choosing a skilled installer and durable materials helps prevent these problems in the first place. Homeowners in Puyallup often find that working with a trusted garage door repair company ensures the door is installed correctly and built to last.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
Like other parts of your home, a garage door needs upkeep. Without care, panels are more likely to crack, warp, or lose their protective finish. Basic steps can make a big difference in extending the life of the door.
Simple maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning panels to remove dirt and moisture buildup
- Checking the weatherstripping and seals
- Repainting or resealing wood panels as needed
- Having a professional check alignment and balance once a year
Staying on top of these tasks not only keeps the door looking good but also reduces the chance of expensive repairs later.
Why Panel Problems Should Not Be Ignored
Some homeowners put off repairs because the damage seems minor. However, cracks and warping can spread quickly. When panels are weakened, the door may start moving unevenly, which adds pressure to the opener, springs, and track system. In the worst cases, the door may stop working entirely, leaving your home exposed.
Prompt repairs keep the door safe, reliable, and attractive. Calling a local garage door repair company at the first sign of damage helps prevent a small issue from turning into a major problem.
Related Articles:
- When to Replace Tacoma Garage Door Panels vs. Full Door
- Tacoma Garage Door: Early Signs of Premature Wear and Tear
Professional Garage Door Repair Company Serving Puyallup
Taking care of a garage door requires knowledge of materials, mechanics, and safety systems. Homeowners may be able to handle cleaning or painting, but more serious problems should be left to professionals. A trained technician can inspect the panels, explain the options, and recommend repair or replacement.
When your garage door panels are cracked, bent, or warped, All Service Garage Doors is ready to help. Serving homeowners in Puyallup, our team of skilled technicians handles panel replacements, door realignments, opener repairs, and more. We work with different makes and models and focus on delivering reliable service that restores both function and appearance.
If your panels are showing signs of damage, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Call a reliable garage door repair company in Puyallup today and get your door back to safe, smooth operation.