Different Ways To Get Dent Out Of Aluminum Garage Door
Most likely, your garage door is comprised of steel or aluminum if it is metal. Due to their long lifespan and low care requirements, these materials are widely used. The disadvantage is that aluminum or steel garage doors are readily dented when accidentally knocked upon. Little unintentional door dings may not annoy you too much, but huge dents are unattractive and extremely apparent. You might be tempted to just replace the door entirely. Try these quick and affordable DIY ways first to see if you can remove the dent yourself before you run out and spend a lot of money on a new garage door.
Equipment Needed
Get the equipment and supplies you'll need for the project. The majority of these are readily available at your neighborhood hardware store, and the remainder can be found about the house.
- Medium Sized Bucket
- Washing Up Liquid
- Garden Hose
- Large Sponge
- Strong Aluminum Foil
- Standard Lighter
- Can Of Compressed Air
Even while this assortment of supplies might appear strange, it will make sense once we describe the technique. You see, when your garage door gets dented, the aluminum slightly stretches, which is how it develops a misalignment. So heating as well as cooling the aluminum in a way that causes it to contract and (hopefully) pop back into its original form is how you're going to heal this dent.
Way 1: Fixing The Dent Using Heat
- Once all the filth and grime has been removed, thoroughly sponge the dented area with warm, soapy water. Before moving on to the following step, make sure the affected area is fully clean and dry.
- To cover the dented area and leave extra at both ends for holding, cut enough foil. With one hand holding the foil in place, place it on the dent and thoroughly cover it. Then, for roughly 60 seconds, heat the entire area with a lighter.
- Take off the foil, spray the dent for 30 seconds with compressed air while holding the container upside-down. Carbon dioxide must be expelled in order to remove the dent, which can be accomplished by holding the can upside-down.
- The dent ought to snap back into place as a result of the stark temperature contrast between the heat from the lighter and the cold from the carbon dioxide. That ought to have vanished fully within two minutes.
Way 2: Use Suction Cups
Suction cups can be a pretty efficient solution to get rid of little dents in your door if you have access to them. Suction cups stick to the metal to pull it outwards in a manner similar to how you may use them to fix a car door or siding. For tiny to medium-sized dents, the suction approach works well and can be a quick solution to remove the dents without harming the remainder of the door. Before to employing this technique, evaluate the size of the damage as it won't work on larger dents.
Way 3: Hammer The Dent Out
Aluminum doors are easier to remove with a hammer because they are more pliable. Clean the damaged area with a solution of mild soap and water first, then walk to the opposite side of the door and place the block over the dent. Use the mallet to gently tap this area until it is flat with the surrounding panel. A fine grit sandpaper and the proper filler may be required if the damage is deeper and needs to be repaired.
Way 4: Fixing Steel Dents
How you fix your door depends largely on the type of metal it is composed of. Steel is more durable and calls for a different strategy than aluminum, which is softer and perhaps easier to repair. To fix dents in your door, you'll need to apply a steel door filler compound. Start by cleaning the door's surface to get rid of any dirt and debris, then allow it to completely dry. Before applying the compound with a putty knife, lightly sand the area with the recommended grit level and clean up the dust. After it has completely dried, sand it once more using fine-grit sandpaper, prime it, and then paint the section to match the rest of the door.
Way 5: Check For Damaged Parts
When your door gets dented, you need to check more than just the area that’s been hit. A bang to the door could affect the operation of the door, as well as other elements such as the insulation, tracks or springs. Trying to use your door with the dent in place could result in it getting stuck or put unnecessary pressure on the frame and tracks. If your garage door has been hit, we recommend that you have it examined by a professional before using it, even if the dent is minor, to make sure that everything is working as it should.