What is a Garage Door Panel (Section)?
One horizontal section of a sectional garage door — panels can often be individually replaced if damaged.
A garage door panel (also called a section) is one of the horizontal segments that make up a sectional garage door. A typical single-car door has 4 panels; a double-car door has 4–5 panels. Each panel is connected to the adjacent panels by hinges and has rollers attached at the sides that ride in the tracks. Individual panels can often be replaced without replacing the entire door, making panel replacement a cost-effective repair option when a single panel is damaged by a vehicle impact, weather, or age. Replacement panels must match the existing door's manufacturer, model, profile (raised panel, recessed panel, flush, etc.), color, and insulation level. If a door model has been discontinued, finding matching panels can be challenging — in some cases, the closest available match may need to be refinished to match. If multiple panels are damaged, full door replacement may be more cost-effective.