How to Fix Flush Panel Garage Door Facing After Water Damage

Flush panel garage doors have a smooth face without any mullions. The flush panel is either an inexpensive pressboard or plywood depending upon the manufacturer and the model. Water damage on flush panels from heavy rain or a flooded garage requires immediate repair to prevent further damage to the inside wood of the door section. If the panel is soft enough that you can press it in with your hand, call a professional to replace the section. Fixing a flush panel garage door facing after water damage is possible if the facing is not completely saturated.

Hair dryer or heat gun
Sanding block
Medium-grit sandpaper
Wood putty filler
Putty knife
Paint or stain
Paint brush or roller

Instructions

- 1
  Allow the flush panel door to dry completely. If the temperature outside is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, dry the door panel with a hair dryer or heat gun.
- 2
  Sand the flush door lightly with a sanding block and medium-grit sandpaper. You want to remove as much destroyed wood without causing a valley in the flush panel. If the flush panel door is pressboard, continue sanding until you get to dry pressboard.
- 3
  Fill in small cracks or holes with wood putty and a putty knife. This helps protect the interior insulation of the flush panel door section as well as prevents moisture from getting into the unfinished wood framing.
- 4
  Wipe all sanding dust off the wood panel. Paint or stain the sanded section with the same color paint or stain as the door. Over paint the area with a roller or brush to blend the repair with the surrounding good wood.

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