Damaged lath repairs

• Dented, split or bowed laths replaced without replacing the whole curtain
• Single-skin and insulated curtains, matched to the existing lath size and profile
• Curtain refitted to the guides and run to check it travels smoothly
• A plain answer on whether a lath repair or a new door makes more sense

Can damaged laths on a roller garage door be replaced?

Yes, damaged laths can be replaced individually without replacing the whole curtain, as long as the rest of the door is sound and matching laths are available.

A roller door curtain is made of horizontal laths that interlock along their length. Damaged laths can be slid out and new ones fitted in their place, then the curtain is refitted to the barrel and guides. Laths come in different heights, commonly around 55 mm and 77 mm, and in single-skin or insulated versions, so the new laths have to match the profile of your existing curtain.

Colour is the other thing to consider. New laths in the same colour can look slightly different from laths that have weathered over several years. If we expect a visible difference, we'll tell you before any laths are ordered, so you can decide whether that matters to you.

What should you do if your roller door laths are damaged?

Stop using the door if the damage stops the curtain running smoothly in its guides, keep people and cars clear, and request a visit.

Laths are usually damaged by an impact, such as a car nudging the curtain, or by forcing a door that is stuck. A small dent that doesn't touch the guides may not stop the door working, but it can get worse if the lath catches as it coils into the box. A split lath, a lath pulled out of a guide, or a curtain that runs at an angle needs attention before the door is used again, because the curtain can jam or come further out of the guides.

Don't try to hammer laths flat, pull the curtain back into its guides or open the roller box, and switch an electric door off at the isolator. If the bottom laths were bowed by the door closing onto something, the safety devices need checking too; our safety edge and photocell repairs page explains why. The roller garage door problems guide covers other symptoms.

How much does it cost to replace damaged laths?

Replacing damaged laths costs £149–£395 inc VAT, fitted, with the price agreed before we come out.

That covers taking out the damaged laths, fitting matching new ones, and refitting and running the curtain to check it travels smoothly. The number of laths, their type and the size of the door all affect what's needed, so photos help us confirm the price before booking.

If the damage goes further than the laths, such as a bent guide rail, a damaged bottom rail or a strained motor, the engineer explains what they've found and quotes before fitting any other parts. Fitted prices for other repairs are on our prices page. All home prices include VAT at 20%.

When is a new door better than replacing laths?

A new door is better value when many laths are damaged, matching laths are no longer available, or other major parts are worn too.

If damage covers a large part of the curtain, the cost of laths and labour can approach the cost of a new door. On an older door, matching laths may not be available in the same profile, and mixing profiles isn't an option because the laths need to interlock. A curtain that has been heavily distorted can also strain the barrel and guides, and that damage may not show until the door is opened up.

The engineer will tell you plainly if they think a new door makes more sense, and we can arrange a survey and written quote for one so you can compare the two. If you'd been thinking about insulated laths or an electric door anyway, a heavily damaged curtain is a sensible point to look at it.

How does a lath repair visit work?

A lath repair visit runs in four steps: you tell us about the damage, we confirm the visit price, the visit is booked, and any other parts are quoted before they're fitted.

1. Send photos of the damaged laths, the whole door from outside, and the ends of the laths where they meet the guides.
2. We confirm the visit price and the laths likely to be needed, and order matching laths where required.
3. The visit is booked once the laths are available, with the date confirmed in writing.
4. The engineer replaces the damaged laths, refits the curtain, and runs and tests the door.

On an electric door, the safety devices are checked again after the curtain is refitted, so you know the door still stops and reverses as it should.

Guide prices for damaged lath repairs

Guide prices for homes. The visit price is agreed before we come out, and any parts are quoted before they are fitted.

Guide prices for homes, last reviewed 25 October 2026. Your written quote is the price. See the full price list.

How does a visit work?

1. STEP 01

   Tell us about the door

   Describe the door and what you need, with a photo or video if you can.

2. STEP 02

   Agree the visit price

   We confirm the visit price before anyone comes out.

3. STEP 03

   Visit

   The engineer finds the cause and makes the door safe where possible.

4. STEP 04

   Parts quoted first

   Any parts are quoted before they are fitted, so you decide.

Questions about damaged lath repairs

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