Can You Install a New Garage Door on Old Tracks?
It is not advisable to install a new garage door on old tracks. In many instances, trying to force compatibility between a new garage door and old tracks can be more costly and time-consuming than installing new tracks. It can also create a potential safety issue if the old track cannot properly support the weight of the new garage door.
In this guide, the experts at Precision Garage Door Service™ explain why it’s best to have new tracks installed with your new garage door.
Why You Should Not Use Old Tracks on a New Garage Door
Many don’t realize that garage door tracks play several essential roles in helping a garage door function optimally. New garage door tracks help balance the garage door, properly support the weight, and minimize friction when the door opens and closes, which prolongs the lifespan of the entire garage door system.
Below are two common yet overlooked reasons why using old tracks on a new garage door can backfire.
1. The Garage Door Track is in Poor Condition
Even if your garage door system appears to be in good shape, over time, your garage door tracks may have started to show one or more signs of wear and tear, including misalignment and rust accumulation.
These signs can manifest themselves in a number of ways, but the most common include:
- A jammed garage door.
- An unbalanced or uneven door.
- A garage door that falls suddenly.
- Noisy operation.
If you’ve had any of the above issues, chances are, your tracks need to be replaced. If you attempt to pair your new garage door with old tracks that are in poor condition, you will likely experience the same issues, in addition to the possibility that the track may fail completely, rendering your new door useless.
2. The New Garage Door Isn’t Compatible with Your Old Track
Is your new garage door a different material, weight, length, or width than your previous one? If so, your new garage door specifications will not be compatible with your current track.
The fact is, no matter how well-maintained your existing garage door tracks are, they may simply be the wrong tracks for the new garage door. That’s because garage door tracks are engineered to support specific types of doors, based on all the specs mentioned above (material, weight, height, etc.).
For example, let’s say you currently own a steel garage door but are looking to make the switch to a wood garage door.
Wood garage doors tend to be much heavier than steel ones. During your consultation, your professional may determine that the current track you’ve been using is insufficient to support the weight of your new, heavier door.
Your garage door professional will advise you on the best type of tracks to install for the new garage door material, measurements, and weight.
Risks to Installing a New Garage Door on Old Tracks
Your garage door system is like a puzzle — it works best when all pieces are properly aligned and not forced to fit together. Just because your new garage door may fit onto your old tracks, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the fit is optimal, or it will continue to operate properly.
Some of the risks associated with installing a new garage door on old tracks include:
- Injury or property damage if your garage door falls suddenly.
- Security concerns if your garage door becomes jammed and cannot fully open and/or close.
- Costly repairs if your garage door system gives out from being overworked.
- Voided warranty if using tracks different from your garage door manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Decreased aesthetic appeal if your tracks visually clash with your new garage door.
Need Expert Garage Door Installation?
When you have a new garage door installed, it’s important to be comfortable and confident that all the components will work safely and properly. Installing new garage door tracks is a must for ensuring that your new garage door will perform safely and optimally.
The professionals at Precision Garage Door Service take great care to ensure that your garage door installation experience is worry-free. For more information or to get started, find the Precision Garage Door Service professional nearest you.
