Can You Install a New Garage Door on Old Tracks?

Many homeowners want to save on replacement costs by installing a brand-new garage door on old and worn-out tracks. Though this may be quicker and cheaper than installing new tracks, it can negatively affect how well your garage door functions. Depending on the condition of the old garage door tracks, installing a new door on old tracks can cause safety issues or damage your door. In this blog, we will discuss the key considerations and risks involved with installing a new garage door on old tracks and whether or not it is worth the time, effort, and money.

What are Garage Door Tracks?

Garage door tracks are a stationary but crucial part of your garage door system. They keep the door aligned and moving smoothly, helping to support its weight and guide its movement as it opens and closes. They may be located on the left and right sides of the door or along the top and bottom.

Functions of Garage Door Tracks

The garage door tracks are a crucial part of the garage door system. They perform several important functions.

1. Door Alignment: Garage door tracks assist in keeping garage doors aligned and in place, whether they are moving or not.
2. Smooth Movement: Garage door tracks support and hold the door’s weight so that it can be operated safely and easily.
3. Damage Prevention: Garage door tracks prevent damage to your garage door by keeping it aligned and running smoothly.

Types of Garage Door Tracks

The most common types of garage door tracks include the following:

• Zero clearance tracks
• Low headroom tracks (3.5 radius)
• 12-inch radius tracks
• 13-inch radius tracks
• 15-inch radius tracks

When you install a new garage door on old tracks, it must have the same radius as the old one. The radius is the distance between the center of your garage door and the center of the track. Otherwise, the door will not be compatible with the old tracks.

Key Considerations When Installing a New Garage Door on Old Tracks

Although you can install a new garage door on old tracks, there are some key factors to consider before you start.

Check For Visible Damage

Over time, old garage door tracks can develop rust, corrosion, and damage, which can cause them to malfunction. Installing a new garage door on old tracks can result in injuries and accidents. Always check for visible damage or call for an expert opinion before making your decision.

Test The Operation of Tracks

The tracks should be in proper working condition in order to support a new garage door. If your tracks are not in good condition, you might be wasting your time, effort, and money by installing a new garage door on tracks that are not performing optimally. Therefore, test the tracks before installing a new door.

Check Alignment

Alignment is crucial for your garage door system, and tracks are the core element responsible for maintaining alignment. Your new garage door should perfectly align with your old garage door tracks. Otherwise, your garage door can develop malfunctions and even collapse, causing accidents and injuries.

Check Compatibility

Your garage door should be compatible with your garage door tracks. An easy way to check compatibility is to compare the following characteristics of your new garage door to your old garage door:

• Size and weight
• Garage door type
• Garage door materials
• Radius
• Gauge (thickness)

Cost Factors

Cost is a critical factor when deciding between new and old garage door tracks. If your garage door tracks are old and you install a new garage door on them, you might be frequently paying for repairs and maintenance. In that case, a one-time initial investment in new tracks might be a good idea.

Ease of Maintenance

Garage doors require maintenance to perform well long term. Each part of a garage door, including tracks, needs to be cleaned, lubricated, and repaired regularly. If you stick with the old garage door tracks, they might require more maintenance than new ones.

Pros & Cons of Using Old Tracks With a New Garage Door

To help you decide how best to maintain your door, here are the pros and cons of using old tracks with a new garage door.

Pros

Here are some pros of installing a new garage door on old garage door tracks.

• Cost Savings: Using old tracks means that you do not have to purchase new tracks and pay to have them installed.
• Avoids Structural Changes: If you keep the old tracks, your garage door system’s structure will remain intact.
• Minimized Installation Time: Installation time may be reduced because you will only be replacing a garage door, not the existing system.

Cons

Here are some cons of installing a new garage door on old garage door tracks.

• Safety Risks: Old garage door tracks might cause safety concerns when paired with a new garage door.
• Compatibility Issues: Old garage door tracks and new garage doors often face compatibility issues.
• Performance Concerns: Your garage door might not perform well if it’s running on old tracks.
• Higher Maintenance Costs: You may end up spending more money maintaining your old garage door tracks.
• Warranty Voids: The warranty on a new garage door is void when you install it on old tracks.
• Unseen Wear and Tear: Your old garage door tracks might not be in good condition. Invisible wear and tear are common in garage door tracks.
• Risk of Injury: Incompatibility and misalignment can increase the risks of accidents and injuries.

Benefits of Installing New Garage Door Tracks

When you install new garage door tracks at the same time as a new garage door, you will get a range of benefits that old garage door tracks cannot provide.

1. Safety Enhancements: New garage door tracks enhance the safety of your garage.
2. Smooth Operation: New garage door tracks provide smooth operation without any obstructions due to wear and tear.
3. Compatibility: When you install a new garage door and tracks at the same time, you will not have to worry about compatibility issues.
4. Longevity & Durability: New garage door tracks will last longer and extend the life of your garage door.
5. Ease of Maintenance: A new garage door system is much easier to maintain.
6. Energy Efficiency: A garage door that is properly aligned with its tracks and runs optimally promotes energy efficiency.
7. Customization Options: When you install a new garage door with new tracks, you can customize your garage door system.

Call Us for Expert Installation

You can use old garage door tracks with a new garage door. However, we do not recommend it. When you install a new garage door on old tracks, there may be safety concerns and alignment issues due to unseen wear and tear and incompatibility issues. You may also lose any warranty on your door. The ideal solution is to install new garage door tracks when you install a new garage door. This provides long-term benefits, including improved safety, smooth operation, a durable garage door system, ease of maintenance, energy efficiency, and increased security.

If you need help making your decision, contact the experts at AAA Garage Door Services. We can help you figure out the best solution for your garage and your home, and whatever you decide, our experienced technicians will install a new garage door without any hassle. Contact us now to schedule garage door maintenance, repairs, replacements, and installation for all kinds of garage doors.