Installing a new garage door on old tracks is possible but not always advisable. However, before you prepare your tools and get started on the project, you must consider several factors to ensure the safety and efficiency of your new doors.
Like a lock and a key, each garage door has its set of tracks. Each garage door and track manufacturer has specifications that are not interchangeable. Another consideration is that, even if you have new garage doors, old and deteriorated tracks can be a safety hazard and compromise your entire garage door system.
However, if you are determined to use your old tracks, it may be difficult but, in some cases, possible. Our Grand Haven, Muskegon, and surrounding areas garage door installers can explain the possibilities and drawbacks in this article.
- Why Installing a New Garage Door on Old Tracks Isn’t Practical
- When Is Installing a New Garage Door on Old Tracks Advisable
- Do You Save Money By Reusing Old Tracks
Why Installing a New Garage Door on Old Tracks Isn’t Practical
While it may appear appealing to save money by reusing old tracks, there are several reasons why this may not be a practical solution. Our Grand Haven, Muskegon, and surrounding areas garage door installation and repair specialists list down some of the reasons why:
1. Compatibility
Simply put, different brands of tracks and garage doors are not interchangeable. Every set of garage door systems has a unique offset or pre-set spacing on its tracks. Thus, it may be impossible to fit new doors onto existing tracks.
Another issue is that tracks deteriorate over time. It could be misaligned, have dents, or even rust and corrosion. Even if you buy a new standard-sized garage door or measure the correct size of your door, there’s a good chance it won’t fit your old tracks because a minor change in the fitting could affect the entire hardware compatibility.
2. Safety
Remember that a garage door has complex moving parts that could easily pose a threat if even one is out of alignment. If your old tracks can’t support the weight and force of your new garage doors, they could easily collapse, cause property damage, and put you in danger.
3. Maximum performance
Even if your new garage doors look great, their efficiency will be lost if they creak and sound because of worn-out rollers on old tracks. Additionally, they won’t operate as smoothly as you would expect new doors to. Hence, when you purchase new garage doors, consult with our experts on buying a new track, too.
When Is Installing a New Garage Door on Old Tracks Advisable
If you’re still wondering, “Can you install a new garage door on old tracks?” and see the possibility, there are several factors to consider.
1. Same brand
The safest way to ensure that your new garage door will work well with your old tracks is when you have “nearly identical” units. First, since every manufacturer has specifications and standards for garage doors and tracks, your new door should have the same brand as your old one.
2. Weight and size
Next, to ensure that your old tracks can support them, your new doors should be the same size and weight as your old doors. A slight excess of weight on your worn-out tracks could easily cause them to snap and collapse, resulting in costly repairs and safety hazards. As the Department of Energy (DOE) explains, an imbalanced garage door affects the tracks, hardware, and the entire system because they all work as one.
There are still many factors that can be complicated in detail. Our expert Grand Haven, Muskegon, and surrounding areas garage door installers can explain them to you.
Do You Save Money By Reusing Old Tracks
If you think saving a few bucks is worth reusing old tracks, you should think again. The price of new tracks will be nothing compared to the cost of damage if your garage door collapses due to using your existing tracks. Additionally, the potential savings are not worth the security risk. To put it simply, when it’s time to replace your garage doors, it’s also time to replace your tracks. Keep a checklist for routine garage door maintenance to make sure your doors (and tracks) are in good working order.
Leave the Installation and Repair to the Experts
We hope we have answered your question, “Can you install a new garage door on old tracks?” When it comes to garage doors, saving a few dollars or cutting corners is not worth the risk. Your garage doors protect you and your property but can also put you in danger if mishandled. Let our Grand Haven, Muskegon, and the surrounding areas garage door specialists provide them with the proper maintenance and care. Contact Shepherd Shoreline at (231) 780-2847 to schedule a consultation.