Can you install a new garage door on the old tracks?

While replacing the garage door, the cost can go way north of $1000. So it is very tempting to use some parts from the older door.

The tracks of the garage door are one such part people like to reuse often. But can you install a new garage door on the old tracks?

While it is possible to install a new garage door on the older tracks, it is not recommended. There are plenty of reasons against using older tracks while installing newer doors.

The main one is the safety issue that is caused by old door tracks. Other problems include size differences, property damage, etc.

Let’s take a deeper look at why you shouldn’t use old garage door tracks while installing new doors. 

What are garage door tracks and how do work?

Garage door tracks are steel tracks that are placed all around the garage doors. The tracks of a garage door are very important for them because of two reasons.

First, the horizontal and vertical tracks help in the movement of the door. Second, the tracks also support the weight of the door, stabilizing it and enabling it to function properly. 

Why Do you have to replace the track when replacing the garage door?

While undertaking a task, it’s normal for people to calculate their costs and want to minimize them as much as possible. Installing garage doors is no exception to this rule.

Also due to the high cost of garage door replacement, people often tend to use older parts from the previous garage door. But it is not suggested that you do so. 

But why is using old tracks a bad idea when new door installation is concerned? Here are a few reasons why:

1. Safety issues 

The average age of a garage door is between 15 to 30 years. As tracks are installed alongside the door, when you replace a garage door, the track’s age is at least 15 years.

After all the years of frequent use, these tracks are riddled with rust, breaks, and other damages. All of these issues make older door tracks a safety hazard.

Because the tracks are not in top shape, they can’t support too much weight. So there’s a very high probability that it will break or bend due to the weight of the new door and fall on either you and your family members or your car, none of which are ideal scenarios.

The average number of accidents caused by garage doors per year is between 20000 and 30000, some of which can be attributed to old tracks on new doors.

2. Lack of compatibility

One question professionals often are faced with is, “Are garage door tracks universal?” People do not see many issues with their older garage doors, so they think they can keep them while installing a new garage door.

But in reality, garage door tracks are not universal, and the doors and the tracks are a package. 

So, there’s a very high chance that the old tracks won’t even be compatible with the new ones and will differ in size, shape, and material. As a result, you may not even be able to move the door.

Especially if the door doesn’t match the size of the previous track, it will cause more and more problems.

3. Property damage

Other than the safety issues, a malfunctioning garage door will also cause damage to your property. If it falls on your car, you have to pay a hefty amount of money to repair both the car and the door.

It will also cause damage to the garage floor as well as the wall of the garage due to either falling or being rusty and failing to support the weight of the garage door. 

4. Creates problems regarding warranty

The warranty on the garage doors is only applicable when the tracks are also from the same manufacturer.

If you use a door track that is older and not from the same manufacturer as the door, the company will most likely deny you any warranty coverage.

5. Affects the looks and reputation of the house

An older garage door track looks extremely out of place when a new door is installed. It affects the aesthetics of the garage as well as the whole house.

Also, using older tracks means that every time you open and close the door, it will make a noise, which is extremely annoying to both you and your neighbors. 

Do new garage doors come with springs?

Torsion springs are an important part of garage doors because they determine the closing and opening of the door.

All garage doors are equipped with more than one torsion spring. It’s best to replace all of the springs simultaneously when one spring breaks. 

Final Words

While installing new garage doors, people often ask, “Can you install a new garage door on old tracks?” Despite how tempting it may seem due to the cost of installation, it is not a good idea to do so.

As you don’t have to spend any extra money for a new door track since they come with the door, it’s not worth taking the risk. 

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to put a garage door back on track?

The cost of putting an off-track door back on track varies according to the type of door. It also varies depending on the situation and how much work has to be done. Usually, the cost of this repair job is between $65 to $150. 

2. Can you buy a garage door without the tracks?

Not all garage doors need tracks. Some garage doors come without tracks, which are called trackless garage doors.

If you buy those doors for your garage, you don’t have to buy a track for them. 

3. How much is a new door for a garage?

The cost of a new garage door varies depending on the type, size, and material of the door. A new garage door can cost anywhere between $550 and $1650. Apart from the cost of the door, you have to pay for the installation as well.