Use the Old Track? Some homeowners are tempted when replacing a garage door, to save a few dollars by putting the new door on the old track. However, your old track may not fit with your new door, depending on the thickness of your sections, the weight of the door, the headroom required, the location of the garage door opener, and other considerations. The track and sections work together as a system. For maximum performance and long life, you should use the track that is designed for your specific door.
Why?
Your old garage door track is built for that door and that door only. Each and every garage door has its own offset. This means it has a certain spacing pre-set from the factory if they’re riveted together, and most all are.
Some manufacturers do make some tracks adjustable, but the top of the track has what are called gussets. These are pre-set for the door to open and close at a certain distance away from the garage door jambs.
If you do not have the proper spacing, the garage door will get hung up. The garage door will hit while closing, or get stuck on the garage jambs as it opens. This can be dangerous in many ways.
If the door has an electric garage door opener, it may continue to try and either open or close, causing the door itself to come off the tracks. This is hazardous because the cables, which are made of aircraft steel, are under extreme pressure. If they snap, they can cause serious injury or death.
With a purchase of a new door we include the new track in the price of the door, we do not cut corners! Give us a call at 602.269.0888 to get a quote on a brand new door.