Can You Install A New Garage Door On Old Tracks?
Can you install a new garage door on old tracks? You might think you don’t have the skills or ability to do it, but it’s actually quite simple to do. Garage doors are just like house elevators, they have tracks that run from the bottom of the garage to the ceiling. Most people install their garage doors on wooden tracks, these are called wood tracks. The problem with these wooden tracks is that over time the wood will rot and start to leak. If you’ve ever had your garage hosed by the rain or just simply had it get too wet in general you know that if your wooden garage door gets too wet it won’t close properly, it will just swell and be very difficult to open and close.
The best way to fix this is to get a new garage door installed on the old tracks, but how do you do that? If you have access to an overhead garage door opener you can easily lift the whole thing up and set it on the tracks for easy access. Otherwise, if you don’t have such access you’ll have to find someone with the skills and tools to take the weight off, which may require removing the existing tracks or cutting them down. Brand Garage Doors of Cleveland sells and installs garage doors on the correct tracks.
One thing to consider when trying to install a new door on old tracks is the fact that you want the track to run parallel to the wall. If you do this you’ll be able to get a good fit without any cutting or sanding of the track itself. Another option is to set the door at an angle, this way you won’t need to cut the track as much, if any at all. In order to get a good fit, there are many manufacturers that make specialty tools specifically designed for making new tracks and door panels. It’s not something most DIYers have the time or skills for, but if you do it can save you a lot of money and time in the long run.
If you have access to old tracks, especially those which are close to your home, you can salvage them for free. Take a look at the bottom of the garage door; you will probably see a metal track installed there. Unscrew it and discard that piece. Drill a pilot hole into that hole and insert a bolt which should be under the door for support. Now you can measure and cut the new tracks to the specifications you want.
If you can’t find any old garage door tracks which would allow you to install the new tracks for free, you might be able to buy them from a hardware store and install them yourself. Again, it’s not something most DIYers have the time or skills for, but if you do it might save you some money and a lot of headaches. Just remember though, if you install one part incorrectly it could ruin the whole thing, so it’s worth spending a little extra time and money before you go ahead.
Finally, you can hire somebody to install it for you. If you’ve never used a garage door opener in the past, then this might be the best option for you. They will know exactly how to work with the track, will make sure it works smoothly, and should be experienced enough to avoid problems. The downside is that you have to pay somebody. You have to factor in the cost of delivery and possible labor costs when you choose a door opener installation service.