When Do Garage Door Tracks Need Replacement?

It is a little known fact that typically when you replace a garage door, you are replacing the tracks as well. While some manufacturers create adjustable tracks, for the most part, every garage door comes with their own tracks specifically made for that door. So when you get a new garage door, you are getting new tracks installed as well. However, there are some situations in which the garage door tracks wear out before the actual door. Your door and all its other components could be just fine, but how do you know when it is time to replace the tracks?

Door Jamming

If your garage door has times where it jams – otherwise struggling to open or close – or has times where it actually grinds against the side of the garage or smashes into the floor, it is time to replace the tracks. What these symptoms mean is that the garage door is improperly spaced for its tracks. It is not sitting on a perfect fit with your tracks, and that is a recipe for disaster.

The Door is Loud

In truth, a loud garage door can be a symptom of many different garage door problems. However, if you are able to narrow down the increase in volume or any odd noises to the tracks, it probably means it is time for new ones. Typically this means that the rollers need lubrication or are wearing down. However, when the rollers wear down, this means the tracks are wearing with them. It could mean a very small warp in the tracks, but something is wrong and it needs fixed.

Your Garage Door Fell

This is kind of the worst case scenario, but if your garage door falls off the tracks, either partially or entirely, it is time for new tracks. In most cases, this means the tracks have warped enough so that the rollers were able to fall out. You will need new tracks to remedy this.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re always happy to help!

Replacing Vs. Repairing Your Garage Door

All garage doors will deteriorate over time; which is caused by weather conditions and constant use. A question many people face is whether they should repair or replace their garage door. Here are some pointers to help you decide:

Is it a Sudden or a Recurring Problem?

Often, a garage door will suddenly stop functioning. For example, it might stop opening and closing all of a sudden. This can be the result of a single issue that can easily be repaired.

If, however, your garage door has been facing issues over a long period of time and these issues continue to get worse, a simple repair may not do the trick. For example, if the garage door has been having trouble opening for a long time and seems too heavy, the springs may have been weakened to the point that they can no longer hold the garage door up. That can be dangerous, and they should be replaced.

Is it Cosmetic Damage or Structural Damage?

Cosmetic damage, while unsightly, usually won't necessitate replacing the garage door, especially if it isn't that old. A new coat of paint or a new finish can restore it so that it looks new.

If, however, there is structural damage, that's a different story. For example, if the door is warped, sagging or simply falling apart, you definitely need a new one.

Replace a Single Panel or the Entire Door?

A third option would be to replace only a single panel and not the whole door, as it is not as expensive as replacing the entire door. However, if there is a problem with the mechanism, this isn't a good option. In addition, if you find yourself having to replace a panel a second or third time, you might as well just get yourself a new door.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that you might have. We’re here to help!