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Save or Replace? Deciding What to Do with Old Tracks When Installing a New Garage Door.

September 20, 2024

A new garage door can improve your home's appearance and security. Once you've picked your new door, you need to decide whether to keep the old tracks or get new ones. Many homeowners in Pensacola, FL, and along the coasts of Florida and Alabama struggle with this choice.


At
Dually Doors, we know garage door installations inside and out. We're here to help you make a smart decision. We want to make sure your new garage door runs safely and well.


Why Track Alignment Matters


Garage door tracks may seem unimportant, but they play a key role. These metal rails guide the door, support its weight, and ensure it moves. Misaligned or worn-out tracks can cause your garage door to jam, fall off, or even collapse. These issues pose more than just a hassle; they create potential dangers for your family. On top of that, fixing these problems can cost a lot.


Before you put in your new door, check your old tracks. Their state can affect how well your new door works.


How Old Tracks Might Cause Problems for Your New Door


Even the finest new garage door won't function on old or incompatible tracks. If your existing tracks can't support your new door's dimensions, mass, or style, you'll face issues. This might cause the door to deteriorate faster than expected, resulting in higher repair costs or even the need to replace it in the future.


When It's Fine to Stick with Your Old Tracks


Sometimes, it makes sense to reuse old tracks—but you need to be careful. Here's what you should think about:


  • Track Condition: Do the tracks have rust? Are they bent or worn out? If they look okay, you might reuse them. Just keep in mind even if they seem fine, they still need to fit the new garage door model in size and weight.
  • Cost Savings: Sure, using your old tracks can cut costs now. But think about the long run. Old tracks that can't handle the job might lead to more expensive repairs or safety problems.


Why New Tracks Are a Smart Choice


While it's tempting to save some cash by keeping the old tracks, getting new ones makes more sense—here's why:


  • Perfect Fit: New garage doors work best with specific track systems. By putting in new tracks that match the door's design, you ensure everything runs smoothly from day one.
  • Long-term Savings: Buying new tracks now can save you from expensive fixes. Modern tracks are stronger and built to last, and they often have safety features built in. For instance, some have rounded edges to keep fingers safe or can be adjusted to fit your new door just right.

Our Process at Dually Doors


At Dually Doors, we understand that every garage door setup has its own unique features. We take a tailored approach to each job. Before we begin, we take a close look at your current tracks to decide if we should keep them or if new ones would work better for you.

Old Tracks
  • Expert Check: Our team gives your existing tracks a thorough once-over. We look at how old they are, their shape, and whether they'll work with your new door. Then, we tell you whether keeping or swapping out your tracks is best.
  • Top-Notch Work: We do the job right by sticking with your old tracks or putting in new ones. From lining up the tracks just so to getting your new door to open and close without a hitch, we aim to nail every install.


Maintenance Tips


Whether you keep your old tracks or go for new ones, upkeep is crucial in ensuring your garage door system runs well.


  • Regular Lubrication: This helps things move. Put lubricant on every 6-12 months to reduce noise and friction.
  • Routine Inspections: Check your tracks, rollers, and other parts often to spot any problems. Taking care of things ahead can help you avoid bigger issues later on.


At Dually Doors, we aim to ensure your new garage door looks good and works well. If you're thinking about keeping your old tracks or getting new ones, we're here to help you through each step.


The Importance of Expert Installation


You might think you can put up a garage door by yourself, but when deciding whether to use old tracks or buy new ones, it's best to let the experts at Dually Doors handle it. Here's why getting a pro has an impact:


Safety Comes First:
Garage doors weigh a lot and have tricky systems. If you're not sure about the tracks' condition or if they'll fit, trying to install one yourself can cause accidents, get people hurt, or even damage your house. Our team at Dually Doors follows strict safety rules and knows how to put doors in, making sure everything works right and stays safe.


Proper Alignment:
When you install a garage door, everything—tracks, rollers, and more—needs to line up right for smooth operation. Tracks that don't line up can cause early wear, breakdowns, or even shorten your door's lifespan. The pros at Dually Doors will ensure each part sits just right, whether using old tracks or starting fresh with new ones.


Warranty Protection:
Are you aware that most garage door warranties need professional installation to remain valid? You might lose your warranty if you try to do it yourself or use old tracks without a proper check. When you team up with Dually Doors, you make sure your garage door goes in according to what the maker wants, keeping your warranty safe and sound.


Expert Knowledge:
Our team has the knowledge and skills to look at your unique case. We can check your old tracks or suggest new ones. Our techs keep learning about new methods and what makers recommend. We're ready to give you good advice and top-notch service.


Short-Term Savings vs. Long-Term Value


It's normal to want to cut costs for big jobs like a new garage door. But you need to think about how your choices will play out over time. Reusing old tracks might save you money now, but is it the smart choice in the long run?


Short-Term Savings


Reusing tracks might help you save money right away, as you won't need to buy new materials or pay workers to put them in. If you're watching your wallet, this is the best choice. But these quick savings might lead to problems that end up costing you more down the road.


Long-Term Value


New tracks offer significant benefits that make sense over time:


  • Durability: Fresh tracks have a longer lifespan and stand up to wear and tear better than older versions.
  • Efficiency: Up-to-date tracks work more, easing the burden on your garage door opener and reducing energy bills.
  • Safety: A lot of new tracks come with upgraded safety elements to keep your family out of harm's way.
  • Home Value: A garage door that's installed right and kept in good shape can make your house look better from the street, which can raise its price tag.


The cost upfront might be higher, but new tracks will save you time, cash, and headaches down the road.


Sustainability and Environmental Impact


We all want to make greener choices, even for home upgrades. So, what should you think about regarding environmental effects when putting in a new garage door?


Recycling Old Tracks:


If you swap out your old tracks, consider recycling them. Metal tracks can find new uses, cutting down on trash in dumps. At Dually Doors, we can point you in the right direction to get rid of your old tracks in a responsible way.


Energy Efficiency:


A lot of new garage doors and tracks are built to save energy, with better insulation and seals. This keeps your house cozier and can cut your power bills. On top of that, a home that uses less energy means you're doing less harm to the planet.


Sustainable Materials:


We make it a priority to work with manufacturers that care about sustainability. This includes using recycled materials or green manufacturing methods. We make sure your new garage door matches your environmental values.


Why Choose Dually Doors?


At Dually Doors, we don't just sell garage doors—we find the right fit for your home. Whether you want to reuse old tracks or start over with new ones, here's why we're your best bet:


Expert Installation:
We know how to size up your situation and provide clear advice. You can trust us to install your door the right way.


Customer Satisfaction:
We aim to go beyond what you expect, providing a smooth process from start to finish. Your happiness matters most to us.


Top-Quality Products:
We team up with the best makers to get you excellent garage door systems. Our products last long and work well.


Ongoing Support:
We don't stop caring after we put in your door. We're here to help keep it running well for a long time.


Making the Right Choice


Choosing to save or swap out your old tracks is a crucial choice that impacts how well your garage door works, how safe it is, and how long it lasts. At
Dually Doors, we'll give you a hand in making the best decision, offering expert advice to ensure your new garage door system meets all your needs.


Need a new garage door in Pensacola, FL, or nearby areas?
Contact Dually Doors now, and we'll begin to find the ideal solution for your home!

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