Can You Install a New Garage Door on Old Tracks?

Get on track with the facts before installing a new garage door

man opens garage door
Photo: mirsad sarajlic / iStock / Getty Images
man opens garage door
Photo: mirsad sarajlic / iStock / Getty Images
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

If you're investing in a new garage door, you may be wondering if you can install a new garage door on old tracks to save on other parts of your garage door system. Skimping on a set of new garage door tracks could cost you more in the long run. So, to ensure your garage door operates safely and adds to your curb appeal, we’ve rounded up the benefits of swapping out those old garage door tracks before installing a new garage door.

Reasons You Can’t Use the Old Tracks for a New Garage Door

While planning a new garage door installation, switching out the old tracks for new and improved ones may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, reusing old tracks can pose several problems—some of which can lead to injury or structural damage to your home. Below are four cons to using old tracks for a new garage door. 

Safety Concerns

Safety is no joking matter when it comes to your garage door. A good garage door opener can make a garage door seem almost weightless, but in reality, garage doors are extremely heavy and can even be fatal if they were to go off track due to a dinky, old track. 

Garage doors weigh between 100 and 300 pounds on average. If your old tracks are rusty, corroded, bent, or in some other way compromised, this increases your new door’s likelihood of malfunctioning and crashing down. This can be detrimental to your pets or loved ones.

Property Damage Concerns

For the same reasons that compromise your safety, an off-kilter garage door track can cause your new garage door to slam down on your car, garage, or property. Garage door repair costs range from $50 to $350 on average, while garage door replacement costs range from $500 to $2,000

Add the cost to repair your car and other sections of your garage door’s frame or your property, and you may have a hefty bill that could have been prevented by simply replacing the old garage door track. 

Void Garage Door Warranty

Your new garage door typically comes with a manufacturer's warranty that's good for one to five years—but this could come with a catch. A garage door that uses a garage door track that isn't compatible with the garage door or isn’t purchased from the same garage door manufacturing company can void the warranty if your garage door becomes damaged as a result of the garage door tracks. You’ll end up paying out of pocket for any repairs if this happens.

Compatibility with the New Garage Door

Lastly, every garage door comes with its own track system. Manufacturers can use different thicknesses, weights, lengths, widths, and more to cater to that specific garage door and rollers. This applies even to garage doors from the same manufacturer, as companies alter the specs over time and based on the dimensions of your new door.

In choosing to reuse outdated tracks, you may find that your garage door is incompatible with the old tracks, even if you use the same brand.

Garage door tracks that are incompatible with the new garage door can:

  • Cause the garage door to get stuck or fall

  • Wear down your garage door opener as it strains to operate the door

  • Bend or break the track

  • Lead to injury or property damage

  • Increase expenses as you repair any damage and replace worn down parts

Benefits of Using New Garage Door Tracks

Modern Garage Interior
Photo: imaginima / iStock / Getty Images

After waving goodbye to your old garage door tracks, you’ll want replacement garage door tracks that are compatible with your new garage door. Investing in new garage door tracks can set your new garage door up for success. Below are three ways that using new garage door tracks can benefit your home.

Noise Reduction Compared to the Old Track

There is nothing quite like waking up in the morning to the sound of a family member opening a garage door that's rolling across cranky, old tracks. Even if you forgo a chain belt garage door opener in exchange for a quiet type of garage door opener, your garage door will perform an unpleasant solo every time it drags across an old track. 

Choosing a new garage door track can help silence your garage as it makes its way up and down the track, creating a more peaceful atmosphere in your home.

Garage Door Will Open and Close Smoother

There's nothing quite like a rust-free, straight, and properly lubricated track when it comes to your garage door’s smooth operation. A new garage door track and rollers can make your garage door glide across the tracks like an ice skating champion rather than like a rickety gravel road—or worse, a garage door that won’t close or open when you’re in a hurry to beat rush hour. 

Not to mention, this smoother operation could increase the lifespan of your garage door and garage door opener.

Improve the Home’s Resale Value

Curb appeal matters. It matters so much that, according to a Cost vs. Value report conducted by Remodeling, replacing your garage door offers a 98.3% return on investment (ROI). This ROI can either increase as a result of shiny, new garage door tracks or it can decrease with old, rusted tracks. Homeowners with a keen eye will feel safer as they tour your home during an open house when they see a safe-looking garage door system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expect to pay between $45 and $150 for new garage door tracks, not including the installation. The price depends on the brand and how much track material you need for your garage door. Though you can install new garage door tracks yourself, you might want to work with a garage door installer near you to install them correctly.

Garage door tracks have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 30 years on average. Proper garage door maintenance can extend the lifespan of your garage door tracks. Meanwhile, poorly maintained garage doors could have a lifespan of less than 10 years. Be sure to lubricate your garage door tracks every six months to make the most out of your garage door.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to garage door services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
house with blue garage door
Jan 17, 2025
Jan 17, 2025
Want to ensure your home is secure for storm season? We discuss hurricane garage door costs and which factors influence the price tag.
A boy shoots a basketball in front of home’s garage
Jan 7, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
A garage door repair costs less than you might think, considering you can sometimes repair individual panels. However you can’t do many fixes yourself—learn why you need a pro.
Modern garage door
Jan 7, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
The cost of garage door spring replacement depends on the type of spring and garage door you have. Find out what other factors can quickly drive up the price.
Light cottage with garage at frosty and sunny winter
Aug 14, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
Is your garage door frozen shut and preventing access? Use this simple how-to guide to fix the problem and take back your covered parking space.
A beautiful house with a garage and a driveway
Jan 31, 2025
Jan 31, 2025
Does your garage door go up but not down? You might have sensor issues, a broken spring or cable, a malfunctioning opener, or issues with the tracks.
Garage with snow and sleds in front
Aug 9, 2024
Aug 9, 2024
Winterizing your garage door can help you throughout the year, not only in the winter. Using this guide, you’ll learn how adding items such as insulation and even table salt can help prevent your garage door from freezing.
Share project details to get started.