Many of us are trying to save wherever and whenever possible. Each of us has our reason for saving money. The adage is true when it comes to replacing our garage door. We usually want to salvage the existing tracks from our door. We figure we have to spend so much on a new door that we should save with keeping our tracks. However, it is not a good idea to save your existing garage door tracks.

Read on to discover 7 reasons why it is not a good idea to keep your existing garage door tracks. Also, we will address the average cost of replacing that garage door.

1. The tracks are specific for each door

It might cause you a good deal of frustration if you tried to use your existing tracks on a new door. Garage doors have pivoted grooves. These pivots work with the garage door allowing it to go up and down.

2. New garage door tracks ensure you stay safe

Over time our garage door tracks will build up with grease, grime, and much more. These factors will cause our garage door to not open or to open slowly. It can be that you will need to evacuate and need the garage door to open fast.

If this be the case and the track is filled with grease and grime, you will find that the garage door is either not opening or that it is opening slowly. When you need it most, you should want it to open and open quickly.

By replacing the tracks when you replace the door, you can rest assured that you will have a garage door that opens like it is supposed to when it is needed most.

3. Not replacing the tracks might cause property damage

If you do not replace your tracks when you replace your garage door, it could lead to property damage. We already discussed how the door can fall on you and cause damage to you. Now, let us discuss how the falling garage door can fall onto vehicles, mechanical tools, and many other items that can be in your garage.

Also, it might cause structural damage to the garage. If your home is attached to the garage, the home might become damaged along with the structure of the garage. It can be better to spring the extra couple of dollars when you replace the garage door and replace the tracks as well.

4. Replacing the garage door tracks will be required for your new garage warranty

Every new garage door comes with a warranty. Of course, you do not want to think about needing to replace or repair your new garage door. But, you will be relieved to have that warranty if something goes wrong with it.

But, did you know that if you do not replace the tracks at the same time you replace the garage door, many garage door manufacturers will render the warranty null and void? I am sure you will want to have the opportunity to repair or even replace a faulty new garage door without needing to put any further money up.

5. The tracks will create a nicer appearance

You might not think a new garage door tracks will make the impression it does. But, the old tracks can take away from the appearance of the new door. The old garage door tracks is often rusty and dull. While the new garage door tracks will be shiny and not full of rust.

With an unsightly old and rusty track, you will find anyone will notice it. It is one of the first things someone will notice when they walk into your garage. So, it is best to replace the track to give the new door a completely and sightly new appearance.

6. It is not as expensive as you might think

What you will save by holding onto your old garage door track is insignificant. You will not save too much. It will be best to purchase the new tracks when you purchase the new door. After all, if you are going to purchase a new door, you might as well purchase the tracks. It will not add too much to the cost of the new garage door.

7. It does not take too long to install new garage door tracks

Many homeowners would like to skip the new garage door tracks because they think it will add too much time to the installation. That is not the case, though. The tracks for your new garage door can be installed in no time at all.

The installation of the new tracks can be done in as little as thirty minutes. For an additional thirty minutes of wait time, is it not a better idea to get some shiny new tracks to go with your new door?

It does not take too long to install new garage door tracks

How much does it cost to replace a single-car garage door?

The typical price of installing a single-car garage door can range between $500 and $800. Many of us would like to try and save some of this cost by doing it ourselves. But, it is not recommended that we try and tackle a job like this ourselves.

Many will tell you that to tackle something like a new garage door, you will need to know skills from across multiple disciplines. Also, you will need a partner to assist you with the installation. Let us take a look at some of the components of the cost.

Cost breakdown

To get a complete understanding of why it can cost between $500 and $800 to install a new single-car garage door, we have broken down some of the costs.

Finding the contractor

It is always a good idea to contact more than 1 contractor. We would recommend at least 3. Contacting 3 contractors will give you a generalized idea of what the cost will be. Because you will have a written estimate for the new garage door installation. But, with so many garage door types, it might be a good idea to get an estimate on more than 1 door type as well. Here are a few examples of door types you can consider.

  • Single tilt-up
  • Single tilt roll-up
  • Custom roll-up
  • Solid wood custom made

Think about the door style you are looking for

Besides the styles we already mentioned, it is an excellent idea to think about whether you would like windows across the top of your new door. Windows will add light inside the garage and they look impressive to passers-by.

Also, you will want to consider insulation. Studies have shown that adding insulation to a garage door is improving energy efficiency in an attached garage by up to an impressive 20%.

Finally, when thinking about the style of your new door, you will want to think about whether you want to use steel or wooden frames. It might seem like a frivolous and minor detail but it is kind of important. You will be thinking of the decorative look of your new door, choose wisely.

What kind of opener do you want?

Like many, you probably think all garage door openers are built to be equal. This is not the case, though. You can look to add $150 to $300 onto the total cost of your project by including a door opener when you replace the garage door.

Depending on the garage door opener you select, you can think about adding a final $50 to the bill. That $50 would go toward a secure automatic opener. These are the best types of garage door openers to get. They keep you and your family safe from any break-ins through the garage.

Other things to consider when thinking about the cost

Of course, these are not the only things to consider when thinking about the cost of replacing your garage door. We have compiled a list of add-ons that you might want to consider while replacing your door.

  • The width

Besides coming in a variety of styles, there are 2 widths that a garage door is available in. These widths are single and double. The single width door will cover the 1 car garage comfortably.

The double-width door will cover the 2 car garage. If you are going to purchase a double-width door to cover the opening of your garage, you might need to make some changes to your garage. These changes will allow the door to fit and operate more smoothly.

  • The lighting

Some homeowners ask the electrician on hand to add exterior lighting to the garage. It might seem like an overwhelming task that is going to add much onto the overall bill, but let us assure you multiple tasks generally reduce the cost of the project.

Do you want a steel entry door?

Many homeowners will opt-in for a steel door. If your garage did not originally have a steel door in place, you might think of asking the carpenter to install one. The steel door is a second entrance to the garage.

That second entrance to the garage will allow you a second path in or out of the garage. That might be necessary in cases of an emergency. These steel doors range in price from $250 to $1,000.

In conclusion, this article discussed many things. We talked about the 7 reasons why a homeowner would want to replace the tracking when replacing their garage door. We then went on to discuss the cost of replacing the door. Finally, we discussed factors that affect the cost of replacing the garage door. We wrapped up our discussion with some add-ons you might want to consider when replacing the door.

Need a new door, or new garage door tracks in Philadelphia, PA or New Jersey? Contact us Today (215) 353-5151.

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