The garage door tracks are what keep your garage door aligned and in place every time you enter or exit from your garage. Without them, you would not be able to travel from your home easily. However, did you know garage door tracks come in two different types and have three notable qualities? Today you are going to learn the basics behind garage door tracks. 

Garage Door Tracks: Horizontal and Vertical Tracks

The two types of garage door tracks are horizontal garage door tracks and vertical garage door tracks. Horizontal garage door tracks describe garage doors that open sideways, while vertical garage door tracks refer to the traditional overhead garage door upward and downward movement. Within these two broad categories are many different subcategories of garage door tracks. Before exploring a couple of these subcategories in greater depth, you need first to understand the three characteristics of garage door tracks: headroom, side room, and backroom. 

3 Characteristics of Garage Door Tracks

Concerning garage door tracks, headroom consists of the space from the highest point of the garage door to its nearest obstacles. It must provide enough space for the upper functions of the garage door to move as needed. This is why you always see some considerable room between the garage door and the garage ceiling. Side room is the space between the garage walls and the garage door tracks themselves. Finally, backroom refers to the distance between the garage door top when it’s open and the back of the garage itself. The subcategories of garage door tracks will often include measurements of their headroom, side room, and backroom. 

Which Garage Door Tracks Are Most Commonly Found In Residential Homes?

Of the many subcategories of garage door tracks, the one most commonly found in residential homes is the standard radius garage door track. Standard radius garage door tracks can either be two or three inches wide. The headroom requirements range from twelve to sixteen inches; for side room between four and six inches. Backroom requirements range from whatever the door height is, with the addition of anywhere from sixteen to twenty-five inches. While standard radius garage door tracks are also found in commercial buildings, they are not the only kind of tracks used for commercial garage doors. 

Which Garage Door Tracks Are Most Commonly Found In Commercial Buildings? 

If garage door tracks in commercial buildings are not of the standard radius variety, they are likely from the vertical lift garage door track subcategory. Headroom for vertical lift garage door tracks requires an additional twelve inches to whatever the door height is; side room requires anywhere from four to six inches, and backroom needs twenty-three inches. 

What Garage Door Track Maintenance? 

Like all other parts of your garage door system, even your tracks require routine maintenance. The good news is that garage door track maintenance is simple. First, you need to clean out any debris or grime with a damp cloth and vacuum whatever grime is hard to reach. After drying the tracks, give them a new coat of lubricant. This maintenance routine should be performed at least twice a year (every six months) or if you hear your garage door produce unusual sounds. 

What Services Are Performed For Garage Door Tracks?

The services that are provided for garage door tracks include repairs, realignment, replacement, maintenance, and even taking care of dents. If you are looking for the best garage door technicians to take care of your tracks, or you want to explore possibilities for replacing your garage door tracks, the best garage door technicians are here at Garage Door Repair Baytown. Contact us today for the best garage door service in Baytown.