When most people think about garage doors, they picture the door itself, but the track is just as important! It’s what helps your garage door open and close smoothly, quietly, and safely. The right track supports the weight of the door and ensures everything moves the way it should, so getting the right one for your space matters.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of garage door tracks, what they’re for, and when it makes sense to call in the pros.
Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
Some handy homeowners like to tackle garage door installation on their own, but if you’d rather skip the heavy lifting, hiring a professional is a smart choice. At Wallace + Wallace, we’re Clopay’s Master Distributor in Manitoba, and our team knows garage doors inside and out. When we handle your installation, you’ll also get a one-year installation warranty, giving you peace of mind from the start.
Understanding Your Garage Layout
Before choosing a track, it helps to understand your garage’s layout. There are three key terms you’ll want to know:
- Headroom – the space between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling (or any obstacles like beams, pipes, or lights).
- Sideroom – the space on either side of your garage door.
- Backroom – the depth of your garage, or the distance from the door to the back wall when the door is fully open.
These measurements help determine which track style is right for your garage. Learn more about how to measure the space required for your garage door here.
Garage Door Track Types Explained
Depending on your garage setup, here are some of the track options available:
Standard Radius Track (Most Common)
Perfect for most homes, the standard track comes in two widths:
- 2-inch track:
- Headroom: 12–14.25 inches
- Sideroom: 4.5 inches
- Backroom: Door height + 16 inches
- 3-inch track (for heavier doors):
- Headroom: 16.5 inches
- Sideroom: 5.5 inches
- Backroom: Door height + 25 inches
Low Headroom Track
Great if your ceiling space is tight. There are two options:
- Front mount spring (a common “dual track” setup):
- 2-inch track: Needs 9 inches of headroom
- 3-inch track: Needs 14 inches
- Rear mount spring (space-saving alternative):
- 2-inch track: Just 4.5 inches of headroom needed
- 3-inch track: Requires 8.5 inches
High Lift Track
Got lots of headroom? A high lift track lifts the door higher before it curves back. It’s perfect for garages with tall ceilings or obstacles like man doors and storage lofts.
- 2-inch track: High lift + 9.5 inches
- 3-inch track: High lift + 11 inches
Follow the Roof Pitch
If your garage has a sloped ceiling, this track type follows that slope, maximizing ceiling space and keeping things neat.
- 2-inch track: 14.25 inches headroom
- 3-inch track: 16.5 inches headroom
25-Degree Track
This is a specialized track for situations where you need to avoid handles or window elements on your door.
- 2-inch track: High lift + 9.5 inches headroom
Vertical Lift Track
Used in commercial or specialty residential settings, this type lifts the door straight up, perfect if you have very high ceilings and want the door out of the way.
- 2-inch track: Door height + 12 inches headroom
- 3-inch track: Same headroom, just wider and sturdier
What Width Track Do I Need?
Garage door tracks come in three widths:
- 1-inch – usually found on semi-trailer doors
- 2-inch – standard for most residential and commercial doors
- 3-inch – used for heavy-duty industrial applications or very large/heavy doors
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered
Whether you’re replacing a garage door or installating a new one, Wallace + Wallace offers a wide range of track options to match your garage’s design. We stock many standard residential doors and can help you pick a specialty track if your setup needs one.
Thinking about doing it yourself? We’re always happy to offer advice and guidance. Prefer to have us handle it? We’ll take care of the installation and back it with our one-year warranty.
Contact us today to learn more or book a consultation. We’re here to help you find the perfect door, and the right track to go with it!
