Trackless Garage Doors 101: The Complete Guide

The term "trackless garage door" refers to doors that do not have overhead tracks, and instead use side hinges or bottom tracks to open and close. In this guide, our experts teach you about the inner workings of trackless garage doors by covering the following topics:

How Trackless Garage Doors Work

Popular configurations for trackless garage doors include side-hinged, folding, and sliding — each with a distinct mechanism for opening and closing. Here's a little about how each works:

Side-hinged Garage Doors

These doors are made much like regular exterior doors with side hinges. They swing outward without the use of overhead tracks or rollers.

Folding Garage Doors

Folding garage doors are made of multiple panels connected by hinges. The panels move by folding inward or outward and do not use overhead tracks or rollers.

Sliding Garage Doors

Sliding garage doors do require a track and rollers to operate. However, unlike traditional garage door systems, the tracks and rollers are located at the bottom of the door — not overhead.

Trackless Garage Door Design Options

Trackless garage doors come in a range of materials, including steel, wood, fiberglass, glass, and aluminum. They can also be finished to look like other materials, such as copper or rusted metal.

Since the customization options for these doors are so numerous, they fit a spectrum of design preferences, including contemporary, traditional, and sleek.

Contemporary

To achieve a modern aesthetic, opt for a full-view trackless garage door complete with glass panels and aluminum framing. These doors can be configured to slide along a bottom track, eliminating the need for an overhead track.

Traditional

For a classic look, consider a wooden side-hinged garage door. Carriage house-style doors are a great example of a trackless garage door with a traditional feel.

Sleek

Looking for a clean, minimalistic appearance? Try a garage door made with a smooth surface. Steel, glass, and aluminum are popular material choices for this look. Keep your garage door's hardware hidden to enhance your door's sleekness.

FAQs about Trackless Garage Doors

What are the advantages of a trackless garage door?

Trackless garage doors offer several advantages that make them an appealing choice for homeowners. Here are some of the key ones:

• Aesthetic Appeal: These doors provide a clean and modern look that can enhance a home's curb appeal.
• Space Efficiency: They don't require the overhead tracks that traditional sectional doors need, allowing for more headroom and storage space in the garage.
• Ease of Use: Sliding or folding configurations can be much easier to operate.
• Unique Designs: Whether you want a door with large glass panels for a modern look or a custom wood finish for a more traditional appearance, trackless garage doors can be tailored to many styles.

Can I retrofit my existing garage door with a trackless garage door?

Retrofitting with a trackless garage door may be possible, but it depends on the existing garage's structure and your chosen trackless door design. Contact a garage door professional for advice specific to your garage door.

Expert Trackless Garage Door Installation

Professional trackless garage door installation is essential for ensuring your garage door operates correctly and remains secure. The experienced professionals at Precision Garage Door Service™ have the knowledge and skills to assess your garage's specific requirements and carefully install your door. Find the Precision pro nearest you to speak with someone about your garage door needs.