Question:
I am installing a 16'x7' sectional garage door to replace my old
tilt-type wooden door. The ceiling height in my garage is 8'5" and I want
to retain as much overhead space as possible when the door is in the open
position. Which track radius would be best for this situation - 12" or 15"?
I have read in this group that 15" radius track works smoother and the
door will last longer with it than with 12". Can anyone here please
explain why 15" radius track works better than 12"?
Answer:
The only one I've ever looked at is in my dad's garage, and
the track is built so that it's extendable. So you put
in horizontal part where you want it, run the curve around into
doorway, and then assemble the vertical part to fit, out of
three peices that sort of 'telescope' into each other.
The overhead clearance can (should?) be the same in either case,
except for in the 16" square at the top front. It's just a
question of how big a quarter-circle you use to cut the corner.
I assume that a more gradual arc would be quieter, and present
less mechanical resistance to dragging the door around it.
If the vertical section of track is the same length and the curved section
is a 1/4 circle on both the 12" and 15" radius doors then the horizontal
section would be 3" higher on the 15" radius track door.
