Standard radius garage door track. The most popular standard radius track is a 15” radius, which requires 15” of headroom to accommodate the curve of the track and all other track components/equipment. Other standard radius options include 20” and 32” radii but the larger the radius, the larger the headroom required to accommodate the curve. While the logic here may imply that installing a track with a radius that is lower than 15″ is ideal because it takes up even less headroom, we prefer to avoid using a 12” radius track because it requires additional work from the operator motor to move door sections through that small of a curve. Remember this is a balancing act to select the best hardware for your door as well as the best coordinating motor for efficient door operation.

Low headroom garage door track. This very common garage door track option uses up even less headroom space than a 12” radius track. Often referred to as Dual-Track, it is best recognized by a second horizontal track. This second track is installed above the horizontal section that is attached to the curve from the vertical track section. This second track is used for moving the top section of the door only, allowing the operator to easily move the top section far enough that the lower sections will follow on the lower track smoothly. This garage door track option also helps with doors that might have taller or oversized top sections.