The storm season brings heavy winds, torrential rains, hailstorms and even storms – all can pose a significant danger to your home. And one of the weakest points in your house? Your garage door. As one of the largest moving parts of your property, it plays an important role in protecting your home structure and accessories. If it fails during a storm, the loss can be frightening – from water infiltration to structural collapse.
Good news: With correct preparation and maintenance, you can greatly reduce the risk of storm loss. In this guide, we will show you how to keep your garage door safe, strong and hurricane-taiyar.
Why do storms proof in your garage door cases
Many household owners underestimate how much damage can be caused to a compromised garage door. When high winds enter through a damaged or blow-in garage door, they can create internal pressure that raises your roof, blows the walls, or even collapses your house.
Additionally, there may be a failed door:
Flood and water damage
Destruction of vehicles and stored goods
Expensive structural repair
Increased insurance claims and premiums
Taking active steps to secure your garage door before the hurricane season can prevent thousands of dollars in potential damage.
Observe your garage door for weak points
Before the storm starts, make a thorough inspection of your garage door. Look for signs of wear and damage that can compromise its strength, such as:
Cracks, rust, or wars in panels
Loose or missing hardware
Gaps
Missed opening batsman or incorrect tracks
If you notice any important issue, schedule the garage door repair immediately. Strengthening a weak door is much easier and cheaper than dealing with post-store damage
Strengthen the door with a bracing system
A reinforcement kit or bracing system adds strength to your existing garage door, helping it withstand powerful winds. These systems typically involve steel beams or horizontal braces that attach to the inside of your door, increasing its resistance to bending or buckling.
For areas prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, reinforcing your door is not just recommended – it is required. Many modern garage doors can also be upgraded with built-in reinforcement for additional storm protection.
Upgrade to a wind-rated garage door
If your current garage door is old or not designed for high winds, upgrading to a wind-rated door is one of the best investments you can make. These doors are engineered to meet local building codes for wind resistance and are often tested to withstand wind speeds of 150 mph or more.
Features of a quality wind-rated door include:
Heavy-duty steel construction
reinforced panels and hinges
impact-resistant material
Advanced Locking System
Although more expensive at first, a wind-rated door can save you thousands in storm-related damages – and may even lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums.
Secure the door with a proper lock
During high winds, the garage door can be forced open if it is not properly secured. Make sure your door’s locking mechanism is strong and fully functional. If you have a manual door, consider installing a heavy-duty slide bolt or padlock.
For automatic doors, make sure the locking feature of the opener is enabled. Some modern models also come with a wind-load reinforcement mode that automatically holds the doors when severe weather is detected.
Seal and weather circumference
Even if your door remains intact during a storm, the water may still leak through intervals and weak seals. Observe any wear or damaged weather around the edges of the door and change. A tight seal prevents water infiltration, protects stored objects, and reduces the risk of mold or structural damage.
Additionally, check the bottom seal – often the first line of defense against water. Change it if it is torn, brittle or missing.
Protect your garage door opener
Storms can cause power growth that harm your garage door opener. To protect it, if possible, unplug the system during a severe season or unplug the system. If you live in a storm-prone area, consider installing a battery backup system to ensure that the door can still open and close during electrical outage.
Clean the area around the garage door
Flying debris is one of the most common causes of garage door damage related to the storm. Before the serious weather arrives, take time to clean the area around your garage:
Store distant garbage cans, courtyard furniture and equipment
Overhangling trim to tree branches
Remove loose gravel or rocks near the driveway
A clean, chaos -free environment reduces the risk of impact damage during heavy winds.
A professional security inspection schedule
Even if everything looks fine for the untrained eye, the hidden issues can weaken your ability to face the garage door storms. A professional garage door maintenance before the storm season ensures the time of maintenance inspection that all components – from springs and cables to track and panel – are in the top position.
Technicians can identify weaknesses you can remember and recommend the necessary reinforcement or upgradation.
Conclusion
Your garage door is more than just a convenient entryway – it’s a vital barrier between your home and nature’s most destructive forces. Taking proactive steps like reinforcing the structure, sealing weak points, installing proper locks, and upgrading to a wind-rated garage door can make all the difference during hurricane season.
By preparing now, you will not only protect your property and belongings, but also ensure the safety of your home and loved ones when severe weather strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How strong should a garage door be for hurricane protection?
A wind-rated garage door should withstand winds of at least 130-150 mph, depending on your local building codes. - Can I reinforce my existing garage door without replacing it?
Yes, you can add a bracing system or reinforcement kit to strengthen your current door. - How often should I replace the weather seal?
Inspect them annually and replace them every 2-3 years or when they show signs of wear. - Do reinforced doors help with insurance?
Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with wind-rated or reinforced garage doors. - What is the best way to protect my garage from flooding?
Use proper weather sealing, consider a flood barrier, and keep drainage areas around your garage clear.