If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your home. One of the most important areas to safeguard is your garage. A properly-storm proofed garage can help keep you and your family safe during a storm, and can also mean the difference between losing and saving your car. In this post, we’ll discuss how to storm-proof your garage door and keep your home safe during bad weather.
How Severe Weather Can Destroy a Standard Garage Door
Standard garage doors are designed to withstand a certain amount of wind and rain, but they can be easily damaged by severe weather. The most common type of damage is wind damage. If the wind is strong enough, it can lift the garage door off its tracks or even break the door itself. Rain can also cause damage to a garage door. If the rain is heavy enough, it can warp or dent the door. In extreme cases, the weight of the water can even cause the garage door to collapse. If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, it is important to make sure that your garage door is properly reinforced. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with a lot of repairs or even having to replace your garage door entirely.
Impact-Resistant Garage Doors
Impact-resistant garage doors are specifically designed to withstand the force of a high-speed impact. These doors are usually made of heavy-duty materials such as steel or reinforced fiberglass, and they often feature additional reinforcement around the edges. Impact-resistant garage doors are an important safety feature for any home, especially if the garage is located near a busy street or highway. In the event of a collision, these doors can help to prevent serious injuries by absorbing the impact and protecting those inside the garage. Impact-resistant garage doors are an important investment in any home, and they can provide peace of mind in knowing that your family is safe.
Hurricane-Proof Garage Doors
Hurricane-proof garage doors are a must-have for any home in hurricane-prone areas. Hurricane force winds can easily damage ordinary garage doors, leaving your home vulnerable to wind and water damage. Hurricane-proof garage doors are made of heavy-duty materials that can withstand high winds and flying debris. They typically have reinforced panels and hurricane-rated hardware, such as wind-resistant brackets and hinges. Hurricane-proof garage doors can be expensive, but they offer peace of mind and protection for your home during a hurricane. When choosing a hurricane-proof garage door, be sure to select a model that is certified by a reputable testing laboratory. This will ensure that the door can withstand the forces of a hurricane.
Retrofitting an Existing Garage Door
Although hurricane-proof garage doors may cost a few thousand dollars, they are not always affordable for some homeowners. If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money, there are still ways to make your garage door stronger. Note that while these options may not be as strong as an impact-rated or hurricane-resistant door, they are still worth considering.
Before you retrofit your existing door for impact and wind resistance, check that your garage door track is at least 14-gauge weight. You should also make sure the track is securely fastened to your garage walls and ceiling at the appropriate screw locations. If your track system isn’t reinforced, it can twist and rotate, causing the retrofitted door to blow out during a storm.
Install Temporary Bracing
Every year, severe weather causes billions of dollars in damage across the world. One of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a storm is the garage door. High winds can easily tear off a garage door, leaving your home exposed to the elements. To protect your garage door during a storm, you should install temporary bracing.
Temporary bracing is a system of metal rods and cables that are attached to the garage door and reinforce it against high winds. The braces can be installed quickly and easily, and they will help to ensure that your garage door stays in place during a storm. After the storm has passed, you can remove the braces and return your garage door to its normal operation. Install Temporary Bracing on your Garage Door to protect your home during severe weather.
Another way to storm-proof your garage door is to install a wind brace. A wind brace is a metal support that is attached to the garage door and helps to hold it in place during high winds. Wind braces can be installed on both single and double garage doors, and they can provide significant protection against strong winds.
Protect the Door with Hurricane Panels
While a garage door is designed to withstand high winds, it is still vulnerable to damage from hurricanes and severe storms. One way to protect the garage door from high winds is to install hurricane panels.
Hurricane panels are made of metal or reinforced plastic and are designed to resist wind and flying debris. They can be installed over the garage door to provide an extra layer of protection. In addition, hurricane panels can also be used to secure windows and other openings in the home. By taking these precautions, you can help to protect your home from damage during a hurricane or severe storm.
Inspect and Maintain Your Garage Door
Inspect and Maintain Your Garage Door Inspect the door at least once a month to make sure all the parts are working properly.Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or fraying in the cables.If you find any damage, immediately repair or replace the damaged parts.In addition, Inspect the tracks for any buildup of dirt, grime, or debris. Clean the tracks with a household cleaner to remove any build-up.
Inspect the rollers to make sure they are not worn down.If they are, then replace them with new ones. Inspect the springs to make sure they are not frayed or broken. If they are, then you will need to replace them with new ones.Finally, Inspect the hinges to make sure they are not loose or damaged. If they are, then tighten them or replace them with new ones.By taking the time to inspect and maintain your garage door on a regular basis, you can help to keep it in good working condition and prevent serious problems from developing.
The condition of your garage door can determine whether it can handle the next storm. In addition to storm-proofing it with our helpful suggestions, don’t forget maintenance.
Routine checks and minor fixes can keep it in peak condition, so you’ll want to:
- Look for holes or tears in the seal and weatherstripping.
- Use a silicone sealant to repair any damaged seals.
- Replace any worn gaskets along the edge of the garage door opening.
- Check for worn hinges, locks, and other hardware and replace them before the next storm.
- Inspect the track and, if necessary, remove obstructions or align it properly.
Is It Time for a New Garage Door?
Is it time for a new garage door? If your garage door is more than 20 years old, it may be time to replace it.
Here are some signs that it’s time for a new garage door:
- Your garage door is starting to show its age. If the paint is chipped or faded, the wood is rotting, or the metal is rusting, it’s time for a new door.
- Your garage door isn’t as energy-efficient as it used to be. Older doors are often made of single-paned glass, which doesn’t provide as much insulation as newer doors. If you’ve noticed your energy bills going up, it might be time to replace your old door with a newer, more energy-efficient model.
- Your garage door isn’t as secure as it used to be. If your door isn’t closing properly or the locks are starting to wear out, it’s time to upgrade to a new door that will better protect your home.
- You’re just ready for a change. Sometimes, you just need a fresh start. If you’re tired of looking at the same old garage door every day, it might be time for an upgrade.
Conclusion
All in all, there are several things you can do to help storm-proof your garage door. It’s important to take some preventative measures now so that you don’t have to deal with the hassle and expense of a broken garage door later on. Have you tried any of these tips? Let us know in the comments below.
References:
How To Secure Your Garage Door During A Hurricane
