Protecting Your Garage Door in Severe Weather: Essential Tips

Extreme weather events have become increasingly common, posing a significant threat to your home and garage door. Whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy snow, or severe storms, each weather condition requires specific precautions to protect your garage door from potential damage. This week, American Garage Doors focuses on practical steps homeowners can take to reinforce their garage doors against severe weather, ensuring the safety and integrity of this essential entrance.

Understanding the Risks

Garage doors are the largest openings in most homes, making them highly vulnerable to failure during severe weather events. A compromised garage door can lead to structural damage and increased internal pressure that can severely impact your home.

Steps to Protect Your Garage Door

1. Install a Reinforcement Kit

• Reinforcement Kits: Designed to bolster the garage door against high winds, these kits typically include bracing systems and are essential in hurricane-prone areas.
• Professional Installation: Though DIY installation is possible, a professional should install the reinforcement to ensure maximum protection.

2. Upgrade to a Wind-Resistant Door

• Wind-Rated Doors: Consider replacing your existing door with a wind-rated model designed to withstand high-pressure conditions.
• Code Compliance: Check local building codes for wind resistance standards to ensure your door meets necessary specifications.

3. Add Bracing and Supports

• Vertical and Horizontal Braces: These can be added to increase the structural integrity of the door. They are particularly important for older doors that weren’t designed with modern standards in mind.

4. Evaluate and Strengthen Tracks

• Track Stability: Ensure tracks are firmly secured to walls and ceiling. Heavy-duty tracks may be required in areas prone to severe weather.
• Proper Alignment: Misaligned tracks can increase the risk of the door coming off its tracks during stormy conditions.

5. Maintain and Inspect Regularly

• Routine Inspections: Conduct regular checks to ensure there’s no rust, wear, or weakness in any parts of the door system.
• Lubrication: Keep moving parts well-lubricated to prevent malfunctions that could interfere with secure closure during storms.

6. Secure Windows and Doors

• Shutter Systems: Install hurricane shutters or protective covers over garage door windows to prevent them from breaking and causing internal pressure changes.
• Garage Interior: Secure all objects inside the garage to prevent damage during storms and consider storing valuable items elsewhere.

Preparing for Different Weather Conditions

Hurricanes and High Winds

• Pre-Storm Preparation: Before hurricane warnings, ensure doors are fully braced and secured. Reinforce all tracks and tighten all screws and bolts.
• Evacuation Preparations: Never open your garage door during the storm; the reduced resistance can lead to it being blown out.

Heavy Snowfall

• Snow Load Specifications: Some garage doors are designed to bear specific snow loads. If heavy snow is forecasted, clear snow from the roof regularly to prevent excessive weight.

Severe Thunderstorms

• Lightning Protection: Protect your automatic garage door opener by installing a surge protector to guard against power surges from lightning.

After the Storm

• Post-Storm Inspection: After any severe weather event, inspect the garage door for damage, paying close attention to the alignment, balance, and any structural impacts.
• Professional Assessment: Even if no obvious damage is noticed, having a professional assess the integrity of your door adds an extra layer of assurance.

Conclusion

Protecting your garage door from severe weather is not just about safeguarding one part of your home—it’s crucial for maintaining the overall structural integrity of your house. By taking proactive measures, such as installing reinforcement kits, upgrading to wind-resistant doors, and regularly maintaining the system, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage during severe weather events.

Stay informed and prepared with American Garage Doors. Our expert team is always ready to offer advice, services, and products to protect your investment and keep your home safe in any weather.

Need help protecting your garage door from severe weather? Don’t wait until the next storm hits! Call us today at (888) 794-6420 to schedule a professional assessment and ensure your garage door is ready to withstand any weather conditions.