Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips
2024-01-08 7 min read Rosman Garage Doors Team
# Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips
Living in Western North Carolina means experiencing the full spectrum of weather.from peaceful sunny days to powerful storms that can test the limits of your home's defenses. Your garage door, often the largest moving part of your home, plays a crucial role in protecting your property during severe weather. Here's your comprehensive guide to preparing your garage door for storm season.
Understanding Storm Damage Risks
Garage doors are particularly vulnerable during storms for several reasons. Their large surface area makes them susceptible to wind pressure. They're often the entry point for wind and water if they fail. And a failed garage door can lead to catastrophic structural damage if wind enters and pressurizes your home's interior.
The pressure differential created when wind enters through a failed garage door can literally lift your roof off your house. This isn't an exaggeration.it's a documented phenomenon that has destroyed countless homes during severe storms.
Inspection and Maintenance Basics
Before storm season arrives, conduct a thorough inspection of your garage door system. Start with the door panels themselves. Look for cracks, dents, or warping that could compromise the door's integrity. Check the weatherstripping along the bottom and sides for gaps or deterioration.
Examine the tracks for bends or obstructions. Test the door's balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door manually. It should move smoothly and stay in place when opened halfway. If it falls or rises on its own, the springs need adjustment.
Don't forget the opener itself. Test the auto-reverse safety feature by placing a 2x4 on the ground where the door closes. The door should reverse upon contact. Test the photo-eye sensors by waving something through the beam while the door is closing.
Reinforcement Options
For homeowners in areas prone to severe weather, reinforcing your garage door can provide significant additional protection. Here are the main options:
Bracing Kits: These horizontal and vertical braces bolt to the inside of your garage door panels, significantly increasing their wind resistance. Many can be installed on existing doors.
Impact-Resistant Doors: If you're replacing your door, consider an impact-rated model designed to withstand high winds and flying debris. These doors are built to meet specific wind load requirements.
Hurricane Panels: In extreme weather zones, removable panels can be installed over the garage door opening before a major storm, providing an additional layer of protection.
Upgraded Hardware: Heavy-duty hinges, reinforced tracks, and upgraded brackets can strengthen the entire door system's ability to withstand wind pressure.
Emergency Preparation
When a severe storm is approaching, take these additional steps to protect your garage and home:
Lock the Door: Engage any manual locks on your garage door. This provides additional resistance against wind pressure trying to force the door open.
Disconnect the Opener: If you have a power outage, the door should be able to be operated manually. Know how to disengage your opener before an emergency occurs.
Clear the Area: Remove any items near the garage door that could become projectiles in high winds. Store vehicles inside if possible to protect them from hail and debris.
Check the Seal: Ensure the bottom weatherseal is in good condition to prevent water intrusion during heavy rains.
After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, inspect your garage door before attempting to use it. Look for obvious damage like dents, cracks, or bent tracks. Check if the door is still properly aligned in its tracks.
If you notice any damage, do not attempt to operate the door until it has been inspected by a professional. A damaged door can fail unexpectedly, potentially causing injury or further damage.
Even if no visible damage is present, it's wise to have your door professionally inspected after any significant storm. Internal damage to springs, cables, or structural components may not be immediately obvious but can lead to problems later.
The Insurance Angle
Many homeowners don't realize that proactive maintenance and reinforcement of their garage door can affect their insurance coverage and claims. Some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with impact-rated garage doors or other wind-resistant features.
Document your garage door's condition before and after storms. Take photos of any maintenance or upgrades you perform. This documentation can be invaluable if you ever need to file a claim.
When to Call a Professional
While basic inspection and maintenance can be done by homeowners, certain tasks require professional expertise. Spring adjustment, track alignment, opener repairs, and any work involving the door's structural integrity should be left to trained technicians.
At Rosman Garage Doors, we offer pre-storm inspection services to ensure your garage door is ready for whatever Western North Carolina weather brings. Our technicians can identify vulnerabilities, recommend reinforcement options appropriate for your door and budget, and make repairs before they become storm-season emergencies.
Don't wait until the forecast shows a major storm approaching. Contact us today to schedule your pre-storm garage door inspection and ensure your home is protected when the weather turns severe.