Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips
7 min read
Storm-Proofing Your Garage Door: A New England Homeowner's Guide
New England storms are no joke. From nor'easters to hurricanes, our region experiences some of the most intense weather in the country. Your garage door, often the largest moving part of your home, is particularly vulnerable to storm damage. This guide will help you prepare your garage door for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
Why Garage Door Storm Preparation Matters
Your garage door serves as a critical barrier between the elements and your home's interior. During storms, wind pressure can be immense—a failing garage door can lead to catastrophic pressure buildup inside your home, potentially blowing off the roof or collapsing walls.
According to FEMA, garage doors are the most common point of wind entry during hurricanes and severe storms. Once the garage door fails, wind pressure inside the home increases dramatically, turning your house into a balloon that can literally burst at the seams. Prevention is far cheaper than repairs.
Pre-Storm Inspection Checklist
Weather Seals: Inspect the rubber seals along the sides and bottom of your garage door. Cracked, brittle, or missing seals allow wind-driven rain to enter and reduce your door's wind resistance. Replace damaged seals before storm season.
Track Alignment: Misaligned tracks weaken your door's ability to withstand wind pressure. Run the door through a complete cycle and listen for scraping or observe any wobbling. Professional track adjustment ensures optimal wind resistance.
Spring Tension: Properly tensioned springs help your door seal tightly against the frame. If your door doesn't close completely or leaves gaps at the bottom, your springs may need adjustment. This is always a job for professionals due to the extreme tension involved.
Opener Function: Your opener's force settings should be calibrated correctly. An opener that's set too weak won't hold the door in place against wind pressure. Test by trying to lift the closed door manually—it should resist significantly.
Reinforcement Options
Hurricane Braces: For homes in coastal areas or those particularly exposed to wind, permanent or removable hurricane braces add significant wind resistance. These horizontal braces attach to the inside of each panel, preventing the door from bowing inward under pressure.
Impact-Resistant Doors: If you're due for a door replacement, consider an impact-rated garage door. These doors are tested to withstand flying debris at high speeds and meet strict wind resistance standards. While more expensive upfront, they may reduce your insurance premiums.
Threshold Seals: A heavy-duty threshold seal prevents water from flowing under the door during heavy rain. This is especially important for garages at or below grade level.
Emergency Preparation Steps
When a major storm is approaching, take these additional precautions:
1. Disconnect the opener. In case of power outage, you'll need to operate the door manually. Know how to release the emergency cord and practice operating the door by hand before you need to do it in an emergency.
2. Install temporary bracing. If you don't have permanent hurricane braces, 2x4 lumber can be cut to fit horizontally across the inside of the door panels. Secure them with brackets mounted to the door frame.
3. Park vehicles inside. Your car is safer inside the garage than in the driveway where it can be hit by flying debris—or become flying debris itself.
4. Clear the area. Remove anything near the garage door that could become a projectile in high winds. This includes trash cans, lawn furniture, and decorations.
Post-Storm Inspection
After any significant storm, inspect your garage door before using it. Look for visible damage, dents, or bowing in the panels. Check that the door opens and closes smoothly. If anything seems off, don't force it—call a professional for an inspection.
Even if the door appears fine, hidden damage can exist. Storms can affect track alignment, spring tension, and opener function in ways that aren't immediately visible. Annual professional inspections become even more important after a severe weather season.
Conclusion
Taking time to prepare your garage door before storm season can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and keep your family safe. If you're unsure about your garage door's storm readiness, Roxbury Garage Doors offers comprehensive storm preparation inspections. We'll identify vulnerabilities and recommend the most cost-effective solutions to protect your home.