7 min read
Living in Marion and the Cape Cod area means experiencing powerful storms, from nor'easters to the occasional hurricane. Your garage door.often the largest opening in your home.is particularly vulnerable during severe weather. A failed garage door can lead to catastrophic damage as wind pressure enters your home and potentially lifts the roof. Proper preparation is essential for protecting your family and property.
Garage doors face two primary threats during storms: wind pressure and flying debris. Wind pressure can cause a standard garage door to bow inward or blow out entirely, especially if the door has a high wind load against it. Once the garage is breached, wind enters the home, creating internal pressure that can blow out windows and lift roofs.
Flying debris poses an equally serious threat. Branches, lawn furniture, and construction materials become projectiles in high winds, capable of puncturing standard garage door panels. Even small holes compromise the door's structural integrity during continued wind exposure.
Before storm season arrives, conduct a thorough inspection of your garage door system. Start with the door panels themselves. Look for cracks, dents, rust spots, or any areas where the material has weakened. Pay special attention to the bottom section, which often suffers the most wear from daily use and exposure to elements.
Inspect the Hardware:
- Check all hinges for rust or loose mounting, Examine rollers for cracks or flat spots, Test the spring tension by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door manually, Look for frayed or worn cables, Verify that tracks are properly aligned and securely mounted
Test the Weatherstripping:
The rubber seal along the bottom and sides of your door prevents water infiltration. Cracked, brittle, or missing weatherstripping should be replaced before storm season. This simple upgrade significantly reduces water damage risk during heavy rain.
Reinforcement Kits
For homeowners in high-wind areas, garage door reinforcement kits provide excellent protection. These kits typically include horizontal bracing bars that attach to the door panels and vertical supports that connect the door to the track system. Properly installed reinforcement can help a standard door withstand hurricane-force winds.
Impact-Resistant Doors
If you're considering a new garage door, look for models rated for wind resistance. These doors feature reinforced panels, stronger tracks, and heavy-duty hardware designed to withstand severe weather. While more expensive upfront, they provide peace of mind and may qualify for insurance discounts.
Secondary Locking Systems
Your garage door opener's standard locking mechanism may not withstand extreme wind pressure. Consider adding slide bolt locks that engage with the track, or a drop bar that anchors the door to the floor. These secondary locks provide backup protection if the primary system fails.
When a storm is approaching, take these steps to minimize damage potential:
24-48 Hours Before the Storm:
1. Clear your garage of items that could become projectiles if the door fails 2. Move vehicles inside or to a protected location 3. Ensure your garage door opener is functioning properly 4. Test the manual release mechanism 5. Secure loose items both inside and outside the garage
Immediately Before the Storm:
1. Disconnect the garage door opener to prevent it from activating during power surges 2. Engage all locks, including any secondary locking systems 3. If you have a reinforcement kit, ensure all braces are properly installed 4. Close and lock any interior doors between the garage and living space
If your garage door sustains storm damage, safety comes first. Don't attempt to operate a visibly damaged door.the springs and cables may be under dangerous tension. If the door is stuck partially open, cover the opening with tarps or plywood to secure your home until repairs can be made.
Contact a professional garage door company as soon as safely possible after the storm. At Garage Door Marion, we prioritize emergency storm damage repairs and can typically respond within hours of the storm passing. Document all damage with photos for insurance purposes before any repairs begin.
Even if your door appears undamaged, have it professionally inspected after any significant storm. Hidden damage to springs, tracks, or the opener can cause failures later. Our technicians will check the entire system and make any necessary adjustments to ensure safe operation.
Many homeowners' insurance policies cover storm damage to garage doors, but coverage varies. Review your policy before storm season and consider additional coverage if you're in a high-risk area. Keep records of your door's model, installation date, and any upgrades you've made.this information speeds the claims process.
Storm preparation for your garage door is an investment in your home's protection. The relatively small cost of reinforcement, maintenance, and proper preparation pales in comparison to the potential damage from a failed garage door during severe weather. Don't wait until a storm is approaching.contact Garage Door Marion today at (508) 501-9683 to schedule a storm readiness inspection.