Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips

7 min read

In the Pacific Northwest, storm season can bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and occasionally ice and snow. Your garage door is one of the largest openings in your home, and if it fails during a storm, it can lead to significant damage to your property and belongings. Here's how to prepare your garage door for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

Why Storm Preparation Matters

Your garage door is more than just an entrance for your vehicle, it's a crucial barrier protecting your home. A garage door that fails during a storm can allow wind and water to enter your home, potentially causing:

• Structural damage from wind pressure changes
• Water damage to stored items, vehicles, and interior spaces
• Debris intrusion that can damage property or cause injury
• Complete door failure that leaves your home vulnerable

Taking time to prepare before storm season arrives can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations later.

Inspect Your Weather Seals

The rubber weather stripping around your garage door creates a barrier against wind, rain, and debris. Over time, these seals can crack, shrink, or pull away from the door.

Inspect the bottom seal along the floor, it should compress evenly when the door is closed without gaps. Check the side seals (if equipped) and the top seal where the door meets the header. Any damaged or deteriorated seals should be replaced before storm season.

Quality weather seals also help with energy efficiency, keeping cold air out during winter months. If you're noticing drafts or increased energy bills, worn seals may be the culprit.

Test and Maintain the Opening System

Your garage door opener needs to be reliable, especially during emergencies. Test the following:

• Manual release: Every family member should know how to use the emergency release cord to open the door manually during power outages.
• Battery backup: If your opener has battery backup capability, ensure the battery is charged and functional.
• Remote batteries: Replace batteries in all remotes and keypads to ensure reliable operation.
• Safety sensors: Test that the auto-reverse function works properly.

Reinforce Your Door

Standard garage doors may need additional reinforcement to withstand high winds. Consider these options:

Horizontal Bracing

Adding horizontal struts to the back of your garage door panels can significantly increase rigidity and wind resistance. This is especially important for wider doors (16 feet or more) and older single-layer doors.

Vertical Bracing

For extreme wind areas, vertical bracing can be added between the horizontal struts for maximum strength. This creates a grid pattern that distributes wind pressure across the entire door surface.

Impact-Resistant Doors

If you're in a high-risk area or your door is aging, consider upgrading to a wind-rated or impact-resistant garage door. Modern doors are engineered and tested to withstand specific wind speeds and pressure differentials.

Secure Loose Items

Strong winds can pick up loose items and turn them into dangerous projectiles. Before a storm:

• Secure or store outdoor furniture, decorations, and garden tools
• Ensure garbage cans are secured or stored inside
• Remove or secure any items near the garage door that could blow into it
• Organize items inside the garage away from the door

Check Springs and Hardware

The springs, cables, hinges, and rollers that operate your door are under constant stress. Before storm season:

• Listen for unusual sounds during operation
• Watch for jerky or uneven movement
• Check for visible rust or wear on springs and cables
• Ensure all bolts and brackets are tight

Important: Never attempt to adjust or repair garage door springs yourself, they're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Always call a professional for spring-related issues.

Create an Emergency Plan

Ensure everyone in your household knows:

• How to manually operate the garage door during power outages
• Where emergency supplies are stored
• When to seek shelter away from the garage during severe storms
• How to contact emergency services and your garage door professional

Professional Pre-Storm Inspection

At Garage Door Turner, we offer comprehensive pre-storm inspections that include checking all mechanical components, testing safety features, inspecting weather seals, and making any necessary adjustments or repairs. Our technicians can also recommend specific reinforcement options based on your door type and local conditions.

Don't wait until the storm warning is issued, contact us today to ensure your garage door is ready for anything.

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