It is hurricane season again! According to the Weather Channel, this year will be a lot busier than last. With updated, above-average numbers, it is time to make sure you are prepared. If you live in a location where you might receive hurricanes or high winds, protecting your garage door is essential. The garage door is normally one of the first things that gets destroyed – and since it is the largest moving door on your house, reinforcement of your garage door makes economic sense and is relatively easy to do.
What exactly happens to your garage door if it is not prepared for a hurricane or high winds? The high winds build up pressure in your garage which causes it to blow down – sometimes it causes the entire house structure to collapse.
Here are some tips to make sure you are prepared:
- Determine if you are in a hurricane or high-wind region. Depending on where you live, you might not need to worry about high winds. Researching which weather region your home is located will help you determine how to best prepare your garage door.
- Understand the capabilities and restraints of your current garage door. If you did not buy the garage door, it is important to research what you have so you can make the necessary changes and updates.
- Reinforce your garage door. If you do not have a hurricane-resistant, or wind-load garage door, make sure you properly reinforce your garage door with extra strut. This is something you can do right before a hurricane and take them down when the hurricane has passed. To do this, you will need to install at least one, if not several, extra struts that span from the floor to the ceiling. If you don’t have horizontal struts you may want to add one per panel. Make sure to consider the actual test load as well as possible wind speeds. Talk to a service technician if you are unsure of how to install these or want to know if your door is up to code.
Take time now to make sure you are protected in the future. For garage door reinforcement options, click here.
