Tips for Protecting Garage Doors From Extreme Weather

How to Keep Garage Doors Safe From Extreme Weather

Bracing and Securing Garage Doors

Garage doors should have either active or passive reinforcement systems. Active systems are reinforcements you must put in place before a high-wind event. Passive systems are built into the product. The best way to fix weak doors is to replace them with better ones that meet building codes. If this cannot be done, there are ways to strengthen the door.

You can use steel or wood to add to an existing bracing system. You can purchase brace kits at many building or home improvement stores or order them online. Call a local garage door service if you need help installing a steel or wood door bracing kit. These kits will keep strong winds from damaging your door’s frame, moving parts, and garage door panels.

Protecting the Garage From Flooding

Like any other building, your garage could get water damage during floods. In addition, the flood could damage parts of your garage door, such as the track and the photo-eye sensor. So, how do you prevent floods from damaging your garage door?

Make sure that the space between the garage door and the floor is not big enough for water to get underneath the door. Also, ensure that there is weather stripping around the door and at the bottom of the door. If the garage door weatherstripping is broken or has come loose from the door, replace it. 

Put a flood barrier against the bottom of the door to protect the weatherstripping from floodwater. Also, putting sandbags around the garage can keep it from getting flooded for a short time. Sandbags are especially important for closing the space between the floor and the garage door’s bottom.

Replacing Garage Doors With More Robust Ones

Many people have garage doors that are not strong enough to withstand strong winds during a storm. As a result, the doors can buckle or bend, making them dangerous to open or close. A steel door with extra support will likely hold up in bad weather.

A professional installer will be able to assess your current door and provide detailed advice based on local weather conditions and building codes. They can also suggest options designed with reinforced frames and construction to protect against heavy weather conditions. With their expertise, you can select a reliable, long-lasting garage door.