2024-01-10 7 min read
Living in Central Florida means dealing with storm season every year. From tropical storms to full-blown hurricanes, our region faces some of the most intense weather in the country. Your garage door is often the largest and most vulnerable opening in your home, making it a critical focus point for storm preparation. A garage door failure during a storm can lead to catastrophic damage to your entire home due to pressure changes and wind intrusion. This guide will help you understand how to properly prepare your garage door for storm season.
Many homeowners don't realize that the garage door plays a crucial role in protecting their entire home during high winds. When a garage door fails during a storm—whether it blows in or out—it creates a large opening that allows wind to enter your home. This sudden pressurization can lift the roof, blow out windows, and cause walls to collapse. Studies have shown that homes with garage door failures during hurricanes sustain significantly more damage than those with doors that remain intact.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) specifically identifies garage doors as one of the weakest points in a home's defense against hurricanes. This is why Florida building codes now require garage doors in high-wind zones to meet specific impact and pressure ratings.
Before storm season arrives, take time to evaluate your existing garage door. Start by checking the age and condition of your door. Older doors may not meet current wind-load requirements. Look for signs of wear including rust, dents, cracked panels, or deteriorating weatherstripping. Test the door's balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door—it should lift easily and stay in place when partially open.
Check the tracks, rollers, and hinges for wear or damage. Examine the springs for signs of corrosion or stretching. Inspect the bottom seal and weatherstripping around all edges. Look at the door's hardware, including the track brackets and mounting bolts.
If your garage door doesn't meet current wind-load requirements, you have several options for reinforcement. The most effective solution is replacing the door with a wind-rated model. Modern impact-resistant garage doors are engineered to withstand high winds and flying debris. They feature reinforced panels, heavy-duty tracks, and upgraded hardware designed to handle hurricane conditions.
For existing doors, retrofit bracing kits are available that can improve wind resistance. These typically include horizontal struts that attach to the back of the door panels, vertical center posts, and upgraded track brackets. While not as effective as a purpose-built wind-rated door, properly installed bracing can significantly improve your door's storm performance.
When a storm is approaching, take these steps to prepare your garage door:
First, clear the garage of any items that could become projectiles if the door fails. Store valuable items away from the garage or elevate them in case of flooding. Disconnect your automatic garage door opener—you don't want the door to open during a storm due to a power surge or interference.
If you have a wind-rated door or bracing, ensure all components are properly engaged. Some systems require manual activation before a storm. For non-rated doors, consider using your car parked inside the garage as additional bracing by positioning it close to the door.
Once the storm passes, inspect your garage door before operating it. Look for visible damage to panels, tracks, and hardware. Check that the door is still properly aligned in the tracks. If you notice any damage or the door doesn't operate smoothly, do not force it—call a professional for inspection and repair.
At Garage Door Sorrento, we offer comprehensive storm preparation services including complete door inspections, wind-load bracing installation, impact-resistant door installation, and post-storm damage repair. Our technicians are familiar with Florida building codes and can ensure your garage door meets all requirements for your wind zone. Check out our track alignment guide for related maintenance tips.
Don't wait until a storm is approaching to think about your garage door. Contact us today or call (352) 764-6320 to schedule a storm readiness assessment. We've been protecting homes in Mount Dora, Clermont, Leesburg, and all of Lake County for over 26 years.