7 min read
Living in eastern North Carolina means dealing with storm season every year. From tropical storms to nor'easters, our region faces weather that can test even the sturdiest home components. Your garage door, often the largest moving part of your home, deserves special attention when preparing for severe weather.
Garage doors present a unique vulnerability during storms. Their large surface area catches wind like a sail, and the pressure differences between inside and outside your garage can be significant during high winds. If a garage door fails during a storm, the sudden pressure change inside your home can cause roof and wall damage, potentially leading to catastrophic structural failure.
The standard garage doors found on most homes weren't designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. In fact, many building codes in hurricane-prone areas now require wind-rated doors or reinforcement systems. Even if your local code doesn't mandate these features, upgrading your door's wind resistance is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Before storm season arrives, conduct a thorough inspection of your garage door system. Start by examining the tracks for any bends, dents, or debris that could prevent smooth operation. Damaged tracks can cause the door to bind or come off the track entirely during high winds.
Check the weather stripping around the door's perimeter. This seal not only keeps out rain and drafts but also helps maintain the pressure balance that keeps your door secure during storms. Replace any cracked, torn, or missing weatherstripping promptly.
Inspect the springs and cables for signs of wear, rust, or damage. These components are under tremendous tension and can fail suddenly, especially under storm stress. Never attempt to adjust or replace springs yourself.this is a job for professionals with the right tools and training.
Test the automatic opener's safety features, including the auto-reverse function and the photo-eye sensors. These should work perfectly to prevent the door from closing on objects or people. During storms, you may need to operate the door multiple times, so reliable safety features are essential.
For homes in high-wind areas, consider installing a garage door bracing system. These horizontal and vertical braces attach to the door panels and help distribute wind pressure across the entire door surface. They're relatively affordable and can be installed on most existing doors.
Impact-resistant garage doors are another option, especially if you're due for a replacement. These doors are designed and tested to withstand debris impacts and high winds. They typically feature reinforced frames, impact-resistant panels, and heavy-duty components throughout.
As a storm approaches, ensure your garage door is in full working order. Test it several times to confirm smooth operation. If you notice any hesitation, grinding, or binding, call a professional immediately rather than risk being stuck with a non-functional door during or after the storm.
Don't attempt to manually operate your garage door during high winds.the pressure differential makes this extremely difficult and potentially dangerous. If you lose power during a storm, leave your door alone until power is restored and it's safe to operate.
Stock supplies in case you need to shelter in place, and consider keeping important documents and valuables away from the garage area during severe weather predictions.