Hurricane Preparedness for Garage Doors: How to Keep Your Home Safe This Season
As hurricane season rolls in along Florida’s Gulf Coast, your garage door is more than a convenience – it’s a crucial bulwark against wind, rain, and flying debris. At Bayside Garage Doors, we’re dedicated to helping you fortify this vital entry point so you and your property stay protected. Here’s how to make sure your garage door is ready when Florida’s most powerful storms arrive.
1. Understand the Stakes: Why the Garage Door Matters
- Critical weakest point: The garage door often represents the largest opening in your home. If it gives way, storm forces can enter, increasing pressure and potentially causing structural failure.
- Wind load zones matter: In Florida, wind load requirements vary by location. For instance, Palm Beach County may require doors rated for 160 PSF (WP5i), while Tampa Areas, Miami-Dade and the Keys may need up to WP10i for 180+ PSF winds.
2. Inspect & Maintain Before the Storm
Before a hurricane threatens, perform a thorough inspection:
- Visual check: Look for rust, cracks, warped panels, and ensure all brackets, tracks, and bolts are secure.
- Hardware health: Upgrade heavy-duty rollers, hinges, and tracks if needed – these components help your door withstand high winds.
- Seal the gaps: Water infiltration can start with tiny cracks. Replace weatherstripping and seal exposed edges to keep out rain and wind.
3. Reinforce or Replace: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Upgrade to Hurricane-Rated Doors
- These are built with reinforced steel or heavy-duty materials and tested to resist debris impacts (like a 2×4 at 34 mph) and high winds.
- Installing a properly rated door not only provides better protection but may also reduce insurance premiums.
Add Garage Door Brace Kits
- Ideal for homeowners not ready for a full replacement, these kits include steel or aluminum posts that attach to your door and anchor it firmly to the floor and header.
4. Smart Practice Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Keep your garage clear of debris, patio furniture, or yard items that could become projectiles.
- Close and secure the garage door well in advance. Avoid leaving it open to “equalize pressure” – this is a dangerous myth.
- Consider temporary flood defenses like sandbags or barriers if you’re in a flood-prone area.
Don’t:
- Add random weight to your door (e.g., heavy bracing without proper reinforcement), as this can unbalance the system and cause failures.
5. Take Advantage of Expert Help
- Annual tune-ups keep your system functioning smoothly—especially useful before storm season. Check out Bayside Garage Door Tune-up Specials, here.
- Hire a professional (like Bayside!) for assessments and installations of bracing systems or hurricane-rated doors to ensure everything complies with safety standards and building codes.
6. Beyond Doors: Seal & Defend Your Home
Sealing exterior openings – including vents, skylights, sliding doors, and your garage door – is a low-cost, high-impact way to minimize water intrusion and structural damage. Additionally, using caulk or temporary PVC board barriers can effectively block floodwater from entering your home.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
At Bayside Garage Doors, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your property before the next storm strikes. Whether you’re considering a hurricane-rated door upgrade or a brace installation, we’re here to make the process easy, reliable – and storm-ready.Dealing with a squeaky door, issues with opening or closing, or just thinking it might be time for a change? Call us today @ (813) 670-2087 to Schedule Service, or to take advantage of our Garage Door Tune-up Specials!