Preparing Your Garage Door for Extreme Weather

Extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, snow, and even hurricanes, can severely test the strength and durability of your garage door. As the largest moving part of your home, the garage door needs special attention and preparation to withstand these elements. At Advance Garage Doors, we specialize in providing top-quality services to ensure your garage door is well-prepared for any weather it might face. In this blog post, we will discuss essential steps and tips to prepare your garage door for extreme weather, ensuring its longevity and functionality.

Protecting Your Garage Door from Extreme Weather

Conduct a Thorough Inspection

The first step in preparing your garage door for extreme weather is to conduct a thorough inspection of the entire system. Look for signs of wear and tear on the garage door springs, cables, rollers, and panels. Check for rust on steel doors, which can weaken the overall structure. Ensure that all parts are in good working condition, and consider scheduling a professional inspection if you are unsure about the system’s integrity.

Strengthen the Garage Door

For areas prone to hurricanes and high winds, reinforcing your garage door is crucial. You can strengthen your garage door by installing a bracing system, which provides additional support against wind forces. Another effective measure is to replace your existing garage door with one that is specifically designed to withstand extreme weather, such as wind-rated doors.

Improve Weather Sealing

A tight seal on your garage door can prevent water and cold air from entering the garage, which is especially important in cold weather conditions. Replace any worn-out weather stripping around the garage door to keep out rain and prevent cold drafts. Additionally, installing a door sweep at the bottom of the door can help block water and debris from sliding underneath.

Insulate Your Garage Door

Insulation is not only beneficial for maintaining temperature control inside the garage but also adds an extra layer of protection against extreme temperatures. Consider adding insulation panels to your existing garage door or upgrading to a new unit that comes pre-insulated. Foam board or batt insulation are good options for enhancing the door’s ability to withstand cold temperatures.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your garage door’s operation remains smooth and reliable, particularly during extreme weather. Regularly inspect and lubricate moving parts, such as the garage door opener and springs, to prevent malfunctions that could be exacerbated by cold weather or moisture. Regular maintenance also includes clearing debris from the tracks and making sure the door is properly balanced.

Prepare for Power Outages

Extreme weather often brings power outages that can disable electric garage door openers. To prepare for this, ensure you know how to manually operate your garage door. Most garage door openers come with a manual release handle that allows you to open and close the door without power. Test this feature regularly to ensure it works when needed.

Secure Loose Items

Secure loose items and tools in your garage that could become flying debris during storms. Organize and store items in cabinets or secure them to the walls. This helps protect your vehicles from harm, while also keeping your family safe if you have to go in there during a storm. 

Before a storm hits, it’s crucial to secure any items outside your home to prevent them from becoming airborne and causing damage to your garage door or other parts of your property. Items such as patio furniture, gardening tools, and sports equipment can be thrown against garage doors with significant force when carried by strong winds, potentially denting or even breaking them. To safeguard your garage door, store smaller items indoors and anchor larger objects securely to the ground. 

Stay Informed and Ready

Always stay informed about upcoming extreme weather events by monitoring local weather reports. Knowing when a storm is expected allows you ample time to perform necessary preparations and secure your garage and home against potential damage.

Contact Us for Garage Door Services in Fayetteville, NC

At Advance Garage Doors in Fayetteville, NC, we are committed to helping you prepare your garage door for any extreme weather conditions. Our professional services include repairs, installation, and regular maintenance that can enhance the resilience of your garage door against harsh weather. If you’re looking to upgrade your garage door system or need expert advice on weatherproofing your garage, contact us today. Let us help you ensure that when the next storm arrives, your garage is ready and secure. In this blog post, discover how Advance Garage Doors can assist you in effectively preparing your garage door for extreme weather.