Hurricane season is a real concern for homeowners. Protecting your property is important for your peace of mind. One often overlooked area is the garage door. Fortifying this with hurricane-proof garage doors offers significant protection.

Understanding Hurricane Proof Garage Doors

A standard garage door can become a major weakness during a hurricane. High winds can cause it to buckle or even detach, leading to extensive internal damage due to pressure imbalances. FEMA points out that garage doors are a main point of failure during hurricanes. This is why wind rated garage doors play a critical role.

How They Work

Hurricane proof garage doors have heavier-duty components and special features. These include reinforced tracks, stronger hinges, and multiple layers of steel. These features increase wind resistance, enabling them to withstand high wind pressures.

These impact garage doors often include impact-resistant glass. These windows are built to hold up against debris.

Choosing the Right Hurricane Proof Garage Door

Selecting a suitable hurricane proof garage door involves many factors.

Local Building Codes and Wind Speed

Different regions have different building codes relating to wind load. It’s essential to know your local building code requirements before buying a hurricane proof garage door.

Coastal homes experience higher wind speeds and debris impacts. Reinforcing these residential garage doors with heavy-duty components is crucial. Impact resistant garage doors handle wind and debris impacts effectively.

Door Construction

Consider the door’s construction, including materials like steel, aluminum, or wood. Insulation is also a factor. Heavy-gauge steel tracks are crucial for garage door safety. Some residential garage doors mimic the look of wood while offering low-maintenance and durability.

Carriage house style doors offer an attractive aesthetic. These overhead sectional doors can be designed to meet wind load requirements.

Garage Door Opener

An automatic garage door opener designed for hurricane conditions adds functionality during power outages. This makes operation easier even without power.

Installation and Maintenance for Hurricane Proof Garage Doors

Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential. Correct installation is critical for hurricane proof garage doors to perform in severe weather.

Installation

Have a garage door manufacturer install your hurricane-proof garage doors. Ensure reinforced posts are securely attached to walls and trusses. Use corrosion-resistant parts to minimize wind, debris, and water damage.

Maintenance

Perform regular maintenance before hurricane season. Inspect gaskets for damage, replace worn hinges, and check tracks for proper alignment. This preventative maintenance enhances the durability and performance of your hurricane-proof garage doors. It also extends their lifespan.

The Cost of Hurricane Proof Garage Doors

While hurricane-proof garage doors require a higher initial investment, they provide long-term safety and savings. They protect against costly hurricane damage. Insurance providers often offer premium discounts for homes with hurricane resistant garage doors.

Hurricane-resistant products, such as wind load rated garage doors and impact-resistant garage doors, can qualify for incentives, reducing upfront costs.

Compared to standard homes, those equipped with hurricane resistant garage doors are better prepared for intense storms. They withstand higher wind speeds and impacts from debris, protecting the structure and contents. This makes wind rated garage doors, a crucial element in hurricane prone areas, a worthwhile investment for increased protection and peace of mind.

FAQs about hurricane proof garage doors

Do they make hurricane proof garage doors?

Yes, manufacturers design garage doors specifically for hurricane-force winds and impacts.

How do I hurricane proof my garage door?

Reinforce your existing garage door or replace it with a hurricane-proof model. A garage door manufacturer can advise on suitable options.

How much is a hurricane proof garage door?

The cost varies depending on size, features, and materials. Hurricane proof garage doors typically cost more than standard doors but offer long-term savings. These overhead sectional doors may qualify for discounts and protect against future repairs.

How do I know if my garage door is hurricane proof?

Check for labels indicating compliance with wind load standards. Consult a garage door specialist for an assessment. FEMA provides valuable information on hurricane safety protocols. Make sure your chosen model meets local building codes and provides adequate protection.

Conclusion

Hurricane-proof garage doors are a crucial aspect of home protection during hurricanes. They safeguard your belongings and the structural integrity of your house. Choosing and maintaining a hurricane-proof garage door provides safety and potential cost savings from repairs. It offers peace of mind, making it a valuable investment.

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