2024-01-08 7 min read
# Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips
Oregon's storm season brings wind, rain, and sometimes severe weather that can test even the sturdiest garage doors. Your garage door is the largest moving part of your home and often the weakest point during storms. Proper preparation can protect your home, vehicles, and belongings from weather damage.
During severe storms, garage doors face multiple threats. High winds can create pressure differences that force doors inward or outward. Driving rain can penetrate gaps and seals, leading to water damage. Flying debris can dent panels and damage components.
A failed garage door during a storm can have cascading effects on your entire home. Once the garage door gives way, wind and rain can enter, creating uplift pressure on your roof and potentially causing structural damage throughout the house.
The weatherstripping around your garage door is your first line of defense against water intrusion. Over time, these rubber and vinyl seals crack, shrink, and lose their effectiveness.
Start by examining the bottom seal.the rubber strip that contacts the floor when the door closes. It should form a complete seal without visible gaps. If you can see daylight between the seal and the floor, it's time for replacement.
Check the weatherstripping on the sides and top of the door frame as well. Press against these seals; they should be flexible and resilient, not hard and cracked. Compressed or damaged weatherstripping allows water and cold air to enter your garage.
Weatherstripping replacement is offered as part of maintenance services. New seals can dramatically improve your garage's weather resistance and energy efficiency.
Standard garage doors may not be rated for high wind speeds. If you live in an area prone to severe storms, consider these reinforcement options.
Horizontal bracing kits strengthen the door panels against wind pressure. These steel supports attach to the back of each panel section, preventing the door from flexing and potentially failing during high winds.
Vertical bracing provides additional rigidity from top to bottom. Combined with horizontal reinforcement, this creates a significantly stronger door structure.
For maximum protection, wind-rated garage doors are designed and tested to withstand specific wind speeds. If you're due for a door replacement, consider upgrading to a wind-resistant model.an investment that can pay off significantly during severe weather.
Your garage door opener plays a crucial role during storms. You need reliable operation to secure your door before storms hit and access your garage afterward.
Test your opener's battery backup system if equipped. Many modern openers include battery backup that allows operation during power outages.a common occurrence during storms. If your opener lacks this feature, consider upgrading or installing an external battery backup system.
Check that your opener's manual release works properly. If you lose power and don't have battery backup, you'll need to operate the door manually using the emergency release cord. Practice this process before you actually need it.
Before storm season, organize your garage to minimize potential problems. Secure or store items that could become projectiles in high winds if the door fails or opens unexpectedly.
Move valuable items away from the garage door area. Water can seep under even well-sealed doors during extreme rain, and you don't want important belongings in the splash zone.
Ensure hazardous materials like pesticides, fuel, and paint are stored securely. If water does enter your garage, you don't want these substances spreading.
Water pooling near your garage door accelerates seal deterioration and can lead to flooding. Before storm season, ensure proper drainage away from your garage.
Check that the concrete apron in front of your door slopes away from the opening. If water tends to pond near your garage, consider having the concrete graded or installing a trench drain.
Clear gutters and downspouts that direct water near your garage. Consider extending downspouts to carry water further from your foundation and garage entrance.
Trim trees and shrubs near your garage. Overhanging branches can break off during storms and damage your door, while dense vegetation can trap moisture against the building.
The best storm preparation includes a professional inspection. Technicians can identify vulnerabilities you might miss and recommend appropriate solutions.
During a storm prep inspection, professionals check:
- Door balance and alignment, Spring condition and tension, Hardware tightness and wear, Panel integrity and damage, Weatherstripping effectiveness, Opener operation and safety features, Track condition and mounting
A single inspection typically takes 30-45 minutes and can prevent costly storm damage. Many issues identified are easily addressed with minor repairs or adjustments.
Once severe weather passes, inspect your garage door before using it. Look for visible damage to panels, dents from debris, or water intrusion. Listen for unusual sounds during operation that might indicate hidden damage.
If your door was damaged, don't attempt to operate it until a professional inspects the system. Operating a damaged door can cause additional problems and safety hazards.
Emergency service for storm damage is available. If your garage door is compromised after severe weather, prompt assistance can help secure your home and get your door functioning safely again.
Preparing your garage door for storm season takes just a few hours but can save you thousands in damage repairs. Start your preparation today, and face Oregon's storms with confidence.