Tips for Securing Your Garage Door Ahead of an Impending Storm
In the moments before a storm hits, you have precious minutes to prepare — often just seconds! In those ticking moments, you’re trying to get your family to safety and protect your most valuable asset: your home. So, what happens when you have a rickety old garage door and the winds whipping like a hurricane is about to come through?
It’s time to hit the ground running with these tips for the next time you see a powerful storm on the forecast. Commonwealth Garage Door is here to show you how a few simple steps can prevent you from losing your garage door in a fight with Mother Nature.
Give Your Garage Door a Thorough Inspection
The first step in preparing for severe weather is making sure your garage door is in good working order. Walk around the inside and outside of the door, looking for anything that seems out of place.
That means paying close attention to:
- Dented or cracked door panels
- Loose hinges or brackets
- Bent or damaged tracks
- Rusted hardware
- Frayed cables
- Worn rollers
Even a small issue that seems harmless on a sunny afternoon can become a much bigger problem once strong winds begin pushing against the door. If you notice anything unusual, scheduling repairs before the storm arrives is much easier than dealing with emergency damage afterward.
Test Your Garage Door Opener Before the Weather Turns
Imagine losing power during a storm only to discover your garage door opener wasn't working correctly in the first place. That's not exactly the surprise anyone hopes for.
Before bad weather arrives, take a look at:
- Open and close the garage door several times.
- Test the automatic reverse safety feature.
- Make sure the emergency release cord operates properly.
- If your opener has a battery backup, verify that it's charged and functioning.
At Commonwealth Garage Door, we service garage door openers for all makes and models, helping homeowners throughout Central Virginia ensure reliable operation when they need it most.
Replace Worn Weather Seals Before Heavy Rain Arrives
Your garage door's weatherstripping is its first line of defense against rain and debris.
Inspect the rubber seal along the bottom of the door and the weatherstripping around the sides and top. If you notice cracks, gaps, brittleness, or sections pulling away from the frame, it's time for replacement.
Don’t let the threat of a storm prevent you from fixing this issue, though. Fresh strips can do plenty for your home, despite the low investment! Of course, you’ll be keeping rainwater out of your garage. This wonder product also reduces drafts and moisture on top of preventing leaves and other debris from blowing inside. Do you have a pest problem? Weather stripping can also discourage pets and insects from finding a new residence in your home. Replacing weatherstripping is one of the simplest garage door storm preparation tasks you can complete, yet it can help prevent costly water damage later.
Consider Upgrading an Older Garage Door
If your garage door has been faithfully serving your home for decades, it may be worth considering a replacement before severe weather puts it to the test.
With a new garage door, you’ll have something sturdier, more reliable, infinitely more secure, and will give your curb appeal a significant boost.
Commonwealth Garage Door, of course, installs quality garage doors from trusted manufacturers including CHI, Clopay, and Amarr, giving homeowners durable options designed for years of dependable performance.
Protect Your Home Before the Storm Arrives
Storms are unpredictable. Your preparation doesn't have to be.
Following these garage door storm safety tips can help reduce the risk of costly damage while giving you greater peace of mind when severe weather is on the radar. From inspecting hardware and replacing weather seals to scheduling professional repairs or upgrading an aging system, a little preparation today can save significant headaches tomorrow.
If your garage door isn't operating the way it should, don't wait until the forecast includes thunderstorms and high winds. Contact us today to schedule an inspection, repair, or replacement.
