While smart locks, alarms, and security camera systems have become common choices to protect our homes, one essential component of home security is often overlooked: the garage door. And when natural disasters strike, your garage door also plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your home.
The problem is natural disasters are unpredictable. From sudden hurricanes to flash floods, there’s no telling when or how these events will occur. That’s why being proactive is crucial when it comes to weatherproofing garage doors.
Keep reading to learn how different natural disasters could affect your garage door and tips on preparing it for emergencies.
This is What Can Happen to Your Garage Door During Natural Disasters
Storms and Hurricanes
Powerful winds associated with hurricanes and tropical storms can exert immense pressure on garage doors, which could cause them to buckle, bow, or even get blown off their tracks. Tree branches and debris carried by the wind can also dent or damage garage door panels and hardware.
Also, lightning strikes during severe storms can cause electrical surges that may damage garage door opener systems, and large hail can dent garage door panels.
Floods
Flooding in your garage door can lead to water damage, rust, and corrosion of the door’s components. Moreover, floodwaters can carry debris that may block or jam the garage door, preventing it from opening and closing properly.
Tornadoes
One of nature’s most violent storms, tornadoes generate extremely strong winds capable of lifting garage doors from their tracks or causing structural damage to the garage itself. This natural disaster often results in airborne debris that can strike garage doors, leading to severe damage.
Snowstorms and Extreme Cold
Extremely low temperatures can affect the lubrication and movement of garage door components, leading to operation issues. Additionally, snow and ice can accumulate on garage doors during snowstorms, weighing them down and potentially causing them to malfunction.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes can result in structural stress to garage structures, which could cause garage doors to become misaligned or damaged. Sudden jolts from earthquakes can also damage garage door opener systems.
Wildfires
Proximity to wildfires can expose garage doors to intense heat and smoke, potentially warping or damaging the door’s materials. Additionally, accumulated ash and soot from these natural disasters can require maintenance.
Tips for Garage Door Safety During Natural Disasters
Reinforce the Door
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider investing in hurricane-resistant garage doors. These doors are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris. If you have a standard garage door, retrofitting it with hurricane braces or reinforcement kits will help enhance its strength and durability in the case of these storms.
If you want more guidance on emergency garage door preparation, contact Blue Chip Garage Doors – our team will help you make your garage door as safe as possible for you and your family.
Emergency Release Mechanism
It’s crucial to familiarize yourself and your family members with the garage’s emergency release mechanism, usually a red cord or handle that disengages the door from the opener and allows for manual operation. Practice using it so everyone knows how to operate it in an emergency.
Weatherproof Seals and Insulation
Weatherproof seals, also known as weatherstripping, serve as a barrier against the entry of rain, snow, moisture, and debris. Ensure the weatherstripping around the garage door is in good condition to ensure a dry and safe environment during flooding, heavy rains, or hurricanes.
Adequate insulation is also essential to preserve your garage’s structural integrity. Well-insulated garage doors are less likely to warp, crack, or become damaged during extreme temperature fluctuations, which can occur during natural disasters like wildfires or extreme cold.
Backup Power System
You can install a backup power system for your garage door opener. This ensures you can still operate the door during power outages, allowing you to access your garage or evacuate if necessary.
However, you can also learn how to manually open your garage door during power outages, which is essential during emergencies.
Additional Garage Door Locks
Install additional locks or security measures, such as slide bolts, inside your garage door. These can provide an extra layer of protection during emergencies.
Secure Garage Door Windows
If your garage door has windows, reinforce them with impact-resistant or shatterproof glass to prevent them from breaking during storms or other disasters.
In the face of natural disasters, your garage door plays a crucial role in safeguarding your home, your car and other garage contents, and your family. As we’ve explored in this blog post, preparedness and proactive measures are key to ensuring your garage door performs well during emergencies. Besides the tips we provided, remember to stay informed about your area’s weather forecasts and emergency alerts. When severe weather is predicted, take the necessary steps to secure your garage door.
A professional garage door service like Blue Chip Garage Doors can provide you with expertise and guidance to weatherproof your garage door and be as prepared as possible for these unforeseeable events.
