2024-01-10 7 min read Salisbury Garage Doors
# Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips
New Hampshire's storm season brings high winds, heavy rain, snow, and ice that can wreak havoc on unprepared garage doors. Your garage door is the largest moving component of your home and often the most vulnerable point during severe weather. Taking time to prepare can prevent costly damage and keep your family safe.
Garage doors face unique challenges during storms. High winds can create significant pressure differentials that stress door panels and mounting hardware. In extreme cases, doors can be blown inward or outward, creating openings that allow wind and rain to enter your home and cause structural damage.
Rain and flooding can damage bottom seals and panels, leading to rust, rot, and water infiltration. Snow and ice accumulation adds weight stress and can freeze doors in place or damage weather seals. Understanding these risks is the first step in effective preparation.
Before storm season arrives, conduct a thorough inspection of your garage door system:
Weather seals: Check the bottom seal (astragal) for cracks, gaps, or deterioration. The side and top seals should be flexible and create a tight barrier when the door is closed. Replace any worn seals immediately.
Panel condition: Look for dents, cracks, or signs of rust on metal doors, or rot and warping on wood doors. Damaged panels are structurally weaker and more likely to fail under storm stress.
Hardware inspection: Examine all hinges, rollers, brackets, and tracks for signs of wear or damage. Tighten any loose bolts and replace worn components.
Spring condition: While you shouldn't attempt spring repairs yourself, you can visually check for signs of wear, rust, or gaps in the coils. Weak springs mean a door that's harder to open and more likely to fail under stress.
Balance test: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs may need adjustment by a professional.
For areas prone to severe storms, consider these reinforcement options:
Bracing kits: Horizontal bracing systems strengthen door panels against wind pressure. These are essential in hurricane-prone areas but beneficial anywhere with high winds.
Impact-resistant doors: If you're due for a replacement, consider doors rated for high wind loads. These are constructed with reinforced panels and frames designed to withstand significant force.
Heavy-duty hardware: Upgraded hinges, struts, and tracks provide additional structural support. Your garage door professional can recommend appropriate upgrades for your situation.
Battery backup: Storm-related power outages are common. A battery backup system for your opener ensures you can still operate your door safely when the power is out.
Despite best preparations, storm damage can still occur. Prepare for emergencies with these steps:
Know your manual release: Every garage door opener has a manual release (usually a red cord). Practice using it before you need it so you're not learning in an emergency.
Keep emergency contacts handy: Save the number of your garage door service company. At Salisbury Garage Doors, we offer 24/7 emergency service for storm-related damage.
Document your door: Take photos of your garage door and all components. This documentation helps with insurance claims if damage occurs.
Have a backup plan: If your door is damaged, know how to secure the opening temporarily. Plywood or tarps can prevent further damage until repairs are made.
After any significant storm, inspect your garage door before using it:
1. Look for visible damage to panels, tracks, or hardware 2. Check for water infiltration or debris in the tracks 3. Listen for unusual sounds during operation 4. Test the balance and automatic reverse safety features
If you notice any issues, don't force the door to operate. Call a professional to assess the damage and make necessary repairs.
Annual professional maintenance is the best defense against storm damage. During our comprehensive tune-up, we:
- Inspect and test all safety systems, Tighten all hardware connections, Lubricate moving parts, Adjust springs and balance, Check weather seal integrity, Identify potential issues before they become problems
Storm preparation for your garage door is an investment in your home's safety and your peace of mind. A few hours of inspection and maintenance before storm season can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and keep your family safe. If you're unsure about your door's storm readiness, contact Salisbury Garage Doors for a professional assessment. With over 32 years of experience serving New Hampshire homeowners, we know how to prepare your garage door for whatever weather comes our way.