High winds, storms and tornadoes. You could easily say that sums up Oklahoma’s weather in three words — aside from the sweltering heat of summer. But we’ll come to that at a later date.
Protecting your garage door during spring’s storm season is crucial not only for the appearance of your home but the safety of your family. Garage doors can easily be damaged during high winds and trigger a domino effect with your home’s infrastructure. No one wants a collapsed home, which is precisely why our Top Quality Doors team is here to help you prepare for the unpredictable weather ahead.
1. Inspect your existing garage door.
If your garage door was already installed when you moved into your home, then you’re probably not aware of its specifications. We recommend having one of our specialists come out and take a look at your garage door. From there, you’ll determine whether your garage is up to current wind load standard and the necessary steps to keep your home secure.
Additionally, our team can check the “entrapment protection” function of the door system and the door’s counterbalance. These two things verify that the door will remain closed, withstanding mass amounts of wind.
2. Determine if your garage door is storm-ready versus an add-on.
A storm-ready garage door is readily prepared (and recommended for homes prone to high winds or tornados). An add-on garage door is just that; it’s ready for the storm once you “add on” the protective support posts.
Be aware, though. Some garage door companies may claim to retrofit your garage door with storm-resistant materials. Though this may help, it isn’t the same as storm-ready or wind-rated. We recommend purchasing a new garage door to ensure the best protection possible in the case of a storm.
3. Follow garage door safety precautions during severe storms.
If you spot a storm brewing, close the door and keep it shut.
Mechanically lock the door with a manual locking device. (This is often present in higher wind-resistant garage doors.)
Disconnect the operator when the door is manually locked.
When the storm has passed, unlock the door before resuming operation. Using an automatic operator to open the garage door while manually locked may cause damage both to the door and operator itself.
4. When in doubt, secure your garage door with a little DIY.
Saving up for a new garage door but could use some protection in the meantime? There are some metal reinforcement kits available that attach to the concrete slab and framing above the garage door for support. You also have the option of creating your own garage door reinforcement with some 2x4s. Click here for a quick tutorial.
Our conclusion?
Storms are going to happen, that’s Oklahoma for you. But, there are several things you can do to protect your home — and your family. By observing the weather and following these four precautions, you’ll be well on your way to making your garage door storm-ready.
If you come across any questions or would like to know how we can secure your garage door for tornado season, give our Top Quality Doors team a call at (405) 579-3667.
