Hurricane season can be an incredibly stressful time for homeowners, especially those living in vulnerable areas like the New Orleans metro. One part of the home that is often overlooked but extremely vulnerable to hurricanes is the garage door. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to safeguard your garage door against the destructive forces of a hurricane, as suggested by experts Donald Mitchler and Roger Sigsworth from ACE Garage Doors.
Why Garage Doors are Vulnerable During Hurricanes
Garage doors are typically the largest moving parts of a home, and they are not as structurally sound as other parts of the house. High winds can cause garage doors to buckle, bend, or fly off their tracks, causing a dangerous situation and potentially leading to significant damage to the rest of the home.
Should You Lock Your Garage Door During a Hurricane?
According to our experts Donald and Roger, locking your garage door is essential during a hurricane. Here’s how to do it:
- Shut the Garage Door: The first step is to ensure that the garage door is fully closed. A partially open door is even more vulnerable to wind pressure.
- Unplug from Outlet: It’s vital to disconnect the garage door opener from the electrical outlet. This step eliminates the possibility of someone accidentally opening the door during the storm and serves to protect the electrical unit from power surges.
- Lock Slide Locks: Most modern garage doors come equipped with manual slide locks. These are often located on one or both sides of the door and serve as an added layer of security. Engage these locks to make your door more resistant to the forces it might encounter.
Bonus Tip: Back Your Car Against the Door
Backing your car up against the door can help to stabilize it against the winds. While this may scratch your car’s bumper, a blanket between the bumper and the door can help prevent this. The stability provided by the car can be crucial in protecting your garage.
Importance of a Hurricane-Rated Garage Door
Another crucial tip is to ensure your garage door has a hurricane rating. While standard garage doors often come with a wind rating of 80 miles per hour, ACE Garage Doors offers hurricane-rated doors with wind ratings up to 250 miles per hour. Investing in a door with a higher wind rating can make a significant difference in safeguarding your home.
Conclusion
Protecting your garage door during a hurricane is vital for the overall safety of your home. Simple steps like locking your garage door, backing your car against it, and investing in a high wind-rated door can make a world of difference. As we brace ourselves for another hurricane season, make sure your garage door is up to the challenge with premium options from ACE Garage Doors.
Stay safe, and for more information on our garage door solutions, including our wide selection of decorative and hurricane-rated doors, please visit our website or contact us directly
