When a hurricane strikes Louisiana, the weakest point in many homes and businesses isn’t the windows or roof — it’s the garage door. In fact, one of the leading causes of structural damage during a storm is the failure of a garage door to withstand intense wind pressure. If the door buckles or is blown in, it can lead to a domino effect of destruction. At Ace Garage Door, we’ve seen firsthand how preventable this damage is — if the right steps are taken in time.
Weak Garage Doors Are a Gateway for Storm Damage
Most standard garage doors in New Orleans aren’t built with hurricanes in mind. They may look sturdy, but under Category 3, 4, or 5 winds, they can become a liability. When a garage door gives way, it allows high-pressure wind inside the structure. This sudden pressure buildup can lead to roof uplift and extensive interior damage — sometimes even a total loss of the building.
The #1 reason garage doors fail during hurricanes is due to inadequate wind-load reinforcement. Doors that lack proper bracing or aren’t designed for high winds simply can’t withstand the lateral forces during a storm. Once the door fails, it exposes your entire home or business to wind and water.
What Makes a Garage Door Hurricane-Ready?
A hurricane rated garage door is engineered and tested to resist specific wind speeds and pressure levels. These doors are built with reinforced steel or aluminum bracing, heavier gauge tracks, and secure mounting hardware that prevents buckling and detachment. Unlike standard models, hurricane-rated doors undergo stringent testing to simulate real storm conditions.
In Louisiana, and especially in coastal areas like New Orleans, these doors aren’t just a luxury — they’re a necessity. Homeowners and business owners who invest in a garage door installation in New Orleans with hurricane resistance see not only better safety but often benefit from lower insurance premiums as well.
Retrofitting vs. Replacing: Which Is Better?
Some older garage doors can be retrofitted with reinforcement kits, which add bracing to help improve wind resistance. However, these kits can only do so much. The older the door, the more likely it is to have structural or mechanical weaknesses that no kit can fix.
At Ace Garage Door, we often advise clients to opt for a full replacement when the current system is outdated or already showing signs of wear. A new hurricane rated garage door offers the most reliable protection — and modern styles don’t sacrifice curb appeal.
Don’t Wait for the Storm to Hit
Every year, garage door repair in New Orleans spikes after the first major storm. By then, it’s too late. Waiting until hurricane season is underway means you’re risking both property damage and long delays in service. Supply chains tighten, appointment slots fill up, and emergency response becomes more expensive and less effective.
Instead, proactive homeowners and property managers schedule inspections and upgrades in the spring. This gives you plenty of time to assess the condition of your door, make needed repairs, or schedule a professional garage door installation in New Orleans.
Trust Ace Garage Door for Storm-Ready Solutions
At Ace Garage Door, we specialize in helping homes and businesses in the New Orleans area prepare for whatever the weather throws at them. Whether you need a repair, a retrofit, or a brand-new hurricane rated garage door, our team provides expert service backed by years of experience. We understand the local building codes, wind-load requirements, and real-life challenges of protecting your property in a hurricane-prone region.
We offer inspections, maintenance, garage door repair in New Orleans, and custom installation packages that give you peace of mind — long before a storm is even on the radar.
Ready to Protect Your Garage Door?
The most common reason garage doors in New Orleans fail during a hurricane is entirely preventable. Don’t let a weak door put your entire home or business at risk. Call Ace Garage Door today to schedule a hurricane-readiness inspection or upgrade. Your property — and your peace of mind — are worth it.
