How to Secure Garage Doors for Extreme Weather

Learn how to secure your garage doors for extreme weather conditions because these can lead to warped garage doors and loose cables. Here in Colorado, we have a wide range of extreme weather conditions that affect your property. We have heavy snowfall, strong winds, and even hailstorms that can cause severe and expensive damage to what is, for many, your most valuable asset. Preventative measures are always preferable to repairing damage.

1. Wind Loads and Garage Doors

The amount of live load that garage doors can tolerate is what we call wind load. Installing a garage door that exceeds the minimum requirement as per your building code can end up saving you a lot of time and money over the years.

While the wind itself cannot open your electric garage door, it can cause debris and dust to accumulate at the threshold of the garage door. Doors made after 1993 include safety mechanisms which include a laser at the bottom that detects any obstruction and prevents closing if detected. These sensors must be kept clean to avoid malfunction and the door must open spontaneously to avoid property damage or bodily injury.

2. Attach Braces

Homeowners should employ active or passive reinforcement systems for garage doors to improve security. Passive systems are built into the product while active systems are reinforcements that you need to install ahead of any high wind event. The best way to deal with weak doors is replacement with a modern, code-approved model. If this is not possible, there are ways to strengthen the existing door.

A bracing system can be retrofitted using steel or wood. Brace kits are available from many building or home renovation stores or can be ordered online. If you are concerned about installing the kit yourself, it’s best to contact a garage door service provider in your area. They will assist you with the installation of a steel or wood door bracing kit that will protect your door’s frame, moving parts and garage door panels from damage caused by strong winds.

It is not only the possible damage, but insulation also needs to be considered. If your garage door has cracks or failed weather-stripping, cold air will enter your garage and possibly your home itself, compromising your garage security.

3. Invest in a Wind-Resistant Door

Although Colorado does not experience hurricanes as our compatriots on the southern and eastern coastlines do, we do experience high winds that can cause serious damage to our property and disruption to our lives.

Previously, wind-resistant garage doors had to be built in a way that required you to install beams and supports every time a high wind event occurred and then remove them again to use the door. This is extremely inconvenient and defies all the progress made in streamlining our lives, especially when you consider the luxury of having a secure automatic garage door that can open and close automatically. Modern garage doors have support structures designed into the door which is far more user-friendly and can improve overall garage door security.

Older or basic garage doors can be the weak point in the exterior of your house. Older wood or vinyl doors can easily break in high winds. Once the garage door is damaged, the house is vulnerable to wind pressure, which can weaken roofs and walls, thereby causing more serious damage and potential entry for thieves. Prevention is always better than cure.

4. Upgrade to a More Durable Garage Door

Numerous homeowners possess garage doors that are durable for regular use but lack reinforcement to withstand storm winds. These doors may warp or twist, which could make them unsafe to operate and compromise garage door security. 

A skilled garage door installation service offers a range of high-quality, reinforced, impact-resistant garage doors in various colors and designs. If you choose a heavier garage door, you may need to upgrade the track and garage door opener to support the increased weight.

5. Protect Your Garage from Flooding

Just like any other structure, your garage can experience water damage if your area is affected by flooding. Such flooding may harm various components of your garage door, including the track and the photo-eye sensor.

Ensure that the gap between the garage door and the floor is sealed tight to prevent water from entering. Verify that there is weather stripping installed around the door and at its base to ensure you can close the door effectively against harsh weather. If you notice any cracks or if the weather stripping has become detached, replace it promptly.

To offer additional defense against floodwaters, position a flood barrier at the base of the door to safeguard the weather stripping.

Using sandbags around the garage can help protect it from temporary flood conditions. Sandbags are especially useful for sealing the space between the bottom of the garage door and the floor to ensure that you can close the door securely during storms.

6. Add in a More Reliable Track Mechanism

Simply replacing the door with a new garage door may not suffice to safeguard your garage door system. When the garage door is lowered, it rests on rollers that glide along the track. Torsion springs and various support mechanisms support the door's weight, enabling it to open and close seamlessly.

One solution to improve the security of garage door components is to take out the entire garage door assembly, including the track, and install a reinforced track that is firmly anchored to the ground. Although this new overhead track increases the overall cost of garage door installation, it offers an additional layer of protection against storms.

7. Board up Windows

Many garage doors feature windows to let in natural light. Nevertheless, these windows can become weak spots during severe weather, potentially allowing entry for thieves. If debris such as wood or metal strikes a window, it can create an opening for water to seep in, which poses a threat to your property.

8. Secure Debris on Your Property

Flying debris is a primary source of damage to garage doors and other property structures during a hurricane. High-speed winds can hurl tree branches, furniture, and other heavy items, causing significant destruction.

While it's impossible to eliminate the risk of debris, many homeowners can take steps to protect their garage by:

• Securing lawn furniture by either tying it down or moving it indoors before a storm.
• Trimming trees located close to your garage to reduce the risk of falling branches.
• Collecting stray branches and tree limbs to prevent them from becoming projectiles in a subsequent storm can also help protect your attached garage.
• Repairing any damaged fences or nearby structures that could contribute to flying debris will help maintain the integrity of your attached garage door lock.

9. Monitor the Garage During the Storm

A storm can pose a security risk by compromising the integrity of your home or garage. During storms, burglars often scout for properties with visible damage such as broken windows or doors. Be vigilant of intruders if your door shows signs of damage.

Secure Your Colorado Home with Reliable Garage Doors

Protect your Colorado home from extreme weather with advanced solutions from Tri-Lakes Garage Doors. Contact us today for secure garage doors that improve the safety and durability of your property.