Don't Forget to Protect Your Garage Door During Storm Season

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

All garage doors, both residential and commercial, are vulnerable to storms if not protected correctly.

We are just two months away from the peak of storm season when tropical storms and hurricanes are popping up regularly. 

Living in South Florida, with high temperatures and humidity, storms can be extremely dangerous.  When planning to protect your home one of the most vulnerable areas is your garage.  Your garage is susceptible to high winds and flooding.  Here are a few tips to storm-proof your garage:

• When purchasing a garage door look for one with a high wind-resistance rating.  If a storm with very strong winds or a tornado comes through and your garage door is breached the winds can batter your home.  This can lead to water coming in and causing costly damage.  For areas prone to tornadoes it is recommended that you invest in a garage door that can withstand 130 mph or higher winds.
• When installing your garage door consider installing a bracing system.  This will reinforce the integrity of the door by anchoring the door to the walls and floors and into each hinge.
• Make sure to do proper maintenance to your garage door.  Repair any breaches or holes that would allow wind to get through the garage door.  Make sure to check the weather stripping and mechanisms for proper functionality.
• Do you have windows in your garage?  Make sure they are secure and their weather-stripping is in proper condition.  Having wrought-iron window protection also greatly helps in protecting the glass from flying debris.
• Install flood vents and proper drainage.  You can have a trench drain installed to divert water, and flood vents inside the garage can drain water getting through before levels rise and cause damage.

At SERVPRO of East Dave/Cooper City, we believe in being prepared for any emergency.  We suggest that you prepare by saving our phone numbers in the contact of your cell phone. This way, in case of an emergency, when you're dealing with a crisis and feeling overwhelmed, help is only a phone call away.

954-741-4321 or 954-725-6400