Natural disasters are lurking around the corner at any given moment and it’s best to be prepared. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, then you know that high winds can wreak havoc on your home. One of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane is your garage door.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to help protect your garage door and keep it from being blown away or damaged during a hurricane. By taking some time to properly brace your garage door, you can rest assured knowing that it will be much better equipped to withstand the high winds and heavy rains of a hurricane.
In this article, we’ll show you how to brace your garage door for a hurricane. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your garage door stays in place and doesn’t get damaged during the storm.
How to Brace Garage Door for Hurricane
The following steps will help you brace your garage door for hurricane:
Tools and Brace Pieces
- Drill
- Marker
- Masonry bit with stop collar
- Appropriate vacuum
- Hammer
- Few bolts, nuts, and rubber caps
Drill
Marker
Masonry bit with stop collar
Appropriate vacuum
Hammer
Few bolts, nuts, and rubber caps
Steps
1. Assemble the brace(s) with U-bolts and screw in the appropriate nuts and rubber caps
2. Now slide the bolts on the channels in each of the brace parts (according to instructions)
3. Attach the bracket at the given locations (don’t tighten the screws yet)
4. Add the plate to attach the bottom and top part
5. just the height according to your garage door and tighten the screws
Also Read: Types of Garage Door Openers
Why Are Garage Doors More Susceptible to Damage?
The simple and most common answer is that they are often the largest and weakest entry point on a home. A hurricane can exert an immense amount of force on your garage door due it’s location and the material that it is made of. Garage doors are usually made of lightweight aluminum or steel and are not built to withstand the high winds and flying debris that a hurricane can bring.
Also Read: Best Garage Door Insulation in 2022
What Happens to a Garage Door During a Hurricane?
High winds can cause your garage door to buckle, warp, or even come completely off its hinges. If the garage door is not properly secured, the wind can get underneath it and lift it up. Once the door is lifted up, the wind can then get inside your home through the opening, which can lead to further damage.
Tips to Protect Your Garage Door During a Hurricane
You can help can help protect your garage door and your home by following these these tips:
Disengage the Door Opener
In order to prevent damage from being blown open by the wind, you will need to disengage the opener. This doesn’t actually secure the door, but will at least protect the costly mechanism from being ruined.
Use Manual Locking System on the Garage Door
Most garage doors have a manual locking system that can be engaged when needed. This is usually a handle that is turned to lock the door in place. After disengaging the opener mechanism, simply engage the manual locking system to help keep the door shut.
Also Read: Belt vs Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
Stronger Protection Against Hurricanes
If that doesn’t cut it out for you, then you’re going to want something a little more heavy duty to help protect your garage door during a hurricane.
Hurricane Proof Garage Doors
These doors are made to withstand high winds and flying debris, so they are definitely worth the investment if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes. They are usually made of heavier materials such as steel or reinforced aluminum and have a variety of locking mechanisms to choose from.
Garage Door Hurricane Brace
Another option is to install a garage door hurricane brace. This is a device that is attached to your garage door and helps to keep it from being blown open by the wind. They work by distributing the force of the wind evenly across the door, which prevents it from being blown open.
Garage Door Hurricane Brace
Here is some further information on one the best ways to protect your garage door during a hurricane:
- The brace should be installed on the inside of the garage, near the bottom of the door.
- It is important to make sure that the brace is properly secured to the wall and the floor, as well as the door itself.
- Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing the brace.
How Does the Brace Protect?
It is important to note that the brace does not actually prevent the door from being blown open, but rather helps to distribute the force of the wind evenly across the door. This prevents the door from being blown open by the wind and keeps it from being damaged.
What Kind of Braces to Use?
There are a few different types of braces that are available, so be sure to choose the one that is best suited for your needs. Some braces are made of steel, while others are made of aluminum. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to make sure that you are choosing the right one.
FAQs
Should I leave my door open during a hurricane?
Leaving the door open is not recommended as it can act as a wind sail and cause more damage by allowing wind and water to enter your garage. Objects inside your garage can also become projectiles and cause damage or injury. The door itself can also be damaged by high winds or get ripped off it’s hinges. It is best to close and secure your garage door before a hurricane hits.
How do I know if my garage door is hurricane-proof?
Doors often have a sticker or label that will indicate if the door has been tested and approved for hurricane-resistant construction. Certification labels include the positive and negative wind pressure rating and model number that are placed by the manufacturer.
How much wind can my garage door withstand?
The strength of your garage door will depend on the type of door, as well as the age and condition of the door. Older doors may not be as strong as newer ones, and certain types of doors (such as roll-up doors) are more susceptible to damage than others. The best way to find out how much wind your particular garage door can withstand is to check with the manufacturer, the label or contact a professional garage door installer.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. These are some of the best ways to protect your garage door during a hurricane. Be sure to take the necessary precautions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that your door is properly secured.
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