Are you questioning the importance of reinforced garage doors in hurricane-prone areas? Time to reconsider. Just picture the force of winds running with speeds of at least 80 mph. That’s fast and only the average speed of winds during category 1 hurricanes. Let’s fast forward to category 5 hurricanes. The wind speed is at least 157 mph and often reaches 200 mph. While you are thinking of the catastrophic effects of such storms and hurricanes, think about your residential garage doors too. They are big and thus easy to buckle should they are not reinforced. The consequences will be disastrous if a hurricane strikes in your area. And even if your home doesn’t stand in the path of the hurricane, heavy storms cover a broad area around the eye of the cyclone. That’s all to emphasize the importance of getting wind load garage doors and hardware.
Why hurricane garage doors & hardware will make a difference
Although there are some differences among wind load garage doors, they are made to reinforce high winds and hurricanes. They are tested to resist impact and thus keep the overhead garage door intact. They are usually made of heavy duty frames and sturdy materials and are equipped with durable garage door tracks, hinges, brackets, and springs. The top and bottom garage door rollers are attached to U-bars while there are U-bars running the door horizontally to create enhanced stability.
What’s at stake when garage doors are not reinforced?
Garage doors stand in the front line of defense against high winds and
flying objects. If they are not reinforced, a heavy storm or hurricane will cause them to buckle. And don’t forget that during such weather conditions, tree limbs but also structural elements (such as siding or roofing materials) will become windborne debris. They will not only cause garage door damage but also break the window. Whether the overhead door buckles or just the windows break, the force of the winds will come in and create pressure.
Your safety will be at stake. When high winds enter the building and create pressure, structural elements will most likely blow off. The roof, the walls, and the whole house will be damaged. The 2017 Hurricane Harvey caused $125 billion in damages and 103 deaths. Even if your house is not entirely destroyed, the property damage will be massive. And the high winds and debris will not be the only elements that will cause catastrophic damage.
Water will do so too. When garage door windows break, rainwater comes in. Should the garage door buckles, rainwater comes in! Of course, water might find its way in the house through all windows and doors – if they are not adequately sealed. But don’t forget the large size of the garage doors. There’ll be water damage and thus many materials and structural elements will most likely corrode and rot.
What’s the best strategy? Have wind load garage doors installed
It’s essential to check out the requirements of the local building codes to make sure you get the right wind load garage doors. Have no worries about the garage door designs. Just because they are designed to resist hurricanes and impact, it doesn’t mean that garage doors are not elegant. You can actually find many material and style options. The only difference is that they will be reinforced, tested, and approved to resist high winds.
The benefits? You will adhere to the local standards. Your home will suffer minimum or no damage during hurricanes or storms. Thus, you will save lots of money on property damage restoration expenses but also insurance policies. The prices are always better when homes in hurricane-prone areas have wind load garage doors. The most important thing is your safety. Isn’t that a good reason alone to start considering a wind & impact rated garage door installation?
