The part of your house most vulnerable to storm damage is your garage door. With its moving parts and jointed panels, it is highly susceptible to damage from hurricane-force winds. Not only can this leave the contents of your garage itself at risk, it can cause further destruction to the rest of your home. As 100 mph+ winds blast their way into your garage, it can create enough pressure to blow out windows, roofing, or even walls in your home. With the help of Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Sacramento, California, this weakest point in your home can also be one of the easiest to storm-proof.
Add-on System
An add-on system serves as a temporary reinforcement of your overhead door. The system consists of vertical reinforcement beams that attach to your existing garage door. The beams extend from the floor to the ceiling and are manually attached to the panels of the door. When a hurricane or other powerful storm system is on the way, the beams can be bolted in place. Once the storm has passed, the add-on system is removed and placed in storage until it is needed again.
These add-on reinforcement systems are a far less costly option for preparing your garage door to withstand a storm. However, the need to install and uninstall for each potential storm can become cumbersome. For those living in areas at low risk of hurricanes, this option may prove beneficial and cost-effective. For homes that are in more hurricane-prone areas, a storm rated door may be a better alternative.
Storm Rated Door
A storm rated door is an all-new, full replacement of the existing garage door. The old door is removed and replaced with a more reinforced garage door that is capable of withstanding the 100mph+ winds of a hurricane or similar storm. Storm rated doors are built with higher grade parts like heavy-duty hinges and rollers
, stronger tracks, and more track-attachment points. The doors are also built with braced steel construction so that even the panels themselves are more capable of withstanding storm conditions. Some storm rated doors even include impact-rated windows.
As with all garage doors, storm rated doors come in a variety of prices and quality of construction. It is important to check with local building inspectors to get the recommended level of storm rating on your new garage door. Storm rated doors are also now available in many different styles, including carriage house, contemporary designs, and more traditional looks.
Add-on vs. Storm Rated Door
Add-on reinforcement systems are ideal for protecting your garage door and home from severe thunderstorms and hurricanes in inland areas where hurricanes are not frequent. Those looking for a low-cost, occasional use system should consider this option.
Storm rated doors are a better option for coastal homes, and vacation homes in particular. Whereas the add-on system has to be installed each time, the storm rated door simply needs to be locked to fully engage. This is perfect for vacation homes or other properties that are not occupied year-round. When leaving, simply lock the garage door and you don’t have to worry about storms.
There are also potential insurance benefits to having a storm rated door. Check with your insurance provider about possible discounts that a garage door upgrade may qualify you for.
Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Sacramento, California has professional technicians that can assess your needs and help you make the right decision for your home. Once you’ve decided, we can even do the necessary installations. Don’t delay, call us today so we can begin helping you prepare for storms in your area.
