Your garage door serves as a barrier between the elements and your valuable possessions. Everything from your vehicles to your tools and storages. While garage doors can withstand various weather conditions, extreme weather can pose challenges. Let’s go over the impact of extreme weather on your garage door and offer insights on how to protect this essential component of your home.
Some Garage Door Materials Can Expand and Warp During Heatwaves
High temperatures, especially during heatwaves, can affect the functionality of your garage door. Prolonged exposure to intense heat may cause the door’s materials to expand, leading to issues such as warping or misalignment. Regular maintenance, including lubricating moving parts, can mitigate the extreme heat’s impact. Keep a close eye on your door during these times to make sure they keep working safely.
In Freezing Temperatures, Metal Can Turn Stiff or Freeze
Extreme cold, often accompanied by freezing temperatures and snowfall, can also affect your door. Metal components may contract in the cold, leading to issues like stiff or frozen moving parts. Ensuring that the garage door and its mechanisms are lubricated and insulated can help prevent these problems. When you go to use your garage door in the colder seasons, regularly check to make sure your parts aren’t seizing or stuck. A quick visual check can save you from an expensive repair bill.
A Sealed Garage Door May Not Protect Against All Flooding
Persistent heavy rain, especially in regions prone to flooding, can pose a threat to your garage door. If water infiltrates the garage, it may damage electrical components, springs, and more. Proper sealing and regular inspection for any signs of water entry are key to preventing water-related damage. This also applies for anything that you might be keeping in the garage. You won’t want to leave your car in a puddle of water to rust or your bins to be filled with water. Floods can really damage your home and your belongings quickly.
Strong Winds Can Cause Dents or Push Your Door Off Track
Severe storms with strong winds can exert significant force on your garage door. If your door is not reinforced or lacks wind-resistant features, it can sustain damage, including dents or misalignment. Investing in a wind-resistant garage door and securing it before a storm can minimize the risk of wind-related damage. Even a strong door can still end up with dents. Flying objects can take a chunk out of anything in their way. After storms, do a visual inspection of your door to find any damage you may have to deal with.
Hailstorms Can Wear Down, Dent or Break Through Your Garage Door
Hailstorms can be particularly destructive, causing damage to various surfaces. Your garage door is no exception to this rule. Large hailstones can dent or even puncture the door, compromising its integrity. Consider installing impact-resistant garage doors or protective coverings to minimize the risk of hail damage. Metal doors can deal with hail with just a few dents, but wood can really suffer. It can take serious chunks out of your door that can require extensive repairs or replacement. Often times the best-case scenario after a bad hailstorm is that you’ll be stuck repainting your garage door.
Preventive Measures for Extreme Weather:
You can’t fully protect your garage door, but you can do a few things to mitigate damage. Consider implementing the following preventive measures.
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine inspections and maintenance to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
- Weather Stripping: Ensure that the weather stripping around your garage door is intact and seals any gaps, preventing water and debris infiltration.
- Proper Insulation: Adequate insulation not only protects against temperature extremes but also enhances your home’s energy efficiency.
- Reinforcement Kits: In areas prone to high winds, consider installing garage door reinforcement kits that add structural support during storms.
- Impact-Resistant Doors: Invest in garage doors designed to withstand impact, providing added protection against hail and debris.
Your Security System Can Help When Your Garage Door Fails
Extreme weather events can create opportunities for security breaches. If your garage door sustains damage, it paints a target on your home. Consider incorporating advanced security features such as smart locks and surveillance systems. Their presence enhances the protection of your garage and its contents. These options provide real-time monitoring and control, allowing you to respond to any unusual activity.
Choose Stronger Materials for Your Doors
When replacing or upgrading your garage door, use materials made for the challenges of extreme weather. High-quality, weather-resistant materials, such as fiberglass or reinforced steel, can provide superior durability and longevity. They can help keep your garage door safe and functional in adverse conditions. It’s tempting to go for a wooden door for aesthetic reasons, but it doesn’t always make sense in areas where harsher conditions are common.
Reinforce Your Garage Door and its Windows
If your garage door features windows, they can be vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Reinforce these windows with impact-resistant materials. You can also install storm shutters to protect against hail or flying debris. Additionally, consider window films that add an extra layer of protection while maintaining visibility.
Keep Up with Professional Inspections and Repairs as Needed
Following extreme weather events, it’s essential to have your garage door professionally inspected. A trained technician can assess any damage, perform necessary repairs, and ensure that your garage door is in optimal condition. Prompt action can prevent minor issues from escalating into more significant problems.
Garage Doors are Built to Last but Bad Weather Can Shorten Their Lifespan
While your garage door can withstand a most weather, extreme events can present challenges. Proactive maintenance, appropriate reinforcement, and swift response to any signs of damage are key to preserving the longevity and functionality of your overhead door. By taking these measures, you can ensure that your garage door remains a reliable barrier against the elements. Your door can continue to protect your belongings and maintain the security of your home.