Storm Safety and Garage Door Preparation for Hurricanes
Is Your Garage Door Ready for Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season is here, and with forecasts predicting above-normal activity, it’s more important than ever to make sure your home is protected. In coastal areas like the Southeast, hurricanes and strong winds are a part of life—and your garage door is often the most vulnerable point of entry.
As beautiful as our region is, summer storms can bring significant damage and costly repairs to homeowners. According to the Insurance Information Institute, hundreds of thousands of South Carolina homes can be affected each year. One of the best ways to protect your home is by ensuring your garage door is wind-rated and storm-ready. If you’re unsure about your door’s condition, schedule a professional inspection and take steps now to safeguard your property and loved ones.
Why Storm Safety Starts With Your Garage Door
Garage doors deserve extra attention when it comes to hurricane preparedness. Because they’re often constructed with lighter materials and cover a large section of your home’s exterior, they’re especially susceptible to damage from high winds.
If a garage door fails during a hurricane, fierce wind pressure can rush inside, potentially lifting your roof and causing severe structural damage. The good news: proactive maintenance and ensuring your garage door is wind-rated are critical steps in keeping your home and family safe. Don’t wait until a storm is on the way—take action now to protect what matters most.
Amarr WindPro™ Storm Rating
| NON-IMPACT | IMPACT | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WP1 | WP2 | WP3 | WP4 | WP5 | WP6 | WP7 | WP8 | WP5i | WP6i | WP7i | WP8i | WP9i | WP10i | |
| ASCE 7-05 Wind Speeds (mph) | ASCE 7-05 Wind Speeds (mph) | |||||||||||||
| 90-99 | 100-109 | 110-119 | 120-129 | 130-139 | 140-149 | 150-159 | 160-169 | 130-139 | 140-149 | 150-159 | 160-169 | 170-179 | 180+ | |
| ASCE 7-10 / ASCE 7-16 Wind Speeds (mph) | ASCE 7-10 / ASCE 7-16 Wind Speeds (mph) | |||||||||||||
| 110-124 | 125-139 | 140-149 | 150-164 | 165-175 | 176-189 | 190-204 | 205-219 | 165-175 | 176-189 | 190-204 | 205-219 | 220-229 | 230+ | |
| Exposure B with mean roof height <30' | ||||||||||||||
Keep Your Home Safe with These Tips
- Regularly maintain your door. We recommend annual Tune-Ups to make sure all your garage door components stay in working order. If it’s been a while since we last visited, now’s the time to give us a call!
- Add hurricane braces if possible. Most hurricane braces are heavy-duty aluminum or steel supports that reinforce your door and protect it from high winds. Please note that these are trickier to install and you might need the help of a pro.
- Seal any cracks and openings. Prevent leaks by making sure the weather stripping along the windows and perimeter of your door is still in good condition. If it’s looking a little worse for the wear, we suggest getting it replaced before the storms arrive.
- Properly drain the gutters. Clogged gutters are a major cause of excess water in your garage. If your gutters have extra debris inside, water could overflow and run into the interior of your garage door. Even a small amount of standing water can cause damage if left unchecked.
- Remove loose debris in the yard. During a storm, strong winds could pick up items around your house and slam them into your garage door. It’s best to pick up any lawn care tools, trash cans, or outdoor items and store them inside the garage until the storm passes.
- Use flood barriers to block water. If you live close to a body of water or an area prone to flooding, place a flood barrier in front of your garage door to help prevent any drainage from getting inside
Let's Keep Your Garage Door Great Condition
Need help making sure your garage door is ready for hurricane season? Precision Garage Door of Charleston can help! We know what it takes to keep your door working safely and smoothly. Call us 24/7 at 843-628-5373 or Schedule an Appointment.
