Is Your Garage Door Ready for Hurricane Season? Here’s How to Find Out

Florida has experienced more than its fair share of catastrophic hurricanes in the last few years. This has many homeowners exploring what steps they can take to better prepare their homes for hurricane season. The most vulnerable parts of a home are the garage and roof, where wind and rain can enter the home and wreak havoc. If you’re looking for ways to protect your home and family this hurricane season, read on for some helpful hints.

Why Garage Door Protection Matters in Hurricanes

Your garage door is the largest opening in your home, and often the weakest link during a hurricane. And it’s not surprising. Garage doors are usually made for everyday use in normal conditions, not for withstanding hurricane-force winds. When high winds hit and your garage isn’t adequately prepared, it can buckle and collapse.

From there, the garage can quickly become a wind tunnel, allowing pressure to build up inside your home. This can cause a cascade of problems: it can blow out windows, collapse walls, and even lift the roof off your house. In fact, studies show that over 80% of damage starts through the garage door. Flooding is another common issue. Even 1 inch of water entering through a failed door can cause thousands of dollars in damage. The good news is that it’s possible to avoid all this by preparing your garage for the stormy season ahead.

Checking Your Current Garage Door: Is it Enough?

First things first. It’s important to check if your garage door is likely able to withstand the upcoming storm season.

• Look for dents, rust, warping, or cracks in the door panels and frame.
• Check the tracks and rollers and make sure the door moves smoothly and stays on track.
• Make sure the tracks are free of rust and anchored safely to the wall.
• Open the door halfway and see if it stays in place. If it slams shut or drifts, you may need to adjust the springs.
• Look for gaps or worn-out weather seals along the bottom and sides of the door.
• If your door is more than 10–15 years old or not labeled as “wind-rated” or “hurricane-rated,” it may not meet current safety standards.

If you have any of the above issues or you suspect your door is not specifically rated for hurricanes, it may be time to consider an upgrade or reinforcements.

What Are Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors?

Hurricane-rated (or wind-resistant/impact-resistant) garage doors are made to withstand the extreme pressures and flying debris associated with hurricanes. They’re made out of reinforced materials, such as steel or heavy-duty aluminum, and have additional bracing, wind lock guides, and impact-resistant panels. Hurricane-rated doors:

• Can withstand winds up to 200 mph, depending on local codes.
• Can handle blows from flying debris without buckling.
• Can prevent buckling or damage. They’re made from heavy-duty hinges, tracks, and locking mechanisms that prevent the door from being pushed or pulled out of place.
• Are certified by Florida or Miami-Dade County.

There are various types of hurricane-proof garage door solutions. Hurricane-rated doors are your best bet if you can have them. They’re a more permanent solution and are designed with reinforcements. They’re often required by local codes for new homes in high-risk areas. If you can’t install a completely new garage door, then you can install bracing kits, such as vertical or horizontal supports, on your existing doors for added strength. This is an affordable upgrade for under $500.

Alternatively, you can consider installing hurricane shutters or fabric screens over the door for extra protection. As a last resort, especially as an emergency solution, you can add temporary DIY reinforcements using 2×4 lumber.

How To Prepare and Upgrade Your Garage Door

Hurricane-proofing your garage is not a one-and-done scenario. You’ll need to check it at least once a year, ideally before hurricane season.

• Lubricate moving parts and replace worn-out weather seals.
• Tighten loose bolts and brackets.
• Upgrade to a hurricane-rated door if your door is not wind-rated.
• Add bracing kits that anchor the door to the floor and walls.
• Apply weatherproof seals to the bottom and sides of the door.
• Use sandbags or flood barriers in front of the garage to redirect water during a storm.
• Check your insurance requirements, as many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with hurricane-rated garage doors. Keep documentation of your door’s certification and installation for claims or inspections.

What To Look for When Upgrading

If you’ve decided it’s worth upgrading your garage doors, here’s what to look for.

• Wind load rating: Make sure the door is rated for the wind speeds common in your area, which could be for 140mph winds or more.
• Impact resistance: This means the garage door has been tested for large-missile impact rating to protect against flying debris.
• Ease of use: Make sure you can open the door manually if the power goes out.
• Aesthetic options: Hurricane-rated doors come in various styles and finishes to match your home.

Maintenance Tips for Your Garage Door

Here are some tips to take care of your garage door all year round.

• Open and close the door once a month to check that it opens smoothly.
• Clean the tracks and hardware and lubricate all the moving parts.
• Test the safety features, such as the auto-reverse and pressure sensors.
• Reinforce the door if necessary.
• Consider upgrading your garage door opener with one that has a strong motor and backup battery.
• Schedule annual inspections by a qualified technician, especially if you notice any issues.

Next Steps

Your garage door is the first line of defense against hurricane damage, so make sure it’s up for the task. Upgrading or adding reinforcements can protect not just your garage, but your entire home and family. Start by inspecting your garage door using the checklist above and deciding whether you need to add reinforcements or replace your door with a hurricane-ready door before the next storm. Check your local building codes and insurance provider for specific garage door requirements. Most importantly, stay safe, stay prepared, and make your garage door hurricane-ready every season.