How To Check Your Garage Door For Signs Of Weather Damage

During storm season, it’s important to check your garage door for signs of weather damage. The wind, rain, and hail can cause dents and cracks to the doors’ panels, and also can cause serious mechanical issues that can make your garage door harder to operate or even open!

Wind

Whether it’s a hurricane or just a windy day, your garage door is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home. If a storm hits and winds are strong, your door may get bent or twisted, detach from its tracks or be completely blown open. Most modern garage doors will come with a wind code rating. This rating shows how much wind and debris your door can handle before issues arise. The ratings range from W-1 to W-9, with higher numbers indicating better wind resistance. So, if you live in an area that sees frequent severe weather, you might want to consider a garage door that’s wind resistant. Check your local building codes for more information about what the minimum and maximum winds a door should be able to resist.

Rain

During heavy rains, garage doors are at risk of damage. It is important to check your garage door for signs of weather damage before the storm hits. A few common signs of rain-related problems include swollen frames, warping, and rusting. If these problems persist, you may need to call a professional. Wooden garage doors are particularly vulnerable to rain. The moisture in the rain can cause wooden garage doors to rot and crack. Metal garage doors can also be harmed by rain. Water can erode the paint, leaving the surface rusted and unsightly. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this issue. One is to install a trench drain along the side of your garage door, which directs water away from the door and into a drain. You can also add a flood barrier to prevent water from entering your garage.

Hail

Whether hail has struck your garage door, siding or other property around your home, it’s important to check for any signs of weather damage. Look for dents, bent or broken panels and damaged springs that may make it difficult to open and close your garage door. Hail can cause serious structural damage to your garage door, so it’s important to inspect it after a storm and get it repaired as soon as possible. This can protect your home from further damage and help you receive compensation from your insurance company. If you’re unsure if your garage door took damage from the last hailstorm, take photos of it to prove its condition to an insurance adjuster later on. Having a time-stamped photo is also helpful when filing an insurance claim for the damages.

Got questions about your garage door? Be sure to contact our garage door specialists here at Action Door Service to learn more about what we can do for you!