How to Make a Garage Tornado-Proof?

Garage doors are a significant convenience for most of us. They provide us with easy access. However, they tend to be more prone to bad weather conditions compared to other outside walls of your house. That’s why it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent any bad event from happening when storms or tornadoes hit. When these tornadoes or hurricanes take place, they create a negative pressure that is strong enough to remove the tiles and break the garage door. Unfortunately, your house is also threatened if your garage door fails. So, in this article, we will go over ways to make a garage door tornado-proof.

Inspect Your Garage Door

For the inexperienced eye, it’s hard to look at the garage door and determine whether it can withhold the pressure exerted by the tornado. Most of the time, getting an expert opinion is essential to know which parts of the garage door are weaker and need to be updated. However, there’s a list of places you can inspect. Check the photoelectric eyes placed at the bottom side of the door. These lenses ensure the reverse function. You can look at the weather stripping; check if there are any holes or wear/tear. General corrosion and rust; look at every part of your door for any rust signs. Corrosion tends to make a garage door prone to collapse, and if it’s extended, it indicates a very damaged door. The fourth item is the torsion springs. If you see any sagging, rust, or lose attachments, take note of that. The fifth item is the tracks, are they smooth and clean, if it’s not, you can clean them with a cloth. Finally, any loose bolts and screws should be noted and can be tightened. While some of these are minor problems you can take care of by yourself, others, like torsion springs and rust, should be inspected by a professional.

Upkeep the garage door

When preparing for a tornado, regular maintenance is one of the best things you can do for your garage door. If you go through the checklist we mentioned in the examination part and fix those problems, you already take care of a big part of the problem, and if you make this inspection a part of your routine maintenance, this is a significant investment.

Windows

Garage door windows are one of the most dangerous parts of the door during tornadoes. It’s a good idea to remove them altogether, but with today’s advanced technology, you can also get resistant windows for better security.

Braces

You may brace your door as well. They come as a part of your garage door system that is fastened in various parts of the door, like above the door, floor, and vertically. They’re not usually used since they keep the door from opening. However, if a severe tornado possibility is at the door, it’s a good idea to brace your garage door.

Importance of Expert Opinion

Finally, if your garage door is quite old and can’t stand against the tornadoes, it’s probably a good idea to replace it altogether. There are new garage door models with water-resistant features, strong material, and lower width (since it’s more protective). It’s a wise idea to make your final decision after receiving the opinion of the garage door experts at Bob’s Advanced Garage Doors. After the inspection, our team will tell you whether you need a garage door repair or if your garage door is beyond repair; you can receive a garage door installation service. No matter what you need, we are ready to help you every step of the way. Call us today to learn more!