Preventing Garage Door Damage From Heavy Rain

Garage doors play a critical role in the protection and privacy of your household. However, damage can compromise their effectiveness. Heavy rains and other adverse weather conditions can warp and rust garage doors, costing homeowners a lot of time and money. The professionals at Bob's Advance Garage Doors provide quality garage door replacement, installation, and repair services for local clients. We've seen our fair share of rain damage, and we want to help you prevent these issues on your own property. If you want to avoid calling a garage door company for another garage door replacement, then read below for some tips on how you can get the most from your investments.

Long-Term Effects of Heavy Rain Exposure

Garage doors are exposed to the elements 24/7, 365 days a year. Extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and snow can cause damage to your garage door over time. Here are some of the long-term effects that you should be aware of:

• Warping

The most common problem associated with heavy rain exposure is that it can absorb moisture. When this happens, your garage door may warp. This is especially true for steel doors that are left exposed to high moisture levels for an extended period. This can cause permanent damage to your door, which will require you to replace it entirely if left untreated.

• Rust

Consistent exposure to moisture can cause rusting on the surface of your garage door due to water penetrating through small gaps in the material. These small gaps may be present where the panels come together or where there is a gap between sections on top or bottom tracks. Rust will weaken the materials and eventually lead to the need for a total replacement of your garage door.

• Frozen Water

Freezing usually occurs when your garage door is left open during cold winter nights or when there is a power outage during severe storms with high winds and rain. When this happens, ice forms on the track because it cannot easily drain off due to poor ventilation in your garage and lack of air circulation when it rains heavily outside. If this happens, you'll need to remove ice from your track so that you don't have any problems opening or closing your garage door.

• Mildew Growth

Mildew growth is another problem that can arise from heavy rain exposure. It can cause discoloration on your garage door's surface, making it look old and worn out even if it's new.

How Can Homeowners Protect Their Garage Doors from the Elements?

Now that you know the potential pitfalls that rain can cause homeowners, you're probably wondering what you can do to prevent these problems from happening in your own house. Here are a few things you can do to keep your garage door in great shape, even in areas with heavy rains.

Invest in New Weatherstripping

One of the easiest ways to protect your garage door from water damage is to ensure it has a good seal on the sides and around the bottom. If you already have weatherstripping installed, check to see if it needs to be replaced. If you don't have any at all, consider adding some. It's an inexpensive way to keep water out of your garage.

Create a Trench Drain

A trench drain is a trench that runs alongside your garage door and collects water before it enters your home. This drainage system allows rainwater to flow into a drain rather than into your garage or basement through cracks or gaps in your foundation or flooring.

Clean Out Your Gutters Seasonally

If you live in an area where there are frequent rainstorms, you'll want to make sure that your gutters are clean and clear of debris before each storm arrives so they can do their job properly and allow rainwater to be carried safely away from your home instead of accumulating near the entrance to your garage.

Invest in Routine Inspections and Maintenance Services

Homeowners regularly invest in inspections for their roofs, pipes, and electrical systems. If you want your garage door to last as long as possible, then it's important to prioritize maintenance and inspections just like any other vital part of your property. A garage door company will often provide inspections and repair services that can help extend the longevity and efficiency of your door.

Is Your Garage Door Damaged Because of Heavy Rain or Bad Weather?

If you are having issues with your garage door, it is best to contact a professional garage door company immediately. An experienced contractor will be able to assess the damage and recommend the most appropriate solution for your problem. The specialists at Bob's Advance Garage Doors are always available to help local property owners improve the condition of their garage doors. We offer a variety of services, including inspections, new installations, repairs, and garage door replacement. Contact our office to learn more or schedule a convenient appointment.