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Storm-Proofing Garage Doors – There are many benefits one can possibly receive from a well-maintained garage door.
Although its primary function is sheltering your cars, a durable and sturdy garage door can do so much more.
It can also serve as a storage area for things that are not often used or needed inside the home.
Your garage door can also protect your home and your family.
It can keep intruders from forcibly entering your premises.
In fact, your garage door can keep off any kind of unwanted visitors, including stray animals, pesky pests, bugs, and insects.
Besides that, modern garage doors function on energy-saving technology which can be a big help during extreme weathers.
The insulation at garage doors can help prevent heat from entering your garage during the summers.
And during winter, the weatherstripping can avoid snow and rain from entering and even other elements.
However, no matter how durable and sturdy your garage door is, it may not be strong enough to withstand calamities such as storms, typhoons, and hurricanes.
To protect your garage door from storms and typhoons, here are some helpful tips to help you prepare.
Determine the wind ratings of your garage door
Taking precautionary measures is the most practical way you can do to prepare for a storm.
Monitor the weather and any updates regarding the approach of the typhoon.
One way for you to prepare is to determine whether your garage door meets the local wind-load regulations.
Storm-Proofing Garage Doors That way, you will be able to identify whether your garage door can withstand the approaching storm.
For areas located in the Greater Toronto Area, you can consult the Ontario Building Code for reference.
The code will provide the requirements needed for buildings and homes that can withstand a specific wind rate.
In some areas in the US, some states require homeowners to install garage doors that can stand winds that have a speed of 140 mph.
Retrofit your current garage door
If you live in an old home, chances are that you have manual garage doors.
Usually, older garage doors may be lagging behind the latest innovations and technologies.
This can be a significant setback, especially in the face of danger, as some of the improvements in constructing garage doors include safety features.
With that, it is crucial that you refit your old garage door.
Make sure that it should be able to withstand strong winds.
That way, you can be assured that it will be safer for you and your family.
However, there are also downsides to retrofitting, especially if your garage door is older.
It may also be a problem if your garage door is made up of wood, instead of sturdier and more durable materials like steel.
If such was a case, your door might not be able to withstand the pressure of retrofitting.
Consider upgrading your garage door instead.
Storm-Proofing Garage Doors By Replace your old one with a storm-proof garage door
Whether your garage door is not in compliance with the mandated wind code of your region or you have an old one that cannot withstand the processes of retrofitting, it’s high time that you replace it with a new one.
And when you are at it, make sure you look for a storm-proof that is also in compliance with the wind rating prescribed by your local authorities.
That way, you will not have to worry about the severity of the storm and its effects.
Compared to a retrofitting kit, installation of garage door is more comprehensive since it is practically an overhaul.
Even the mounting tracks and other parts should be replaced.
A garage door replacement that has wind-rating specification included may cost you a few hundred bucks.
However, it is more cost-efficient and practical.
For one, it will ensure the safety of your family during calamities.
It also improves the value of your home.
Don’t wait for a storm to reach your area.
Retrofit your garage door as soon as possible.
Or better yet, upgrade your garage door into a more durable one that can withstand natural disasters, such as storms, hurricanes, and typhoons.
Garage Door Repair Fixadoor can help you prepare by fixing, repairing, or installing a new garage door in your home.
You can contact them if you are located in Etobicoke, Mississauga, Toronto, Newmarket, Markham, or anywhere near the Greater Toronto Area.
