Living in Florida means keeping an eye on the weather, especially during hurricane season. From June through November, high winds, flying debris, and heavy rain are part of the reality. And when it comes to protecting your home, your garage door is one of the most critical pieces of the puzzle.
A compromised garage door can lead to catastrophic structural damage. When a garage door gives way, wind can rush into your home like a balloon inflating, putting immense pressure on your walls and roof. That’s when serious problems start.
So how do you know if your garage door is up to the challenge? Here are 5 signs it might be time to upgrade before the next big storm rolls in.
1. Your Door Isn’t Wind- or Impact-Rated
If your garage door isn’t specifically labeled as wind-rated or impact-resistant, it’s not built to withstand Florida storm conditions. Older doors, especially those installed before modern building codes, often fail to meet current standards. A newer, reinforced door is designed to handle the intense pressures from hurricane-force winds.
2. It’s Showing Signs of Wear or Rust
Corrosion, cracks, dents, or sagging panels are more than just cosmetic, they’re weaknesses that a storm can exploit. If your door already struggles with day-to-day function, it likely won’t hold up in 100+ mph winds.
3. It’s Lacking a Reinforcement System
Garage doors should have a built-in or aftermarket reinforcement system, like braces, bars, or struts designed to hold the door steady when wind pressure builds. If your current door doesn’t have these, it’s time to consider an upgrade or retrofit.
4. You Hear Creaking, Grinding, or Straining Sounds
Your door shouldn’t sound like it’s struggling every time it opens. Unusual noises could point to issues with the springs, rollers, or track. These are problems that will only get worse under stress. A storm is not the time to find out your system is failing.
5. It Was Installed More Than 10–15 Years Ago
Garage door technology has come a long way. If your door is over a decade old, it may not meet current hurricane codes, even if it looks fine. Florida’s building codes have evolved to demand stronger, safer materials. Upgrading now can help protect your home and possibly lower your insurance premiums, too.
Let’s Get You Storm-Ready
At Trinity Garage Door Service, we specialize in hurricane-rated garage doors designed to stand up to Florida’s toughest weather. We offer inspections, reinforcements, and full replacements, and we’ll help you choose a solution that fits your home and your budget.
👉 Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast. Let’s make sure your garage door is ready now.
Contact us today for a free storm-readiness inspection.
