When a storm is on the horizon, most homeowners rush to secure windows, bring in patio furniture, and stock up on essentials. But one of the most vulnerable points of your home often gets overlooked: the garage door. Because garage doors cover such a large opening, they can be a major weak spot during high winds or hurricanes.
At Trinity Garage Door Service, we’ve seen how small oversights can lead to costly damage. Let’s walk through the top three mistakes homeowners make when preparing garage doors for storms, and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Relying on Standard Doors for Storm Protection
Many homeowners assume their existing garage door is strong enough to handle high winds. Unfortunately, most standard doors aren’t built to withstand hurricane-force gusts. A compromised garage door can allow wind to enter, creating pressure that damages your roof, walls, and even the foundation.
What to Do Instead:
Install a hurricane-rated or reinforced garage door. These doors are designed to resist extreme winds and impact. If replacing your door isn’t an option right now, consider adding a bracing kit to provide additional reinforcement.
Mistake #2: Improper DIY Reinforcements
When a storm is coming, it’s tempting to grab a few 2x4s and “brace” the door. While well-intentioned, these DIY fixes rarely provide the strength needed, and in some cases, they can actually damage your door or opener system.
What to Do Instead:
Always use tested and approved reinforcement systems. Professional-grade braces distribute force evenly across the door, reducing the chance of buckling. And remember: bracing is most effective when paired with a door that’s already storm-rated.
Mistake #3: Forgetting the Hardware and Tracks
Homeowners often focus only on the garage door panel itself. But in reality, the hardware, tracks, and rollers play a huge role in stability. Loose bolts, worn rollers, or misaligned tracks can cause the door to fail under pressure, even if the panel is strong.
What to Do Instead:
Schedule a professional garage door inspection. A technician can tighten hardware, check balance, and ensure tracks are secure. It’s a quick step that can save thousands in potential damage.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget About Power Outages
Storms often knock out power, leaving your garage door opener useless. Many homeowners forget to check their manual release handle until it’s too late.
Make sure everyone in your household knows how to safely operate the door manually in case of an outage.
Final Thoughts
Your garage door is one of the largest moving parts of your home, and during a storm, it’s also one of the most important barriers against damage. When you avoid these common mistakes and take proactive steps, you’ll not only protect your property but also keep your family safe.
At Trinity Garage Door Service, we specialize in hurricane-rated garage doors, reinforcements, and inspections that give you peace of mind when the weather turns rough. Don’t wait until the next storm warning, prepare today.
Contact us for a storm-readiness garage door inspection and keep your home secure this season.
