If you live in an area that sometimes gets some severe storms, or an area that has an abundance of extreme weather, the quality and durability of your garage door is very important. You need to consider the wind resistance of your garage door to ensure it is capable of withstanding those high winds. If you don’t, there is always the chance that it could eventually cause some rather costly damage to your home. Garage doors today have a wind resistance rating that lets you know how well they are able to hold up in different wind speeds. When you are choosing a door for your garage, this is something you should seriously consider.
Why Wind Load Is Important
President of Secure Enterprises, Jack Stumpff, says that around 80% of the monetary damage caused during hurricanes is actually attributable to garage doors. When the garage door fails, it typically means there will be subsequent damage to the roof. When the roof has damage, there is typically greater damage to the home. If you do not have the proper garage door, there is the potential to have to spend thousands of dollars in repairs later.
Consider some of the ways it can help. When you have a garage door that can handle the winds, it can provide more protection for your home. In addition, it can help to lower your insurance premiums. In fact, it is possible to save up to 30% with improved wind resistance. Not only that, but you will have peace of mind as well.
Take the Right Precautions
Consider your surroundings. If you are in an area that’s prone to bad weather, such as blizzards or hurricanes, the right garage door is essential. You should have a door that’s hurricane‑proof if possible, and that is impact‑resistant at least. Even a small amount of water or ice can cause thousands of dollars in damage, so you need to do your best to keep it out. Here are some things you can do.
- Learn the building codes in your area for wind resistance requirements. In some locations, you will need to have a garage door that can withstand high winds (up to 130 mph).
- Choose a hurricane‑proof or impact‑resistant garage door to ensure the most possible protection for your home. An impact‑resistant door is able to withstand high impact, while a hurricane‑proof door can reduce potential twisting when dealing with high winds. The hurricane‑proof door is the stronger of these two options.
- Consider installing a bracing kit, which can help to provide more stability and durability for your door. You may be able to install these bracing kits on your own, so long as you follow the directions. Alternatively, you could hire someone to do it for you.
What about Normal Weather?
Even if you aren’t in an area prone to hurricanes or blizzards, chances are that you’ll have some storms roll in throughout the year. These thunderstorms can be dangerous and cause wind damage as well, so it is still a good idea to consider wind resistance for your garage door. If the door isn’t windproof, there is always the chance that it could be causing you to lose energy as well, as it could be letting cold air into the home.
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