It’s hurricane seasons. Are you prepared?
Before you answer that, take a look at this picture. It was taken in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, back in 1992. Winds were so strong they flipped two cars upside down. Note that this is an aerial shot and that the roof has been devastated.
In the booklet “Against the Wind – Protecting your Home from Hurricane Damage” the American Red Cross and FEMA state the loss of the garage door was one of the four major factors in homes destroyed or damaged in Hurricane Andrew.
The Red Cross warns that once the garage door has been compromised, the full power of the hurricane is able to enter the home, blowing off the roof and causing major damage if not destruction. And FEMA puts it simply, “If the garage door fails, winds can enter your home and blow out doors, windows, walls and the roof.” There isn’t much left after that.
As a statistic, the Florida Alliance for Same Homes determined that approximately 80 percent of residential hurricane wind damage starts with wind entry through the garage door.
Garage doors are held in place only by the doors tracks. Hurricane winds exert so much pressure and suction that unless the door is properly reinforced it will easily be overcome.
Because the garage door is so vital to the integrity of a home, building codes were changed and the State of Florida now requires more stringent windloaded doors and missile impact resistance.
However, there remain many homes with garage doors that have not been updated to meet the new code. These homes are in jeopardy and often homeowners do not even realize it.
So, how can you tell if your garage door meets code and is hurricane ready?
If you look at the inside of your closed garage door, you should see extra reinforcements if it is hurricane ready. Some reinforcements may resemble this picture, though it could look different.
If your door is not reinforced, you can purchase kits either online or at a home supply store. However it’s important to note that while bracing systems can help support the door against wind pressure, it does throw off the balance of your door which can lead to a burnt out motor and an inoperable door. It’s also important to know that while these kits help reinforce your door against wind, they do nothing to protect it against missiles; branches, posts, signs, and anything else the wind will throw at the door.
To find out with certainty if your garage door is hurricane ready, Precision Door is offering free hurricane garage door consultations for Florida homeowners. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Simply fill out this form or call (866) 443-7672. We will tell you for sure if you are hurricane ready so you can rest a little easier at night.