7 min read Roslyn Garage Doors
Central Washington experiences diverse weather challenges.from heavy winter snowfall to strong spring winds and occasional summer storms. Your garage door, often the largest moving part of your home, is particularly vulnerable to storm damage. Proper preparation protects not only the door itself but also everything stored inside your garage and can prevent structural damage to your home.
A garage door failure during a storm can have cascading consequences. When wind enters through a failed garage door, it pressurizes your home's interior. This internal pressure can lift roofs, blow out windows, and cause catastrophic structural failure. Insurance claims related to garage door failures during storms run into the thousands of dollars.
Start with a visual inspection of your door panels. Look for:
- Cracks or dents - Damaged panels are weak points where wind and water can penetrate - Rust spots - Especially on steel doors, rust indicates compromised material - Peeling paint - Exposed metal or wood will deteriorate faster - Panel connections - Ensure panels are securely joined
Weather seals are your first line of defense against water intrusion:
- Bottom seal - The rubber seal at the door's base should be flexible and make contact along the entire width - Side seals - Inspect the weatherstripping on both sides of the door frame - Top seal - The header seal prevents water from running down into your garage - Corner seals - These often-overlooked areas are common leak points
Replace any seals that are cracked, brittle, or missing sections.
An unbalanced door is more likely to fail under wind stress:
1. Disconnect your opener by pulling the emergency release 2. Manually lift the door halfway 3. Release it carefully 4. A balanced door should stay in place; if it drifts up or down, the springs need adjustment
All hardware should be tight and in good condition:
- Hinges - Check for loose or missing bolts - Rollers - Look for cracks, chips, or worn bearings - Tracks - Ensure they're plumb and securely mounted - Cables - Inspect for fraying or corrosion - Springs - Look for rust, gaps in coils, or visible wear
Garage doors are rated for wind resistance. In storm-prone areas, consider upgrading to a door with higher wind load ratings. Standard residential doors handle 20-25 mph winds; reinforced doors can withstand 110+ mph.
For existing doors, bracing systems add significant wind resistance:
- Horizontal braces - Steel bars that attach across each panel - Vertical braces - Support the door's height - Retrofit kits - Available for most standard doors
Professional installation ensures braces are properly positioned and attached.
If you're in an area prone to hail or debris:
- Impact-resistant panels withstand objects striking the door, Reinforced windows (or windowless doors) prevent glass breakage, Steel gauge upgrades provide additional durability
Every automatic garage door has a manual release.usually a red cord hanging from the opener rail. Practice using it:
1. Pull the release cord 2. Manually operate the door 3. Re-engage by pulling the cord again or cycling the door with the opener
During a power outage, this knowledge is essential.
When severe weather warnings are issued:
- Close and lock the door, Engage the manual lock if your door has one, Consider parking vehicles inside for added weight, Never open the door during high winds
After any significant weather event:
- Visually inspect before operating, Listen for unusual sounds during the first few cycles, Check tracks for debris or damage, Examine seals and weatherstripping, Look for water intrusion signs inside the garage
- Complete comprehensive inspection, Replace worn seals, Lubricate all moving parts, Test balance and adjust springs if needed, Clear debris from tracks
Consider replacement if your door:
- Was installed before modern wind codes, Has significant rust or structural damage, Lacks insulation (which provides rigidity) - Has outdated safety features, Cannot be reinforced adequately
Modern insulated doors are inherently stronger and more resistant to wind damage than older single-layer doors.
At Roslyn Garage Doors, we offer comprehensive storm preparation services including:
- Full system inspection and testing, Weather seal replacement, Bracing installation, Balance adjustment, Hardware tightening and replacement, Upgrade consultations
Don't wait for the forecast to turn severe. Call (509) 287-4351 to schedule your storm preparation appointment today. We'll ensure your garage door is ready to weather whatever nature brings.