To choose the right garage door for hurricane season, match the door’s wind-load rating to your location, make sure that it has a valid state product approval and check whether your area needs impact resistance. You should look for reinforced panels, heavy-duty tracks, secure hardware and professional installation, since the whole door system must be able to handle both positive and negative wind pressure. Your final choice should be based on local building code requirements and your property’s wind zone.
To choose the right hurricane garage door, think about the complete door system, not just the panels:
- Wind-load rating: Choose a rating that matches your area to make sure you’re properly protected.
- Product approval: Confirm that the exact model appears in the state’s online product approval database.
- Impact resistance: Find out whether local rules require you to have protection from windborne debris, too.
- Door construction: Compare reinforced panels, heavy tracks, secure brackets and hardware.
- Professional installation: Use an experienced installer who follows the approved installation instructions.
- Insulation and design: Don’t forget to balance storm performance with energy efficiency and a style you like.
- Warranty and service: Check what the manufacturer and installer cover after the door has been installed.
What Wind Rating Does My Garage Door Need?
Your garage door’s wind-load rating is going to depend on your home’s location, exposure and garage door opening size. You can ask a qualified installer or your local building department to confirm the wind-load rating you need before you shop for a garage door.
How Can I Tell if a Garage Door Is Hurricane-Rated?
You can tell if a garage door is hurricane-rated by checking its permanent label, product approval number and installation documents. Don’t rely on terms such as “hurricane-ready” or “storm-rated” that you might see on product pages or packaging. To make sure the door you’re looking at is hurricane-rated, check the product page or specifications for:
- A valid product approval number: Confirm that it matches the exact model, size and configuration of the door.
- Positive and negative design pressures: Use these to work out if the door would be appropriate for your area.
- Impact-resistance information: See if the door has approval for protection against windborne debris.
- Included components: Check that the tracks, struts, brackets and hardware are hurricane-rated.
Before you order, ask the seller for the approval documents and double-check them with your installer or local building department.
Can I Hurricane-Proof My Existing Garage Door?
You can improve an existing garage door’s storm readiness by adding braces or storm panels, replacing worn weatherstripping, sealing any gaps, clearing drainage areas and making sure the tracks and hardware stay in good condition. These upgrades can strengthen the door and help stop water from getting in, but they won’t turn a normal garage door into a proper impact-resistant protection system.
Choose the Right Hurricane-Rated Door With The Doorman
The Doorman helps South Florida homeowners compare hurricane-proof garage doors and choose a style that fits their tastes. Our team of professionals guides you to the right door for your home’s needs, installs it and offers replacement and repair services when you need them. Contact The Doorman today or call 561-272-3667 to discuss your options and move forward with a garage door that protects your home.
