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Ever wondered how strong your garage door is? Why does it even matter? Well first, a weakened garage door can cause significant damage to your home which could affect the roof and walls if excess wind is allowed in. This could be a very costly repair. We’re here to help you learn how to prevent your garage door from becoming a “damage amplifier” so you can avoid costly repairs.

Let’s face it, your garage door is the largest opening in your home, which makes it one of the most vulnerable areas. High winds could force the garage door inward, allowing pressure to build in your home. That additional pressure can push up on your roof and the surrounding walls. It’s a recipe for structural disaster in your home.  Keeping the wind out, is key! According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, a recent damage investigation showed 90% of homes whose garage door survived the storm had no structural damage to the roof. 

So how do you prevent wind damage to your garage door? Experts recommend installing a wind-rated garage door. These doors have been tested to stand up to severe weather in the area in which your home is located. They also have specific components like jamb brackets, hinges, rollers, and reinforcing struts that can reduce the likelihood of damage in high wind situations, like in a strong thunderstorm event.

Always check for a wind rating label on your garage door. Look for a label inside the garage door that shows it is rated for wind pressures in positive and negative PSF or pounds per square foot. You may also want to check with your local building code department to find out the wind rating required for garage doors in your area.

If you live in an older home with the original garage door, it has likely not been tested to withstand wind because there weren’t wind-rated requirements prior to 2006.

Content provided by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.