Storm season can bring a lot more than just rain in Mansfield, Texas. With strong winds, flying debris, and sudden downpours, it’s easy for something as big as a garage door to get overlooked until it’s too late. But your garage door does more than just open and close. It protects your vehicles, tools, storage items, and connects to your home. When storms hit, a weak or neglected door can turn into a big problem fast.
Taking the time to prep your garage door for harsh weather is an important part of keeping your home safe. Storm damage can lead to costly repairs and even make it unsafe to use your garage at all. By spotting problems early and adding the right kind of support, you can hold off wind and water damage and avoid being caught off guard when the weather takes a turn.
Inspect And Reinforce Garage Door Structure
Start by giving your garage door a good look. Look for cracks, bending panels, rusty parts, or anything that seems out of place. Don’t forget the hinges and the track. Just like a fence can’t take strong wind if one of its posts is rotting, your garage door is only as strong as its weakest part. If your door already has damage or is worn down, even a mild storm could make things worse.
Adding reinforcement is a smart step before strong weather rolls in. Most garage doors aren’t built to handle high winds. You can add support with struts or braces that help hold the door in place. These extra parts aren’t expensive but go a long way in boosting the door’s strength.
Also, secure every piece of hardware. Loose bolts and brackets aren’t just annoying rattles. They become weak points if a storm hits hard. With just a wrench and a little time, you can check that everything is tight and solid. Here’s what to focus on:
1. Tighten bolts, screws, and brackets along the tracks and hinges.
2. Check that the door panels are not bending or shifting at the corners.
3. Add vertical braces if you live in an area with stronger winds.
4. Replace any rusted or damaged metal parts.
If you notice anything that seems outside your skill level, don’t wait until the storm hits. It’s better to get help now than deal with a disaster later.
Ensure Proper Sealing And Weatherproofing
Water and wind don’t need much space to get inside. Gaps around your garage door might seem small, but they can still let in rain, dirt, or flying leaves. Once water seeps in, it can lead to mold, damage to stored items, or even rot in the walls and floor around the garage.
Start by checking the rubber seal at the bottom of your garage door. If it’s cracked, dried out, or uneven, it won’t do its job. Replacing it is simple and makes a big difference. Next, look at the side and top seals. These are often thin strips that can come loose without being obvious.
If you notice visible light coming in from around the door when it’s closed, that’s a clear sign of a problem. Here are a few things you can do before storm season peaks:
1. Swap out any pieces of weather stripping that look dry, stiff, or cracked.
2. Use caulk to fill small gaps or cracks along the sides of the garage door frame.
3. Clean the track area so that nothing blocks the door from sealing properly when closed.
4. Make sure the door closes evenly and doesn’t hang lopsided.
Don’t forget about the door’s material either. Wooden doors can absorb water and swell. Metal doors might rust if they can’t keep moisture out. Taking care of those edges with the right paint, coating, or sealant can help the door last longer and keep the storm outside where it belongs.
Protect Garage Door Opener System
Safeguarding your garage door opener is smart, especially when storms are in the forecast. A power surge during a thunderstorm can zap your opener, leaving you with a door that won’t budge. Unplugging the system is one way to protect against this. If unplugging isn’t convenient, consider a surge protector. This simple step can help shield your opener from unexpected electrical spikes and save you the stress of dealing with a broken system.
It’s also a good idea to check if your garage door opener has a backup battery. This helps during power outages and allows you to keep using the door. Keep that battery charged and ready to go. Try switching your system to manual mode and make sure everything moves smoothly. This way, you won’t be caught off guard if your power goes out and you need to access your garage quickly.
Safety Measures During Storms
Playing it safe during a storm is just as important as prepping your door. Avoid using your garage door as your main exit when severe weather hits. Strong pressure changes and high winds can damage the door or suddenly swing it open or shut. It’s safer to wait until the storm has passed before opening the garage.
Make sure the door is locked and secured before storms start. This helps stop wind from lifting or damaging it. If you store emergency supplies in the garage, make a plan for how to access them quickly and safely. That way, if the weather turns bad while you’re home, you’ll know exactly what to do without added risk.
Preparing For Professional Assistance
If you find damage or signs of wear beyond what you can handle, it’s better to get someone out to take a look. Don’t put off repairs or inspections just because the damage seems small. A pre-storm visit from a garage door pro can point out issues you might not have noticed. Fixing these early can save you from heavier losses later.
After a storm, act fast if your garage door took a hit. Snap some photos, write down what you notice, and reach out to a repair service right away. Waiting too long could lead to more damage or make your home less secure. Your garage door is more than an entrance. It adds security, and when it’s broken, your whole house could be affected.
When it comes to garage door repair in Mansfield Texas, don’t let weather damage grow into something bigger than it needs to be. Get expert help when you need it.
Keep Your Garage Door Ready for the Storm
Spending a little time now to strengthen and check your garage door can save you big problems when storms hit. A strong, sealed, and well-working door helps protect everything inside and blocks out the worst that the weather can bring. It also gives you peace of mind.
Taking simple steps like adding supports, sealing up gaps, and plugging your opener into a surge protector can go a long way. These aren’t just one-time fixes, though. Your garage door needs care year-round. Having a regular routine in the books to inspect and address any issues keeps your garage door in strong shape and ready for the next round of storms.
Don’t wait until thunder rolls in to take action. A little weather prep today can keep your garage safe and working tomorrow.
Preparing your garage door for storm season helps protect your home and belongings from harsh weather. But sometimes, it’s best to let experts handle detailed checks or complex repairs. If you need help with garage door repair in Mansfield Texas, Garage Door Rescue is ready to make sure your system is secure and storm-ready with dependable, professional service.