Is Your Garage Door Ready for Spring Storms?

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and, unfortunately, unpredictable storms. High winds, heavy rain, and sudden temperature changes can stress your garage door, which serves as one of the most significant entry points to your home. Ensuring it is secure and functional before storm season arrives is crucial in protecting your property, vehicle, and belongings. Here’s how you can prepare your garage door for spring storms. 

1. Inspect for Visible Damage

Start by carefully inspecting your garage door. Look for wear and tear indicators like warping, rust, fractures, and dents. Even small damage can weaken the door’s structural integrity, leaving it open to heavy rain and powerful winds. If you observe any problems, consider arranging garage door repair before the storm season starts.

2. Test the Garage Door’s Balance and Alignment

A garage door that is correctly balanced runs smoothly and is more resilient to harsh weather. Disconnect the automatic opener and raise the door halfway by hand to check the balance. It is well-balanced if it remains in place. Adjusting the springs if they move up or down could be necessary. A misaligned door may become stuck or fail to seal correctly, letting water and wind in.

3. Secure Loose Hardware and Tighten Bolts

Over time, the nuts, bolts, and brackets on your garage door can loosen due to frequent use. Spring storms bring strong winds that can shake an unstable door, leading to further damage or detachment. Tighten all hardware, including hinges and tracks, to ensure your door is securely fastened.

4. Check the Weather Stripping and Seals

One of the biggest threats during a storm is water infiltration. Damaged or worn-out weather stripping at the bottom and sides of the garage door can allow rainwater to seep in, leading to water damage and mold growth. Replace old seals to keep moisture, dust, and debris out.

5. Reinforce the Garage Door for Wind Resistance

If you live in an area prone to strong winds, consider reinforcing your garage door with a bracing system. Some luxury garage doors have built-in wind resistance features, but older doors may need additional support. Reinforcement kits or upgrading to an impact-resistant door can help prevent damage from powerful gusts.

6. Ensure the Garage Door Opener Is Functioning Properly

A garage door installation is only as good as its opener. Test the opener’s responsiveness by opening and closing the door multiple times. If you hear unusual noises, experience delays, or notice inconsistent movement, the motor, sensors, or remote control may need repairs. Storm-related power outages can also affect the opener, so having a battery backup is a smart precaution.

7. Schedule a Professional Garage Door Inspection

Even if everything seems in good shape, a professional inspection can identify potential weaknesses homeowners might overlook. Experienced technicians can perform safety checks, lubricate moving parts, and repair garage doors before storms hit.

Protect Your Home with Sam’s Garage Doors!

Don’t wait until a spring storm exposes weaknesses in your garage door. Whether you need a garage door installation, repair, or maintenance, Sam’s Garage Doors is here to help. Ensure your home stays protected this storm season by scheduling a professional inspection today!