Storm Proofing Your Garage

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

When planning to protect your home from storms, make your garage one of your first priorities. Your garage is one of the most vulnerable areas in your home when it comes to high winds. Here are some tips to stormproof your garage:

Install a garage door with a high wind-resistance rating. Storms that bring with them extreme levels of wind will cause the most damage; when a garage is breached, the winds will batter the rest of your home. Water will start to come in, and even just an inch of water can cause unwanted, and costly, damage. If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, it’s recommended that you invest in a door that can withstand winds of 130 mph or higher. Doors with high impact-ratings will protect your home and belongings from flying debris.

Install a bracing system. You can reinforce your garage door with proper bracing. Most garage doors are secured only by the tracks or hinges, which will be no help during a powerful storm. A bracing system works by anchoring the door to the walls and floors and into each hinge. 

Maintain your garage door. If there are any holes, cracks or breaches, these will allow storm winds through your garage door. Perform a monthly inspection and look for any of these types of issues as well as problems with the weather stripping or any parts of the garage door mechanisms and functionality. Perform the needed maintenance as soon as possible to stay in storm-readiness.

Secure all windows. If you have windows in your garage, these will also be weak points during extreme weather. Ensure they are in good repair and that the weather stripping is in great shape. Having wrought-iron window protection installed as well can go a long way to protect your glass from flying debris, such as rocks or tree limbs.

Install drainage and flood vents. Make sure that this vulnerable area of your home is properly outfitted for the drainage of large amounts of water. You can have a trench drain installed in front of this area and on the sides of your driveway to divert water, and flood vents inside the garage can drain any water coming inside quickly before levels rise and cause damage.

Here at SERVPRO of Albany and Americus, we handle clean up after house and business fires, and are well equipped to handle water damage. Mold remediation is also one of our specialties. Call us at 229-439-2048.