Your garage may hold various essential or expensive items, such as your car, lawn equipment, a refrigerator, or a deep freezer. Do you know how to protect your belongings against wind and rain? If you’re expecting a big storm, you must storm-proof the garage door to help your family prepare for inclement weather.
Fortunately, Broten Garage Door Sales has you covered with five of the best ways to hurricane-proof your garage.
1. Seal Up Cracks and Leaks
A garage door’s greatest weakness is a crack or hole because any damage compromises your door’s integrity. Instead of preventing leaks, these damaged areas are defenseless against them. Water can leak into the garage, damaging items stored on the ground. Check your garage door’s weatherstripping, tracks, and bracing for signs of wear and tear or breakage.
Use putty or similar materials to seal cracks and fix leaks before a storm.
2. Install a Drainage Solution
Enough water can damage anything. If you notice that your home drains water inefficiently, it’s time to make some adjustments. A French drain system leads water away from your home and garage. If you worry about water getting into your garage, consider installing a trench drain in front of your garage door. It will redirect water, protecting your garage and keeping your home dry.
3. Cover Windows
If you have windows on your garage door, you must ensure they’re secure during a storm. High winds can cause debris to break the windows and expose your entire garage to extreme conditions. Research the glass in your garage door. If it’s weak, consider replacing it or installing a door with impact windows. Another option is adding wrought iron coverings. They keep the windows safe while not entirely compromising the beautiful look of your overhead door.
4. Lay Out Sandbags
Sandbags are heavy items, which makes them an effective reinforcement strategy for your garage. Line sandbags up against your garage door to hold it in place. While the bags support your overhead door, the sand will also discourage water flowing on the ground from entering your garage. Laying out sandbags is an affordable trick that helps you keep your garage dry.
5. Move Storage Items
While the worst-case scenario rarely happens, it’s better to prepare more than necessary. Move valuable items away from your garage door and off the floor to keep them safe if you missed a crack or underestimated the storm. Placing your belongings higher up or in your home will keep your mind at ease.
Discover Our Selection of Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors
We’ve developed this list of hurricane-proof garage ideas to help you ensure your garage door remains intact. If you’re wondering how to hurricane-proof your garage in other ways, consider replacing your standard overhead door with a hurricane-rated option. Broten Garage Door Sales offers a high-quality line of doors designed to protect your home against the extremes of Florida weather.
