How To Prepare Your Garage For A Hurricane

Preparing Your Garage for a Hurricane

When you live in Florida, certain things are just facts of life. The beaches are sun-soaked, the cities are well worth visiting, the landscapes are lush, and the winters are warm. The Sunshine State is a true paradise, but even paradise has some drawbacks. The top of the list in Florida is probably hurricane season, the annual stretch in which serious storms threaten homes, businesses, and communities. Smart homeowners know that preparing your home to withstand tropical storms and hurricanes is crucial to keeping it structurally sound. They stock up on staples, prepare to board their windows and know when to ride out the storm and when to leave town.

Why is Hurricane Preparation Necessary?

Why is it so important to prepare for these storms? Hurricane season runs from June through November, with its most active time typically being between August and October. During that time, both hurricanes and tropical storms threaten Florida. Tropical storms form over warm ocean waters, developing winds of 38 to 73 miles per hour; when the miles per hour hit 74, the storm becomes a hurricane. Both tropical storms and hurricanes bring strong winds and heavy rains, but hurricanes cause the most catastrophic damage, as wind and storm surges flood inland areas and ravage the coast. Hurricanes are classified into five categories, with Category 5 hurricanes being the most devastating, bringing winds of 157 miles per hour or higher.

Are There Hurricane-Proof Garage Doors?

When a hurricane hits, your garage is one of the most vulnerable spots in your home. The garage door is by far the largest opening into your home, and most garages contain thousands of cubic feet of space. When the winds and rain pound at the garage, it can be torn wide open if it is not sturdy. That creates a few problems. If the garage door fails or the windows break, the air pressure that builds inside the space can threaten the structural integrity of your home. What’s more, if stormwaters begin to flood the garage, they can crumble the drywall, ruin your belongings, and breach your foundation. So, is there a hurricane-proof garage door to prevent this from happening? In Florida, garage doors must be up to hurricane codes, and it is up to homeowners to hurricane-proof their garages. 

Garage Preparation for a Hurricane

Here are five essential steps to hurricane-proof your garage.

1. Invest in a Wind-Resistant Garage Door
   
   One of the most crucial steps in preparing your garage for a hurricane is to install a wind-resistant garage door. Standard garage doors are not designed to withstand the extreme forces generated by a hurricane, so they can leave your home vulnerable to significant damage. In Florida, the Hurricane Code sets very strict standards requiring home products and appliances to be designed to withstand hurricane conditions; garage doors and other structural components are included in this code. Hurricane-rated, wind-resistant doors have an extremely strong steel track and twist-resistant framework, making them more resistant to hurricane damage.
   
   
2. Install a Garage Door Bracing Kit
   
   Even if you have installed a wind-resistant door, you may want the additional security of further reinforcement. Garage door bracing kits, typically with metal bars that run horizontally or vertically across the door, supporting it against wind pressure and keeping it from buckling. If you are handy, you may be able to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install these braces, but it may be a better option to contact a professional for assistance.
   
   
3. Decrease the Clutter
   
   A cluttered garage is a potential hazard during a hurricane. Loose items can become dangerous projectiles in the event of a breach or can obstruct emergency exits if the situation requires a quick evacuation. Take the time to declutter your garage, removing any unnecessary items and organizing the remaining belongings. Store sentimental or valuable items in a safer part of the house or in weatherproof containers. Installing wall-mounted shelving or overhead storage systems can help keep your garage floor clear and reduce the risk of water damage to your belongings. By decluttering your garage, you minimize the chance of injury and ensure that your space is safer and more accessible in an emergency.
   
   
4. Ensure the Integrity of Your Electrical Wiring
   
   Electrical systems in your garage are particularly vulnerable during hurricanes, especially if flooding occurs. Exposed or frayed wires can short-circuit, leading to fires or electrocution hazards. Before hurricane season peaks, take the time to inspect all electrical wiring in your garage. If you notice any damaged or exposed wires enlist the services of a qualified electrician, who can assess and repair any issues. Properly maintained electrical systems reduce the risk of fire and ensure that your garage is safer during and after a storm.
   
   
5. Protect Against Water Damage
   
   Flooding is a common and destructive consequence of hurricanes. Even a small amount of water can cause significant damage to your garage and its contents. To protect your garage from water damage, start by applying weatherstripping along the bottom of your garage door and around windows. Weatherstripping helps seal gaps that can allow water to seep in during heavy rain. Inspect the walls, doors, and windows for any cracks or holes, and seal them with caulk or a similar waterproofing material. You might also consider using sandbags, placing them along the base of your garage door and other vulnerable entry points to help block incoming water. Sandbags can be especially useful in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Keep a few tarps on hand to cover any items that might be at risk of water damage. Assess the drainage systems in your garage, and if the garage does not already have a drain, consider installing one. Additionally, check the grading around your garage to ensure water flows away from the structure rather than toward it.

Let A1A Overhead Door Help You Protect Your Garage

Is your garage up to the Hurricane Code? The best way to make sure you are ready for whatever weather comes your way is to have an assessment from a seasoned, local professional like the ones at A1A Overhead Door Company. Our knowledgeable staff can help you determine exactly what’s needed and complete all necessary work efficiently and professionally. Family-owned-and-operated, A1A Overhead Door serves the entire metro Jacksonville area. In fact, we even go up to fifty miles into the outer countries. We are licensed and insured to cover both the client’s property and ours, and we’re proud to work with our clientele and will match or beat any competitor’s written estimate. For more information, you can call 904.579.1123 or contact us through our website.