Did you know that the garage door is another important part that can have a great impact on how well your house stands up to a storm? Investing in hurricane-rated garage doors is about more than just being ready. It can also protect your home’s structure during storms.
In this blog, we will talk about the many benefits of having a hurricane garage door, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area. So sit back and spare us some time. You are about to uncover the benefits of having these sturdy doors. Indeed, this information is something you can not afford to ignore. Whether you have lived in your home for years or are planning to build a new home, you can benefit from this read.
Hurricane Rated Garage Doors: What Are They?
During hurricanes, tropical storms, and other high-wind conditions, hurricane-rated garage doors, or wind-rated garage doors, are battling to survive such powerful forces. This kind of pressure does not match any standard garage doors. However, these garage doors, made to withstand the elements, can meet or exceed local and national standards for wind protection.
Key Features of Hurricane-rated Garage Doors
Strong Materials
These garage doors, usually made of metal, fiberglass, or steel, are strong and have extra support. The purpose is to ensure the door stays together and works even when hit by flying objects and forceful wind.
Reinforced Frames
The frame and tracking system are often stronger and more stable, so the door is not blown off its tracks.
Additional Bracing
You can have extra bracing at the back of the door to add another support layer. Some of these may be vertical or horizontal struts that spread the force of the wind more evenly over the area.
High-Quality Seals
These doors usually come with weather stripping and seals that keep wind and water from getting into the garage and causing damage.
Impact Resistant Windows
If your garage door has glass windows, make sure they are resistant to impacts or covered with a protective film to protect the door’s structure and keep the wind out.
Secure Locking Mechanisms
In order to keep the door shut during a storm, you may also have special locks and hinges placed.
Testing and Certification
Hurricane-rated garage doors undergo a series of tests to check if they meet specific wind load and impact resistance standards. Organizations like the International Code Council (ICC) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) often set these standards.
These features make hurricane garage doors crucial to protecting your home during storms. They reduce the chance of a garage “blowout.” It happens when the wind gets into the garage and presses on the roof and walls. As a result, the structure of an entire house could collapse.
The Best Hurricane-Rated Garage Doors: How to Pick One
Contrary to popular opinion, choosing a hurricane-rated garage door for your home is not as easy as installing a regular one. There are two important considerations to keep in mind when choosing these custom-made doors.
Wind Code Rating
If you want your garage door to stand up to strong winds, you need to know how strong the winds are during a normal hurricane. If hurricanes are stronger where you live, you will need a garage door with a higher wind load number. Wind code ratings are important for figuring out how much wind your garage door can handle. In other words, the stronger the garage door, the higher the wind code grade.
The wind code rating starts at W1 and goes up to W9. The W1 garage door is suitable for a house with one or two stories. It can handle winds of up to 90 miles per hour. The W9-rated doors are for buildings with two or more stories that can take 150 mph winds. You may use the Clopay wind code calculator to know what wind code rating you need for your garage door. For accurate ratings, call a garage door expert.
Residential Construction
The home’s building is the most important factor when buying a hurricane-rated garage door. Think about the construction and how much wind it gets. More than you know, the building’s structure decides how much pressure it can handle.
Among other things, you must consider the wind direction. You can figure out the direction of the wind by looking at where your house is. Which way is your house facing? Note that the building’s design and position affect the wind load pressure.
Hurricane Garage Doors: Are They Worth It?
It is important to realize that even though hurricane-proof garage doors may cost more upfront, the money spent is well worth it. They can make the difference between a damaged structure and one that falls apart in a way that puts lives at risk. Also, the long-term benefits include lower insurance rates and higher property value. Most importantly, you will have peace of mind during severe weather.
Garage Door Installation Near Me
If you are in a storm-prone area, now is the time to invest in hurricane garage doors. These are not just property upgrades; they are life-saving essentials. Opt for the best hurricane garage doors in the market and have professionals install them. Fixxed Garage Doors specialize in precise garage door installation, a critical step when lives are at stake during stormy days.
So do not let the next storm catch you by surprise because you were not ready. Do something right away to protect your home with the best hurricane-rated garage doors. With Fixxed Garage Doors, you can sleep better knowing you have taken a big step toward preparing for a storm. Call us and protect what is most important to you.
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