Storm-Proofing Your Garage

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Your garage is one of the most vulnerable areas in your home when it comes to the high winds, flying debris, and large amounts of water that come with violent weather. 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 a tornado-prone area, 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, as well.

Install a bracing system. You can reinforce your garage door with strong bracing. Most garage doors are secured only by the tracks or hinges, which will be vulnerable to damage during a powerful storm. A bracing system works by anchoring the door to the walls and floors and into each hinge, giving it the extra strength and protection necessary to withstand violent weather.   

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, looking for any potential issues such as these, 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, making sure the projects are completed before heavy weather hits your area.

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 doing its job. Having wrought-iron window protection installed can go a long way to protect your glass from flying debris, such as rocks or tree limbs, as well.

Install drainage and flood vents. Make sure that the garage 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 water damage or mold growth down the line, and thus preventing the need for mold removal!

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Huron and East Seneca for help after house and business fires or if your property has sustained water damages. Mold remediation is also one of our specialties! Call us at (419) 443 1790, or visit our website for more information. We offer our services to a wide area across the greater East Seneca areas. If you are in the greater Tiffin area, including Fremont, Monroeville, and many others, we are here to assist you!