Preparing Your Garage for Weather Spring Storms

Whether you live in an area prone to extreme weather or just the occasional thunderstorm, a little preparation can go a long way. Here's how you can prepare your garage to ride out the next storm.

Install a Durable Garage Door

Protecting your garage from inclement weather starts first with your purchase. Not only should you look for a door crafted from high-quality materials, it's also important to consider the garage door's wind resistance. Strong winds can cause un-reinforced garage doors to buckle and be forced off the track, resulting in a costly garage door repair and, in some cases, damage to property inside your garage.

Garage doors are rated for their ability to withstand various wind speeds, and there are many manufacturers who offer speciality wind-resistant garage doors, such as Wayne Dalton's line of WindSafe® certified doors. These doors maintain the aesthetic appeal of Wayne Dalton's most popular garage door styles while also offering superior strength and durability.

Prepare for a Power Outage

If a storm knocks out the power in your area, the last thing you need to worry about is your garage door. Whether you have a vehicle parked in your garage or need access to your belongings, you can open your door manually in three easy steps:

1. Disconnect your garage door opener

With your garage door closed, pull the emergency cord. This cord hangs from your garage door opener and typically has a red handle at the end of it.

2. Open the door

Carefully lift your garage door until it's fully open. If your garage door springs are properly balanced, you should be able to open your door in one smooth motion.

3. Ensure it's secure

Before leaving your open garage door unattended, be sure that it's secure in the open position. If the door begins to close, don't attempt to force it open and contact a service professional instead for garage door service.

In order to avoid the hassle of manually operating your door, invest in a battery backup feature like LiftMaster's Elite Series model 8550W. If your power goes out, your garage door will still be functional and secure.

Prevent Flooding

Protect your garage and belongings from water damage caused by low-level flooding with a few simple tasks:

• Replace the garage door weatherstripping

Weatherstripping creates a tight seal between the bottom of your garage door and the ground but, over time, it can crack and wear away. If you notice any gaps around your garage door, contact our team and we'll send one of our expertly trained technicians to replace it.

• Fill small cracks in the foundation

While hairline cracks are common, they may allow water to seep into your garage and slowly erode the concrete, causing the cracks to widen. Use a vinyl concrete patch purchased from any hardware store to seal smaller cracks. For cracks that are ¼ inch or larger, contact a professional.

• Lay sandbags along your garage's perimeter

Sandbags serve as a barrier between water and your property, redirecting any water to go around your garage instead of into it. While they don't provide a water-tight seal, they will help to reduce water damage to your garage door.

Store Emergency Supplies

In the event of an emergency, a kit filled with basic supplies can be invaluable.

Keep these items stashed in a tightly sealed box in your garage:

• First aid kit
• Minimum of three days' worth of food and water
• Pet food (if necessary)
• Medications
• Flashlight or lantern
• Spare batteries
• Work gloves
• Rain ponchos

Rain or shine, we're here to help. At Creative Door Services, our expertly trained team will help you select, install, and maintain the perfect garage door for your home. Give us a call at 1 888 621 DOOR (3667) or contact us here online.