How to Protect Your Garage Door from Hailstorms
Hail damage can diminish your door's integrity, impacting the safety and security of your home.
When hailstorms roll in, your garage door is one of the largest and most exposed surfaces of your home. This makes it just as vulnerable to damage as the other parts of your home’s exterior. A few minutes of hail can leave costly dents or cracks – and it may even compromise the structural integrity of your door. Fortunately, there are a few strategic steps you can take to shield your garage door from harm and avoid expensive repairs. It’s important to have these measures in place for when the next hailstorm strikes.
Install a Garage Door Reinforcement Kit
For homeowners that aren’t ready to replace their garage doors entirely, reinforcement kits offer an affordable middle ground. These kits include horizontal and vertical braces that strengthen the door against the impact of wind and hail. Reinforcement kits are especially useful during storm season and can be removed or stored during calmer months. They can be somewhat tricky to install, depending on the dimensions of your door, so be sure to call professional garage door repair technicians with any questions.
Upgrade to an Impact-Resistant Garage Door
If you live in an area prone to severe weather, the best long-term solution is to invest in an impact-rated garage door. These doors are specially engineered to withstand high winds, flying debris, and hail impact. Often made with reinforced steel or fiberglass panels and additional insulation, impact-resistant doors not only protect against hail but also improve energy efficiency and home security. Look for models that meet FEMA or Miami-Dade windstorm standards for the highest level of protection.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Dents and cracks can weaken the structural integrity of your garage door, making it more vulnerable to further damage during a hailstorm. Regular maintenance, such as tightening hardware, lubricating moving parts, and repairing small dents, will help your door stand up better to impact. Also, ensure that your garage door opener and springs are functioning properly so the door can be secured tightly in bad weather.
Use Temporary Protective Coverings
When a storm is forecast, you can use protective coverings like foam panels, plywood, or heavy-duty moving blankets to shield your garage door from hail. Attach these materials securely to the exterior of the door using straps, adhesive hooks, or bungee cords. This do-it-yourself method won’t provide the same level of defense against an impact-rated door, but it can significantly reduce denting and paint damage during a short-term hail event.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Even the most prepared homeowner can experience hail damage. Make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy includes adequate coverage for storm-related garage door damage. If you’re unsure, review your policy or speak with your agent to make sure you are protected financially. Many people forget the garage door when inspecting their claim for hail damage – focusing mostly on their roof and/or siding. It’s important to get what you deserve from your policy, so don’t forget about your garage door.
For more information on how to protect against hail damage on your garage door, reach out to the experts at Aeonic Garage Doors today.
