courtesy
of National
Hurricane Center
BRACING
YOUR GARAGE DOOR
Because
of their width, double-wide garage doors are more
susceptible to wind damage than single doors. Unless
you have a tested hurricane-resistant door, the
wind may force it out of the roller track -- especially
if the track is light weight or some of the anchor
bolts are not in place. This occurs because the
door deflects too much under excessive wind pressure
and fails.
To
secure your garage door:
- Check
with your local government building official to
see if there are code requirements for garage
doors in your area.
- Check
with your local building supplier or garage door
retailer to see if a retrofit kit is available
for your garage door.
You should probably reinforce your double-wide garage
door at its weakest points. This involves installing
horizontal and/or vertical bracing onto each panel,
using wood or light gauge metal girds bolted to the
door mullions. You may also need heavier hinges and
stronger end and vertical supports for your door.
If
you decide to retrofit your garage door with a kit
that allows you to operate the door after it is
installed, make sure the door is balanced by lowering
it about halfway and letting go. If the door goes
up or down, the springs will need adjusting. Note:
Since the springs are dangerous, only a professional
should adjust them.
If
you are unable to retrofit your garage door with
a kit specifically designed for your door, you can
purchase garage door retrofit kits to withstand
hurricane winds at your local building supply store.
Also, check to see if the supplier can do the installation.
The
above information is taken from IBHS's
instructive pamphlet, "Is Your Home Protected
from Hurricane Disaster? -A Homeowner's Guide to
Retrofit."
