With Tropical Storm Helene making its way towards Knoxville, TN, now is the time to ensure your home is as storm-ready as possible. A vulnerable part of your home during a storm is your garage door. Since it’s the largest entryway into your home, a weak or unprepared garage door can lead to extensive damage not just to the garage itself, but to the entire house. Here at Skylift Garage Doors, we want to help you protect your home and stay safe during the storm. Below are essential steps you can take to prepare your garage door for Tropical Storm Helene.
1. Inspect Your Garage Door for Weak Points
Before the storm hits, thoroughly inspect your garage door for any signs of wear and tear. Look for:
- Cracks or dents in the door panels
- Loose or rusty hardware
- Worn-out weatherstripping
A damaged or weak door is more likely to give way under high winds, so it’s crucial to repair any issues before the storm intensifies.
2. Reinforce Your Garage Door
If your garage door is not hurricane-rated, consider reinforcing it. You can:
- Install a garage door bracing kit, which can provide additional support against strong winds.
- Add heavier-duty hinges and tracks, especially if your current system is more than a few years old.
3. Check the Garage Door Opener
Power outages are common during tropical storms, so you’ll want to ensure your garage door opener is working efficiently. Test your opener, ensuring that:
- The battery backup is functional (if your system has one).
- The manual release cord is easily accessible, allowing you to open or close the door manually if the power goes out.
4. Seal Your Garage Door
Strong winds can blow debris and water into your garage, leading to potential flooding and damage. To minimize this risk, make sure your garage door is properly sealed:
- Check the weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of the door. If it’s damaged or worn out, replace it immediately.
- Add a threshold seal for extra protection against water intrusion.
5. Clear the Area Around the Garage
High winds can turn everyday objects into dangerous projectiles. To minimize damage to your garage door:
- Move vehicles, bicycles, or any large items away from the door.
- Trim trees and shrubs that could snap and hit your garage.
By clearing potential hazards, you reduce the likelihood of anything heavy crashing into your garage door.
6. Don’t Wait—Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you’re unsure whether your garage door can withstand Tropical Storm Helene, call the experts at Skylift Garage Doors for a thorough inspection. We can assess the condition of your door, suggest reinforcements, and complete necessary repairs to give you peace of mind during the storm.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your garage door for Tropical Storm Helene is crucial for protecting your home and family. Don’t wait until the last minute—start taking steps today. If you need help reinforcing your garage door or would like a professional inspection, Skylift Garage Doors is here to assist you with all your storm preparedness needs.
Stay safe, Knoxville, and let us help you weather the storm!
