If you happen to live in Florida or any other state where hurricanes are a common part of the weather each year then getting a hurricane proof garage door is important. Like everything in your home, the garage door needs to be specially built to withstand hurricanes. It goes without saying that if the garage door isn’t made to withstand hurricanes, it can be blown away, and lead to the buildup of pressure within the home which results in the roof blowing out as well as the walls. If anything the little extra you pay for a hurricane proof garage door will help you save exponentially more in potential damage to your home.
What is a Hurricane Garage Door?
A hurricane garage door or one that is rated to withstand a hurricane is, in fact, a reinforced door that’s built with superior wind resistance. That said there are various ratings, which range from ones for low-intensity hurricanes to high-intensity ones. Depending on where you’re located you’ll want to buy one according. If you happen to live in one of the southern areas like Miami-Dade Country for instance where high-velocity hurricanes are common, then you’ll want a garage door with missile impact resistance. On the other hand, if you’re in Tampa Bay where the winds only reach up to 140 mph, then you’ll be able to get away with one that has a lower rating.
When you use a hurricane proof garage door, there is a lower chance of debris being blown and ramming the garage door open or causing significant damage to it.
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How to Determine if Your Garage Door is Hurricane Proof?
Now before your area is hit by a tropical storm or a hurricane, make sure to check the garage door and make sure that it will protect your home against those highspeed winds and consequently debris. Here is how you can find out if your garage door is hurricane proof:
Look for the wind load sticker. The sticker should be on the inside of the garage door. You’ll see the model number, name of the manufacturer, and how much pressure the door is designed to take.
You will want to visit the official Florida Product Approval website. Use the form and enter the characteristics of your garage door. All information should be on the load sticker.
Once done, you’ll be redirected to a page of all of Florida’s garage door manufacturers and their associated product numbers. Here you’ll see all the doors that are considered to be hurricane proof. Search through the page to find the specifications that match your garage door. If your name is listed twice with both the A and B listing after the digits, then the garage door has glass inserts. All numbers which are followed by the letter ‘A’ reveals the impact resistant features of the glass or if they don’t have the glass insert. The numbers followed the ‘B’ mainly indicate garage doors which don’t have these impact features.
Conclusion
If you find that the garage door isn’t rated and hence will not protect your home, then it is time to replace it. That’s the only way to ensure that your home and family are safe.
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