When storms strike, your garage door is more than just a convenience—it’s your home’s first line of defense. In Illinois, where unpredictable weather can range from fierce thunderstorms to intense wind gusts, understanding how storms and wind affect garage doors is essential to keeping your property and family safe.
At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable unprepared garage doors can be. Here’s what every homeowner should know and how to protect your investment before the next big storm hits.
1. Wind Pressure Can Destroy a Garage Door
High winds, especially during severe storms or tornado warnings, create intense pressure against the largest moving part of your home—the garage door. If the door isn’t wind-rated, that pressure can:
- Buckle panels
- Blow the door off its tracks
- Cause structural damage to your garage
In some cases, a compromised garage door can lead to a domino effect—allowing high winds to enter your home and lift the roof off entirely.
Pro tip: Consider a wind-rated or reinforced garage door if your area experiences frequent storms.
2. Flying Debris Is a Major Threat
Storms often bring more than just rain and wind. Loose tree limbs, garbage bins, and even patio furniture can become airborne, turning into projectiles that slam into your garage door.
This can result in:
- Dents or cracks in the door panels
- Broken windows or glass inserts
- Misaligned tracks or rollers
Investing in impact-resistant doors or reinforcing your current door can save thousands in potential repairs.
3. Water Damage Can Creep In
Storms don’t have to be violent to cause problems. Persistent rain combined with poor drainage or worn-out seals can cause:
- Water to seep under or around the garage door
- Mold or mildew buildup
- Damage to flooring, drywall, or stored items
To prevent this:
- Check and replace bottom weather stripping regularly
- Ensure your driveway is sloped properly
- Install side and top seals or a threshold seal kit
4. Electrical Systems Can Fail
Storm-related power outages or surges can disable your garage door opener, leaving you without access or vulnerable to security risks. Worse, lightning strikes can fry the electronics in your opener.
Protect your system by:
- Using a surge protector for your opener
- Having a backup battery-powered garage door opener
- Knowing how to operate your door manually
5. Preventative Maintenance Makes a Difference
Routine inspections can help spot weaknesses before a storm hits. At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we recommend seasonal checks, especially before spring and fall storms in Illinois.
Maintenance steps include:
- Inspecting hinges, rollers, and tracks for wear
- Tightening loose bolts or brackets
- Lubricating moving parts
- Testing the auto-reverse safety function
Reinforce Before the Storm
If your garage door is more than 10-15 years old or not built to modern standards, it may not withstand today’s storm threats. A replacement door with storm reinforcements could not only offer better protection but also boost your home’s curb appeal and value.
We offer:
- Wind-rated garage doors
- Reinforcement retrofit kits
- Storm damage repair services
Protect Your Home with Four Seasons Garage Doors
Don’t wait until after the storm to realize your garage door was vulnerable. Whether you’re upgrading to a storm-rated door or need emergency repairs after wind damage, Four Seasons Garage Doors is here for Illinois homeowners.
Call us today at 630-449-4600 for expert help, quality service, and peace of mind.
