New Storm Rated Garage Doors: The Ultimate Guide for Increased Safety and Protection Key Takeaways:
- Investing in storm-rated garage doors protects against severe weather conditions, preventing damage and costly repairs to your property.
- Storm-rated garage doors increase safety by withstanding high winds and preventing regular doors from being pulled off track, protecting your family and belongings.
- Storm-rated garage doors enhance curb appeal and property value with various designs and styles.
- Storm-rated garage doors include steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl, each offering different advantages and resistance to wind and impact.
- Consider the wind load resistance, measured in pounds per square foot, and impact resistance when choosing storm-rated garage doors.
Why Invest in Storm Rated Garage Doors?
When protecting your home from severe weather conditions, investing in new storm rated garage doors is a smart choice. These specially designed doors are engineered to withstand high winds, flying debris, and other elements that can cause significant damage to your property. In addition to enhancing safety, storm-rated garage doors offer several other benefits that make them a worthwhile investment.
1. Protect Your Home from Severe Weather Conditions
Storm-rated garage doors are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms. The high-quality materials and construction techniques used in these doors make them resistant to strong winds, preventing them from being blown off track or collapsing under pressure. This added protection can help safeguard your home from expensive repairs and potential damage to your belongings.
Also, storm-rated garage doors are equipped with reinforced tracks, hardware, and bracing systems, enhancing their ability to withstand severe weather conditions. These additional features provide peace of mind, knowing that your garage door can handle whatever Mother Nature throws.
2. Increase the Safety of Your Family and Belongings
One of the primary reasons to invest in storm-rated garage doors is the increased safety they provide. High winds can create a suction effect strong enough to pull regular garage doors off their tracks during a severe storm or hurricane. This poses a significant safety risk to your family and can also allow wind and water to enter your home, causing further damage.
However, storm-rated garage doors are designed to withstand these extreme forces. They are built using impact-resistant materials and feature reinforced panels that withstand heavy wind loads. This added strength and durability protect your family and prevent potential damage to your valuable belongings stored in the garage.
3. Enhance the Curb Appeal and Value of Your Property
In addition to increased safety and protection, storm-rated garage doors have aesthetic benefits. These doors are available in a wide range of designs, styles, and finishes, allowing you to choose one that complements the architectural style of your home. Whether you prefer a traditional carriage house style or a sleek modern design, a storm-rated garage door option will enhance your property’s curb appeal.
Furthermore, investing in storm-rated garage doors can increase the value of your home. Potential buyers value homes with added safety features, and storm-rated garage doors can make your property more attractive. It’s a worthwhile investment that provides both practical benefits and aesthetic appeal.
Understanding Storm Rated Garage Doors
1. What Exactly are Storm Rated Garage Doors?
Storm-rated garage doors, also known as hurricane garage doors or wind-rated garage doors, are specially designed to withstand severe weather conditions. These doors use impact-resistant materials such as reinforced steel, aluminum, or fiberglass panels.
In addition to the materials, storm-rated garage doors also feature reinforced hardware, tracks, and bracing systems, which provide increased strength and stability. The combination of impact-resistant materials and reinforced components makes these doors highly resistant to high winds, flying debris, and other elements that can cause damage during severe weather events.
2. Types of Storm Rated Garage Doors
There are several types of storm-rated garage doors available on the market. The most common types include:
- Steel Garage Doors: Steel garage doors are the most popular choice for storm-rated ones. They are durable, impact-resistant, and offer excellent wind load resistance. Steel doors are available in various styles, including traditional raised panels, carriage houses, and contemporary designs.
- Aluminum Garage Doors: Aluminum garage doors are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and offer good wind load resistance. They suit coastal areas where salt air can cause rust and corrosion. Aluminum doors are available in different finishes and can be customized with various panel designs.
- Fiberglass Garage Doors: Fiberglass garage doors are highly impact-resistant and provide good wind load resistance. They are ideal for coastal regions where high humidity and salt air may cause issues with other materials. Fiberglass doors can be molded into various panel designs and are available in various finishes to match your home’s style.
- Vinyl Garage Doors: Vinyl garage doors are durable, low-maintenance, and have good wind load resistance. They are resistant to dents, rust, and corrosion, making them a popular choice for storm-rated garage doors. Vinyl doors are available in different styles and colors, allowing you to create a custom look for your home.
3. Comparing the Strength and Durability of Different Materials
When choosing storm-rated garage doors, it’s essential to consider the strength and durability of the materials used. Each material has advantages and characteristics that can affect the door’s performance.
- Steel Garage Doors: Steel garage doors are known for their strength and durability. They offer excellent wind load resistance and can withstand impacts from flying debris. However, steel doors may require regular maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Aluminum Garage Doors: Aluminum is lightweight, making it easy to operate the door manually or with a garage door opener. While aluminum doors have good wind load resistance, they may dent more easily than other materials.
- Fiberglass Garage Doors: Fiberglass is highly impact-resistant and provides good wind load resistance. It is also resistant to rust and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for coastal areas. However, fiberglass doors may be more expensive compared to other materials.
- Vinyl Garage Doors: Vinyl is a durable material resistant to dents, rust, and corrosion. It offers good wind load resistance and requires minimal maintenance. However, vinyl doors may not be as strong as steel or fiberglass doors.
When comparing the strength and durability of different materials, consider factors such as your location, budget, and desired level of maintenance. Consulting with a professional garage door installer can also help you make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Storm-Rated Garage Doors
1. Wind Load Resistance
One of the essential factors to consider when choosing storm-rated garage doors is wind load resistance. Wind load refers to the force exerted by the wind on a structure, including garage doors. It is measured in pounds per square foot (PSF) and represents the pressure the doors can withstand.
It’s crucial to select storm-rated garage doors designed to withstand the prevailing wind speeds in your area. Garage doors are typically categorized into different wind load resistance ratings, such as “standard,” “medium,” and “high.” The higher the wind load resistance rating, the more resistant the door is to strong winds.
Consult a professional garage door installer or engineer to determine your location’s appropriate wind load resistance rating. They will consider factors such as local building codes, wind speed data, and the size and design of your garage.
2. Impact Resistance
FAQ
Question: What are storm-rated garage doors? – Storm-rated garage doors, also known as hurricane garage doors or wind-rated garage doors, are specially designed to withstand severe weather conditions. These doors use impact-resistant materials such as reinforced steel, aluminum, or fiberglass panels.
Question: What types of storm-rated garage doors are available? – There are several types of storm-rated garage doors available on the market. The most common types include steel garage doors, aluminum garage doors, fiberglass garage doors, and vinyl garage doors.
Question: What are the advantages of steel garage doors? – Steel garage doors are durable, impact-resistant, and offer excellent wind load resistance. They are available in various styles, including traditional raised panels, carriage houses, and contemporary designs.
Question: What are the advantages of aluminum garage doors? – Aluminum garage doors are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and offer good wind load resistance. They suit coastal areas where salt air can cause rust and corrosion.
Question: What are the advantages of fiberglass garage doors? – Fiberglass garage doors are highly impact-resistant and provide good wind load resistance. They are ideal for coastal regions where high humidity and salt air may cause issues with other materials.
Question: What are the advantages of vinyl garage doors? – Vinyl garage doors are durable, low-maintenance, and have good wind load resistance. They are resistant to dents, rust, and corrosion, making them a popular choice for storm-rated garage doors.
Question: How do I compare the strength and durability of different materials? – When choosing storm-rated garage doors, it’s essential to consider the strength and durability of the materials used. Each material has advantages and characteristics that can affect the door’s performance.
Question: What should I consider when choosing storm-rated garage doors? – Wind load and impact resistance are two important factors to consider when choosing storm-rated garage doors. Wind load resistance refers to the pressure the doors can withstand from the wind, while impact resistance determines the door’s ability to withstand flying debris.
Question: How do I determine the appropriate wind load resistance for my location? – Consult with a professional garage door installer or engineer to determine your location’s appropriate wind load resistance rating. They will consider factors such as local building codes, wind speed data, and the size and design of your garage.
Useful Resources:
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Garaga
- Clopay
- Amarr
- Wayne Dalton
- Garage Doors Services
- Door & Access System Manufacturers Association (DASMA)
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