Houston, Texas is notorious for its unpredictable weather conditions, which can be severe enough to impact the structural integrity of our homes, especially our garage doors. Given the importance of this entryway, both in terms of security and insulation, knowing how to prepare and protect it is crucial.
Understanding the Threats Houston’s extreme weather can bring about:
- Torrential rains
- Harsh sun
- Strong winds
- Occasional hailstorms
Each of these can have detrimental effects on your garage door if you are not prepared.
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Steps to Protect Your Garage Door
Maintenance is Crucial
- Regular Inspections: At least twice a year, do a comprehensive check of your garage door’s condition. Look for any signs of wear and tear, misalignment, or rusting.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: To ensure smooth operation and prevent parts from wearing out quickly, lubricate all moving parts at least once every six months.
- Test the Balance: If your garage door isn’t properly balanced, the opener has to work harder, leading to quicker wear and tear. To test the balance, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, you need adjustments or repairs.
Seal It Tight
Houston’s weather can cause your garage to become humid or susceptible to flooding. Ensure that:
- Your door’s seals are in top shape to prevent water seepage.
- Consider installing a threshold seal for an additional layer of protection.
Reinforce When Necessary
If your region is particularly prone to strong winds or storms:
- Consider installing bracing kits.
- Replace your old door with a wind-resistant model.
Choose Materials Wisely
Depending on your location and exposure:
- Wooden Doors: Can warp or rot in humid conditions. If you opt for wood, regular maintenance is essential.
- Steel Doors: These are durable but can be prone to rust. Choose a rust-resistant variant and maintain it well.
- Fiberglass and Vinyl: These are resilient against moisture but might fade with excessive sun exposure.
Have a Go-To Repair Team
Despite all precautions, sometimes damage is inevitable. This is where a trusted emergency garage door repair Houston team comes into play. Having a reliable garage door repairs Houston contact means faster recovery from unexpected damages.
When to Seek Professional Help
- The door doesn’t open or close entirely
- Slow response times
- Sagging sections
- Increased noise levels
- The door comes off its tracks
What You Can Do to Prepare for Unexpected Damage
Protecting your garage door from unexpected damages is not only about ensuring its longevity but also about guaranteeing the safety of your home. Let’s delve deeper into some comprehensive strategies you can deploy:
- Emergency Kits: One of the most crucial steps in preparing for unforeseen garage door issues is to have an emergency toolkit on hand.
- Essential Tools:
- A flashlight for power outages or nighttime emergencies.
- Screw drivers for minor adjustments or fixes.
- Batteries, especially if your garage door opener or flashlight runs out of power.
- A first aid kit in case of injuries.
- A set of gloves to protect your hands while working.
- A manual crank to manually operate the door if the electronic system fails.
- Stay Updated on Weather Forecasts: Houston’s volatile weather can be a significant adversary for garage doors.
- Weather Apps: Have reliable weather forecasting apps on your smartphone. These apps can send real-time alerts, allowing you to be proactive.
- Closing Protocols: If a heavy storm or hurricane is forecasted, it’s wise to ensure your garage door is not only fully closed but also securely locked, if possible.
- Avoid Operation: As a safety measure, refrain from using the garage door during extreme weather conditions. The added stress from wind or debris can cause further damage or malfunctions.
- Backup Power Source: With power outages being a common consequence of extreme weather, being prepared is pivotal.
- Invest in a Generator: A small generator can provide temporary power to your garage door opener and other essential household items.
- Manual Operation Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the manual operation of your garage door. Most electronic garage doors have a manual override option. By understanding this, you can ensure access to your garage even during power outages.
- Battery Backup System: Some modern garage door openers come with a battery backup system. This feature automatically kicks in when there’s a power outage, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
- Regular Maintenance: This might seem rudimentary, but periodic checks can preempt a lot of unexpected issues. Detecting and addressing minor problems can prevent them from escalating into major concerns during inconvenient times.
By incorporating these strategies and staying vigilant, you can significantly minimize the impact of unexpected damages to your garage door and ensure it remains functional and safe throughout Houston’s extreme weather conditions.
About the Company
Easy Garage Door is located at 5757 Woodway Unit 301-B in the heart of Houston, Texas 77057, they are your go-to source for all things garage doors. Their expert team, backed by years of experience, is here to assist you with any garage-related concerns. Whether it’s an unexpected emergency or a routine check-up, they have you covered. You can always reach out to them at (832) 737- 8273, and they’ll be there to help you protect one of your home’s most vital assets – your garage door.