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How to Storm Proof Your Garage
6/16/2021 (Permalink)
How to storm proof your garage
When a summer storm is heading towards Charlotte,NC, you should always check to make sure your home is ready for possible high winds, strong rain, lightning, and even hail. When you begin to storm-proof your home, be sure not to overlook the garage.
Just one inch of floodwater can cause severe damage to your home, and a garage that is not storm-proofed can easily let in an inch of water or more. So what can you do to protect your garage from the effects of a storm?
Replace Your Door
Even though Pineville, NC, doesn’t often experience high winds, speeds of 121 mph have been recorded as close as Grandfather Mountain, we still experience high winds during hurricane season. Upgrading your garage door to one that is rated for higher winds can help protect it from being bent and dented during high winds which can impact the seal and let water into your garage.
Upgrade Your Door
If you aren’t looking to get a new garage door, you can retrofit your current one with storm-resistant upgrades. Retrofitting kits commonly include telescoping lightweight braces that sit vertically above the door and through floor mounts. The braces will also attach to the hinges of the door itself. Once you install the foundations of the kit, the braces can be put up in about 5 minutes, so you can easily prepare your garage doors before a storm.
Check Your Windows
If there are windows in your garage, this can be a weak point. Check that all windows are in good condition and add weatherstripping where necessary. If your windows are not strong enough to withstand the pressures of a storm, consider putting up storm boards until the windows can be replaced.
Install Drainage
As one of the more vulnerable places in your home, sometimes water entering the area is inevitable. If water commonly pools outside of your garage door, consider adding a trench drain to keep water from putting pressure on your garage door. If your garage door is not able to keep water out of your garage, installing a drain inside the garage is a good way to prevent water levels from rising high enough to enter your home.
Purchase Flood Vents
If your home is located in a flood plain or area that commonly sees quick-moving floodwater, adding a flood vent could save you thousands in garage door damages and foundation problems. When floodwater pushes against a garage door it has the ability to break and bend the door, allowing all of that water to enter your garage and possibly your home. When you add a flood vent to your garage door, it will open to allow water to flow freely between both sides of your garage door. By allowing the water to flow freely you are preventing large amounts of water from quickly flowing into your garage and causing damage.
If these tips don’t protect your Matthews, NC, home from flooding, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is here to help. Our team is “Faster to Any Size Disaster” so your home will be restored in no time.
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