Hardening Garages & Exterior with Hurricanes & Severe Weather in Mind
When preparing your home for hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, and other extreme weather, don’t overlook the garage and other exterior structures. Garages are often a vulnerable point in homes because of their large, wide doors, which can buckle or blow in during high winds. Exterior features like patios, decks, and landscaping elements also need reinforcement to withstand strong storms.
This article provides essential tips to fortify your garage and exterior areas, ensuring they’re ready for the most intense weather conditions.
Garage Door Reinforcement
Garage doors are often the largest opening in a home, and they can be a weak link during storms. If a garage door is breached, it allows wind to enter, increasing pressure on the roof and walls and leading to potential structural failure. Reinforcing the garage door is crucial to protecting your home.
Install a Wind-Rated Garage Door: Consider upgrading to a wind-rated or hurricane-rated garage door, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area. These doors are designed to withstand high winds and are reinforced with additional braces, thicker tracks, and heavy-duty Hinges. They may also feature stronger panels made from Steel or impact-resistant materials.
Garage Door Reinforcement Kits: If replacing your garage door isn’t an option, you can install a reinforcement kit. These kits often include braces that run horizontally across the door and can be attached directly to the frame. Kits vary depending on the door type, so be sure to select one compatible with your specific door model.
Vertical Bracing Systems: For added security, install a vertical bracing system that mounts from the top to the bottom of the garage door. Vertical bracing distributes wind forces more evenly and helps keep the door panels from bending or buckling under pressure.
Retrofitting Older Garage Doors: For older garage doors that may not be compatible with reinforcement kits, consider retrofitting with additional horizontal braces, thicker tracks, or replacing weak parts with more robust hardware. Be sure to check the condition of hinges, springs, and rollers as well, as worn-out parts can reduce the effectiveness of the door’s reinforcement.
Securing Entry Doors in the Garage
Entry doors leading from the garage to the interior of the home, as well as side doors on the garage, are also vulnerable to storm damage and need reinforcement.
Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Doors: Use impact-resistant doors for any exterior garage doors. Impact-resistant doors are often made of solid wood, metal, or Fiberglass and can withstand debris impact and high winds.
Install Deadbolt Locks: Deadbolts provide additional security against both wind and intrusion. Use a deadbolt with at least a 1-inch throw, and install three-inch Screws on the Strike Plate to anchor the lock securely to the door frame.
Reinforce Door Frames: Install metal plates around door frames to strengthen them against pressure and impact. In areas prone to severe storms, consider reinforcing the frames with storm-rated hardware, such as steel rods or anchors.
Bracing Attached Structures
Attached structures like carports, covered patios, and decks are vulnerable to high winds and can damage the main structure if not properly reinforced. Taking steps to secure these structures will help keep them intact and reduce the risk of debris.
Secure Carports: Carports can act as a sail during high winds, catching gusts and potentially ripping away from the main structure. Reinforce carports with sturdy steel posts and anchors. Use hurricane straps or metal Brackets to secure the Carport roof to the supporting beams, and anchor the supporting posts directly into the Foundation.
Reinforce Patios and Decks: Patios and decks should be bolted to the house structure rather than simply resting against it. Use hurricane straps and metal brackets to attach the deck to the foundation or main structure, ensuring it remains secure. If you have a raised deck, consider additional bracing to prevent uplift.
Remove Loose Items: High winds can turn patio furniture, potted plants, grills, and other outdoor items into projectiles that may damage your home or your neighbors’ property. Store these items indoors or secure them in place with straps or ties. If you have larger items like a Built-In Grill or heavy planters, consider covering them with a secured tarp or wrapping them with protective padding.
Reinforcing Exterior Siding and Trim
Exterior siding and trim can easily be damaged by wind-driven debris, hail, and water intrusion during severe storms. Properly reinforcing these elements will help reduce damage and water penetration.
Choose Durable Siding Materials: If you live in a storm-prone area, consider upgrading to impact-resistant siding, such as fiber cement or Engineered Wood, which can withstand high winds and resist moisture penetration. Vinyl Siding is also durable but may require additional reinforcements in areas with frequent high-wind events.
Seal and Caulk Gaps: Regularly inspect the siding and trim for gaps or cracks. Apply high-quality, weather-resistant caulk around windows, doors, and other openings to seal gaps and prevent water infiltration. Replace any damaged or missing pieces of trim to maintain a tight seal.
Install Impact-Resistant Trim: Some areas around doors and windows are more vulnerable to wind and debris impact. Consider installing impact-resistant trim in these areas, or reinforce existing trim with additional bracing and waterproofing.
Strengthening Outdoor Elements
Beyond structures directly attached to the home, landscaping and other outdoor features can contribute to storm damage if they aren’t properly secured.
Fencing and Gates: Weak or poorly secured fences can collapse in high winds, potentially damaging other structures or landscaping. Use Concrete or metal anchors for Fence posts, and ensure gates have heavy-duty latches and hinges. In hurricane-prone areas, consider installing a wind-permeable fence (such as Chain Link), which allows air to pass through more easily.
Trees and Branches: Trim back any trees or branches that could fall on the house, garage, or other structures during a storm. Remove dead or dying trees and consider planting new trees away from the house to reduce future risks.
Storage Sheds: Storage sheds are often lightweight and can blow away in a storm, causing damage to surrounding structures. Secure sheds to the ground using concrete anchors or steel cables, and ensure doors and windows have storm-resistant locks and closures. In high-wind areas, choose a Shed that is rated for Wind Resistance, or retrofit it with additional bracing.
Additional Resources
Securing your garage and exterior structures is essential to improving your home’s overall resilience. For more guidance on reinforcing garages and other exterior elements, consider these resources:
Fortified Home Program: The Fortified Home program offers guidelines for making garages and exterior structures more storm-resistant. Learn more about their recommendations and certification standards by visiting Fortified Home.
National Storm Damage Center: This organization provides tips and resources for homeowners on how to prepare their property for storms, including garages and outdoor structures. Visit National Storm Damage Center for detailed advice on preparing for and recovering from extreme weather.
Wrap-Up
By taking the time to reinforce your garage and other exterior structures, you’ll be better prepared to weather any storm. Securing garage doors, bracing attached structures, and reinforcing siding and trim can all play a crucial role in reducing storm damage. Preparing your outdoor spaces by trimming trees, securing fencing, and removing loose items will help keep your property safe from flying debris.
Proactive measures like these not only protect your home but also contribute to the safety and resilience of the surrounding community.