When a hurricane approaches, people rush to secure their homes and protect their belongings. One common question homeowners often ask is: Should you leave your garage door open during a hurricane? It may sound counterintuitive, but the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. Properly managing your garage door during such extreme weather events is critical for the safety of your home and family.
This article dives deep into the facts, myths, and best practices surrounding garage doors and hurricanes. We’ll explain why garage doors play a crucial role in hurricane preparedness, what can happen if they are left open, and how to best protect your home.
Read too: How To Replace Garage Door Roller Like a Pro? Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding The Role of Your Garage Door During a Hurricane
Your garage door is one of the largest openings on your home’s exterior, making it a potential weak spot during hurricanes. The extreme wind pressures and flying debris can severely impact the door’s integrity, which can jeopardize the safety of your entire home.
Why Is The Garage Door So Vulnerable?
- Size and Exposure: Garage doors typically cover large surface areas and often lack the structural reinforcement found in other exterior walls.
- Wind Pressure: High-speed hurricane winds can exert intense pressure on the door. If the door fails, the increased internal pressure can cause the roof and walls to collapse.
- Flying Debris: Hurricanes often bring debris that can break windows or puncture weaker doors, leading to breaches in your home’s envelope.
Because of these vulnerabilities, experts stress the importance of securing the garage door effectively before a hurricane strikes.
Should You Leave Your Garage Door Open During A Hurricane?
The short answer is NO, you should not leave your garage door open during a hurricane. Here’s why:
1. Increased Risk of Structural Failure
Leaving the garage door open during a hurricane allows powerful gusts to enter the garage unchecked. This can create extreme internal pressure inside your home, causing walls and the roof to blow off. The garage acts as a protective buffer zone, and opening it exposes your home to direct wind damage.
2. Vulnerability to Flying Debris
An open garage door makes it easier for debris to enter your garage and potentially damage your vehicle, stored items, or even your home’s interior. Flying debris can become dangerous projectiles that cause injuries or worsen structural damage.
3. Loss of Home Security
An open garage door is also a security risk. It exposes your property and belongings to potential theft or vandalism during an emergency.
What Is The Correct Way To Prepare Your Garage Door For A Hurricane?
Reinforce Your Garage Door
Experts recommend installing hurricane-rated garage doors or reinforcing your existing door with storm panels or braces. These modifications help your door withstand high winds and debris impacts.
Close and Secure the Garage Door
Always keep your garage door closed during a hurricane. Use additional locks or braces to ensure it stays firmly shut.
Install Wind-Resistant Hardware
Upgrade the door’s hinges, tracks, and rollers with wind-resistant materials designed to hold under hurricane conditions.
How Does Pressure Affect Your Home If The Garage Door Fails?
When a garage door is compromised during a hurricane, the internal pressure inside the house can increase dramatically. Here’s what happens:
- The wind pushes air into the home through the garage, raising internal pressure.
- This pressure pushes outward on the walls and roof from the inside.
- As a result, the walls and roof may fail, leading to catastrophic damage.
This phenomenon shows why it’s crucial to keep the garage door secure—preventing wind from entering helps maintain structural stability.
Common Myths About Garage Doors During Hurricanes
Myth 1: Leaving the Garage Door Open Reduces Wind Pressure Inside
Some believe that leaving the door open lets wind flow through, reducing pressure buildup. In reality, this uncontrolled airflow causes chaos inside the garage and home, often increasing the risk of damage.
Myth 2: Any Garage Door Is Strong Enough To Resist Hurricane Winds
Not all garage doors are built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Ordinary doors without proper reinforcement can fail quickly.
Myth 3: Closing the Garage Door Will Trap Dangerous Air Pressure
Closing and securing the door properly actually helps control the internal pressure and keeps your home safer.
Additional Hurricane Garage Door Safety Tips
Inspect Your Garage Door Regularly
Routine maintenance helps ensure that your garage door functions correctly and is ready to handle storms.
Remove Items from the Garage Floor
Clear the garage floor to prevent debris and objects from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Have a Backup Power Source
If you rely on an automatic garage door opener, keep a manual release nearby in case of power failure.
Consider Professional Installation of Reinforcements
Licensed contractors can install wind-rated doors or retrofit existing ones for hurricane resistance.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Should You Leave Your Garage Door Open During A Hurricane
For your safety and the protection of your home, the best practice is to keep your garage door closed and securely locked during a hurricane. Leaving it open exposes your home to increased wind pressure, debris damage, and security risks.
Investing in reinforcements and maintaining your garage door will go a long way in safeguarding your property from hurricane damage. By understanding the correct protocols, you can face storm season with confidence and peace of mind.
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