Tornado

Garage doors are susceptible to wind damage, double-wide doors more than single doors. The wind may cause it to buckle, force it out of the roller track, or the track could be vulnerable to the pressure, especially if it is light weight or the fasteners don’t penetrate the wall deep enough. Wind coming into your home through an opening this large poses grave problems for the rest of your home – especially your roof.

• Determine the model of your garage door.
• Are there labels to indicate if it is design pressure or impact rated?
• If not, weigh your options: Replace the door, install a shutter or retrofit the door.
  
• To retrofit:
  • Visit a home improvement store. 
  • If the door manufacturer offers a kit to install a vertical bracing system purchase it. 
  • If not, purchase a generic kit with vertical support posts. 
  • If no kits are available, you can add support by installing your own wood columns.
    
• Installing wood columns:
  • Measure the garage door to determine how much material is needed to construct a column.
  • No. 2 grade wood is recommended. Lightweight metal girds also can be used.
  • Close the door and install the posts at the center of the door or one-third of the way in from each edge.
  • You will need to add pairs of supports, one on the inside and one on the outside, at each location where you choose to brace the door.
  • You will have to look at your particular garage door situation and then be creative in selecting the appropriate hardware to anchor the columns to the floor and to the header over the garage door.