Storms can cause significant damage to your home’s exterior, and your garage door is no exception. Heavy wind, flying debris, and flooding can weaken the structure, affect alignment, and compromise the functionality of your garage door. Prompt inspection and timely maintenance can help prevent further issues and ensure safety. Whether it’s minor wear or structural damage, it’s crucial to schedule garage door service in Powell as soon as the weather clears.
Visual Inspection and Damage Assessment
After a storm passes, start with a thorough visual inspection of your garage door. Inspect the panels and windows for dents, warping, and cracks. Inspect the tracks and rollers for any bending or misalignment that could affect the door’s motion. You should also check the weatherstripping at the bottom to ensure it hasn’t been torn or washed away by water intrusion. Addressing these issues promptly can save you from more significant problems in the future.
Check for Operational Issues
Following the initial inspection, manually test the door’s operation and then test it with the opener. Does it stick or hesitate while moving? Does it make unusual noises? These symptoms can indicate internal damage or imbalanced springs. Regular upkeep matters, and understanding how often garage doors should be serviced helps prevent damage from escalating, especially after exposure to severe weather.
Evaluate Safety Features
Storms can affect the safety mechanisms of your garage door, including sensors and auto-reverse functions. Verify that the sensors are clean and properly aligned. If your door has trouble detecting obstructions, that’s a red flag. It is recommended to avoid using the garage door until all safety features have been tested and confirmed to be functional. Damage to electrical components, like the opener or control board, is also common after a power surge during a storm.
Compare Manual and Automatic Systems
If storm damage is extensive, it may be an opportunity to assess whether your current system is right for your needs. Homeowners often weigh the benefits of manual vs automatic garage doors after experiencing issues in extreme weather. While automatic doors offer convenience, manual doors may offer fewer components that can fail under stress. Consider factors such as frequency of use, household safety needs, and ease of maintenance.
Schedule Professional Maintenance and Repairs
After completing your own evaluation, professional service is strongly advised. Storm-related damage may not always be visible on the surface, and only trained technicians can identify and resolve deeper issues like spring imbalance, motor failure, or panel stress. Professionals will also ensure that your door is properly sealed and secured to prevent future water and wind damage.
Conclusion
Storms can be unpredictable, but your garage door maintenance doesn’t have to be. From conducting a visual check to testing safety features, every step plays a role in protecting your home. If you’ve experienced a recent storm, don’t delay; garage door service professionals can restore functionality and safety to your system. A timely response not only preserves the integrity of your garage door but also provides peace of mind for the next storm.