Protecting Your Garage During Thunderstorm Season

As the weather improves after a cold winter, many homeowners are preparing to get the most out of their homes in the spring and summer months. However, the warmer weather brings with it another issue that people should be prepared for: thunderstorms. The heavy rain and hail, strong winds, and lightning that come with these storms can cause damage to a garage, so if you are considering making garage renovations, you should take steps to make sure your garage is protected against severe weather.

Storm-Resistant Garage Doors

The large openings of garage doors make them especially susceptible to the strong winds that can occur during thunderstorms. Since these doors are often lightweight, and they can have limited structural support, they are prone to storm damage.

If you are considering replacing your garage door, you will want to make sure to choose a door that meets local building codes, ensuring that it will stand up to severe weather. It may also be a good idea to invest in a reinforcement system that includes end stiles which brace the door’s edges, as well as strong mounting brackets and tracks.

Even if you are not planning to replace your garage door, you may want to consider using a retrofit kit to strengthen your garage door. These kits use braces connected to the garage walls and floor, providing additional protection against wind. A retrofit kit typically costs between $150 and $500.

Protecting Against Rain and Hail

The heavy precipitation that occurs during thunderstorms can damage a garage’s roof, leading to leaks and water damage. If you are considering replacing your roof, you may want to invest in wind-resistant or hail-resistant shingles, ensuring that your roof will be able to stand up to severe weather.

In addition to ensuring that your roof provides you with the protection you need, you can take additional steps to prevent water damage. Be sure to clean out your gutters and downspouts to keep water from building up on the roof, and remove debris from around the home to keep water from damaging your foundation.

Protecting Against Lightning

The strong electrical surges that occur during lightning strikes can damage a home’s systems. Be sure to use surge protectors for appliances in your garage, or unplug appliances during a storm.

A garage can also be physically damaged during a storm if nearby trees are struck by lightning, causing them to fall. Homeowners can avoid this type of damage by removing dead trees or overhanging branches near their garage.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

By taking the right precautions, you can prevent damage to your garage during thunderstorms. At Blue Sky Builders, Inc., we have more than 39 years of experience providing custom garage solutions to people in the Chicago and DuPage County area, and we can help you make sure your garage will stand up to severe weather. Contact us today by calling 630-852-8485.