As the weather begins to get colder and more unpredictable, the UK is more likely to be battered by one of the many winter storms that are common at this time of year. These storms can cause all kinds of damage to local communities and homes.
As a result, if your garage door has been damaged by a storm, you must address the problem as soon as possible. If not, the damage can become more severe and leave your garage insecure. In this article, the Rollerdor team will take a closer look at the garage door signs you should look out for after a storm.
Signs of garage door storm damage
After a big storm has hit, you should inspect it for damage. Some of the most obvious things you might notice include:
- Visible damage – If heavy items are blown against the garage door during a storm, it can cause damage like dents, bent panels, cracks or broken components.
- Damage to the opening mechanism – Impact damage can cause serious functionality issues, such as difficulty opening and closing or a malfunctioning opening mechanism. Unusual noises, like grinding or squeaking, can be a sign of this type of damage.
- Damage to electrics – Storms can sometimes cause power cuts and may even inflict permanent damage to electric openers.
- Leaks – If water is leaking into your garage, it could be a sign that seals have become damaged.
Preparing your garage door for a storm
If you know a storm is on the way, there are a few things you can do to protect your garage door from damage.
This includes:
- Check all weather strips and seals are in good condition
- Remove any items, such as wheelie bins, that are located near the garage door to prevent them from being blown into it
- You should arrange to have your garage door serviced at least once a year to address any problems
- Fix any wear or tear to make sure the door is in the best condition
Are storm-damaged garage doors protected by insurance?
Yes, in most cases, storm damage to a garage door will be covered by your home insurance policy. However, this is not universal and will depend on the specific details of your individual policy. If you’re concerned about this, it’s always worth checking your policy information to make sure.
What to do if your garage door has been damaged in a stormÂ
If your garage door has been damaged during a storm, follow these practical steps:
- Safety first – If the metal doors have become severely bent or warped, do not attempt to force entry, as this could cause further damage or injury.
- Turn off the automatic opener – Switch off the electric garage opener in case the storm has caused it to become damaged.
- Check for hazards – Maintaining a safe distance from the door, check for any sharp edges, broken glass or exposed electrical wires.
- Take photos of the damage – It’s a good idea to take some photos of the damage, as this may be needed by your insurance company.
- Decide whether to repair or replace the door – While you may be able to repair minor damage, a full replacement may be required for severe cases.
- Organise a replacement – Contact a reputable garage door company, like Rollerdor, as soon as possible. The longer you leave a damaged garage door, the longer your property is at risk.
At Rollerdor, we’ve spent years supplying quality roller garage doors to customers nationwide. Our doors are available in a range of types and a whole host of colours, meaning they can be tailored to the exact requirements of your home or business. To find out more, get in touch with the Rollerdor team today.
