Hurricane Season: How to Protect Your Garage Door in South Florida

In South Florida, your garage door is the largest opening in your home and the most vulnerable point during a hurricane. If your garage door fails in a storm, wind enters your home, pressurizes it from the inside, and can blow off the roof. Here's how to protect your home.

Why Garage Doors Fail in Hurricanes

Standard garage doors are designed to handle normal wind loads of 20-30 mph. Hurricane-force winds of 100+ mph create enormous pressure -- up to 50 pounds per square foot. Without reinforcement, the door panels buckle inward, the tracks bend, and the door collapses.

Florida Building Code Requirements

Miami-Dade County and Broward County have the strictest wind resistance requirements in the nation. All garage doors in these counties must meet the Florida Building Code's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) standards, which require:

• Wind load resistance rated for your specific zone
• Impact resistance testing (Large Missile Impact Test)
• Certified installation by licensed contractors

Your Options for Hurricane Protection

1. Wind-Rated Garage Door (Best Option)

Purpose-built hurricane-rated garage doors meet all code requirements without additional hardware. They feature reinforced panels, heavy-duty tracks, and stronger springs. This is the best long-term investment.

Cost: $1,200 - $3,500 depending on size and material.

2. Permanent Reinforcement Bracing

Horizontal bracing kits attach to existing doors, adding structural rigidity. These remain on the door year-round with no setup needed before storms.

Cost: $300 - $800 installed.

3. Temporary Storm Panels

Removable panels that cover the garage door opening. Affordable but require installation before each storm and storage space afterward.

Cost: $200 - $500 for materials.

Before Hurricane Season

1. Inspect your current door for rust, damaged panels, and worn hardware
2. Test the auto-reverse and safety features
3. Replace worn springs and cables -- these fail first in high winds
4. Verify your door meets current code -- older doors may not comply
5. Schedule a professional inspection to identify vulnerabilities

After a Hurricane

If your garage door was damaged during a storm:

• Do NOT try to open a damaged door manually
• Check for structural damage to the opening and header
• Document damage with photos for insurance claims
• Call a professional for safe assessment and repair

Need hurricane-rated garage door installation? Call Fast Garage Door Repair at (954) 466-8053. We serve all of Broward and Miami-Dade County with code-compliant installations.