Garage door springs are essential components that facilitate the lifting and lowering of your door with ease. However, during severe storms characterized by high winds, heavy rain, hail, and even lightning, these springs can endure significant stress. Whether it’s a thunderstorm or a hurricane, fluctuations in pressure, moisture, and impact can weaken or break the springs, compromising the entire system. Homeowners who recognize the risks and take proactive measures can protect their garage doors and prevent costly garage door spring repairs. In this article, we’ll examine how to safeguard your garage door springs during storms, ensuring that your entire system remains operational and secure in the face of harsh weather.
1. Understand the Role of Garage Door Springs During Storms:
Garage door springs, whether torsion or extension types bear the heavy lifting load of the door’s operation. During storms, the stress placed on these springs can intensify due to high winds that may cause the door to rattle, shake, or be pushed open. If the garage is not well-insulated or braced, sudden pressure changes can cause the door to flex or move, putting added strain on already aging springs. Recognizing the critical role of springs under such extreme conditions is the first step in protecting your system. Awareness helps homeowners anticipate risks and prioritize maintenance and reinforcement before a storm strikes.
2. Inspect Springs Before Storm Season Begins:
Preventive inspection is a key line of defense in protecting your garage door springs. Before storm season arrives, take time to visually and physically inspect your garage door system. Look for signs of rust, corrosion, gaps in the coils, or uneven tension in the springs. These warning signs often indicate that the springs are worn out or compromised. Even a minor issue can become catastrophic under the pressure of a storm. If you detect anything unusual, it’s important to contact a garage door professional to perform a thorough examination and make necessary repairs or replacements ahead of time.
3. Reinforce the Garage Door with a Storm Brace System:
Installing a garage door bracing system is one of the most effective ways to protect both the door and its springs during intense weather. Storm braces are designed to provide additional structural support and reduce flexing and pressure on the door panels. When the door itself remains stable and in place, the strain on the springs is significantly reduced. These reinforcements are particularly important for homes located in hurricane-prone or high-wind areas. A well-supported door experiences less movement and vibration, meaning the springs can operate under more normal conditions even when the weather is anything but.
4. Seal and Weatherproof the Door to Reduce Moisture Damage:
Moisture is one of the silent enemies of garage door springs, especially during storms that bring prolonged rain and humidity. Water can seep into the garage through poor seals or cracks, leading to rust and corrosion on the springs and other metal components. Applying weatherstripping around the edges of the garage door, sealing gaps, and installing bottom seals can help keep moisture out. In addition, using a dehumidifier or ensuring proper drainage around the garage can reduce the internal humidity. Keeping the springs dry protects their tension and structural integrity, reducing the likelihood of spring failure due to rust-related fatigue.
5. Disconnect Automatic Openers During Electrical Storms:
Garage door openers are connected to electrical circuits, making them vulnerable during lightning storms. While the springs themselves aren’t electrically operated, a power surge can damage the opener’s motor or misfire commands that stress the system. During severe lightning storms, it’s wise to unplug your garage door opener to prevent sudden openings or system malfunctions. Manual disconnection also allows you to operate the door by hand if the power goes out. This reduces the chance of the motor straining the springs unnecessarily during a power surge or outage, offering another layer of protection to the system.
6. Invest in High-Cycle or Corrosion-Resistant Springs:
Standard garage door springs are designed to last for about 10,000 cycles, but there are heavy-duty, high-cycle models that offer greater longevity and resilience under stress. For storm-prone areas, investing in corrosion-resistant springs made from galvanized or stainless steel can make a significant difference. These materials are less susceptible to rust, even under high-moisture conditions, and tend to maintain tension better over time. While they might cost more initially, these springs provide peace of mind during extreme weather events and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakage when the springs are under the most stress.
7. Keep the Garage Door Closed During the Storm:
One of the simplest but most crucial protective measures during a storm is to keep your garage door completely closed. An open or partially open garage door acts like a windsail, allowing guests to rush inside and destabilize the door’s structure. This creates unpredictable movement and vibration, which directly impacts the springs and other mechanical parts. A closed and properly latched garage door serves as a protective barrier, reducing the internal pressure changes that can cause structural failures. Ensuring the door is closed and locked not only protects the contents of your garage but also minimizes mechanical wear.
8. Schedule Routine Maintenance After the Storm Passes:
Once the storm has passed, it’s important to inspect your garage door and springs again for any signs of damage. Even if your door appears to be functioning normally, the intense stress of a storm can weaken parts of the system that may later fail. Scheduling a post-storm maintenance visit with a garage door professional ensures all components—springs included—are inspected, tested, and re-tensioned if necessary. This is especially important for homes that experience frequent or seasonal storms. Prompt maintenance extends the lifespan of your system and helps prevent small issues from turning into expensive garage door spring repairs.
Protecting your garage door springs during storms is essential to maintaining the integrity of your entire garage door system. From pre-storm inspections and reinforcements to moisture control and post-storm maintenance, taking proactive steps can help avoid the stress and cost of unexpected garage door spring repairs. Garage door springs are strong but not indestructible; consistent care and preparation make all the difference when nature strikes. By safeguarding your garage before, during, and after a storm, you ensure long-term functionality and security for one of the most important entry points to your home.
Don’t wait for the next storm to cause damage. Schedule your garage door inspection today to keep your springs and system protected all year round. Call us at Southeastern Overhead Door at 225-753-1595.
