As we have seen just recently, we all know that our area can get hit pretty hard by storms, and it’s not just the power lines and trees that bear the brunt—our garage doors often suffer, too. We get a lot of garage door repair calls here in Houston right after big storms. That’s why today, we’re going to talk about the common issues that can pop up with your garage doors after a storm and what you can do to fix them or get help when needed.

Physical Damage

Dents and Structural Damage

First things first, let’s talk about dents. It’s not uncommon to see garage doors battered by flying debris during a storm. I remember after one particularly nasty hurricane, we had a client whose door looked like it had gone a few rounds with a heavyweight champ—dents can be both unsightly and affect the door’s operation. If your door has taken a few hits, it might be time to call a professional to assess whether it’s purely cosmetic damage or the functionality has been compromised.

Misaligned Tracks

Another issue we see a lot is misaligned tracks. Strong winds and pressure changes can actually bend the metal tracks that guide your garage door up and down. If your door starts to seem jerky or gets stuck, check the tracks for bending or misalignment before you operate it again to avoid further damage.

Electrical Problems

Power Outages

Obviously, if the power’s out, your automatic garage door opener won’t work. But even once the power is back, if your door isn’t responding, it could be a sign of deeper electrical issues, like fried circuits from a power surge.

Surge Damage

Speaking of surges, they’re a real threat during storms and can seriously mess with your garage door opener’s electronics. Surge protectors can help, but sometimes the damage is unavoidable. If your opener is acting up after a storm, it might have taken a hit from a surge and could need either repairs or replacement.

Water Damage

Flooding

Water damage is a big deal, especially if your garage is at ground level and prone to flooding. We’ve seen doors swell up and refuse to move, particularly wooden ones. If water has gotten into your garage, keep an eye on the door’s movement and check for swelling or warping.

Corrosion and Rust

After the storm, one thing to watch out for is rust, particularly on the springs and hinges. Even a little bit of moisture can start the corrosion process, which weakens these crucial parts. If you start to hear squeaking or see rust forming, it’s time to get those parts treated or replaced to prevent failures.

Sensor Issues

Misalignment and Blockage

Your garage door’s sensors are designed to keep it from closing on obstacles, including your car—or worse, a person. But debris blown around by a storm can block these sensors or knock them out of alignment. A quick cleaning and realignment can often fix this issue, but if the sensors have been damaged, they might need to be replaced.

Moisture Interference

Moisture can wreak havoc on electronic systems, including your garage door’s sensors. If you find your door isn’t closing all the way, or is reversing for no apparent reason, moisture could be the culprit.

Mechanical Failures

Broken Springs and Cables

One of the more severe problems storms can cause is the breaking of springs and cables due to increased tension from high winds or debris impacts. If you hear a loud snap or bang from your garage during or after a storm, stay clear and call a professional—springs and cables are under high tension and can be dangerous.

Roller and Hinge Problems

Debris and small particles can get lodged in the tracks and on the rollers, or cause the hinges to become stiff and noisy. A thorough cleaning can help, but sometimes replacement is necessary to ensure smooth operation.

Preventive Measures

Routine Inspections

One of the best ways to mitigate storm damage is to get your garage door inspected regularly. A professional can spot potential problems and fix them before the storms hit.

Enhanced Weatherproofing

Consider upgrading your door’s sealing and weatherproofing. This can help prevent water damage and reduce the impact of wind and debris, keeping your door running smoothly year-round.

Dealing with Storm Damage

Immediate Steps

After the storm, do a visual inspection for obvious damage and remove any debris blocking the tracks or sensors. If the door seems okay at first glance, try manually opening and closing it to check for less obvious issues.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice significant damage, strange noises, or the door just isn’t moving right, it’s time to call in the pros. Working on a garage door, especially dealing with springs and tracks, can be dangerous without the right tools and expertise.

Conclusion

Storms can do a number on your garage doors, but with the right knowledge and a bit of preparation, you can keep yours in top shape. Whether you need post-storm repairs or want to get ahead with some preventive maintenance, we at Spectrum Overhead Door are here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out—your safe and smoothly operating garage door is our top priority!