GARAGE DOORS AND THE MONSOON SEASON
Monsoon season is upon us, so we see some damage to garage doors, both as a result of high winds and fallen branches and debris. A garage door can be susceptible to damage, both because it covers a big area, often right in front of the house, because it’s heavy and because it’s flat.
Today we’re going to talk about some precautions a homeowner can take to avoid problems as the result of monsoon weather and its aftermath.
Damage from wind
If the original garage door installation wasn’t up to snuff, some homeowners are finding that the added pressure of monsoon winds, also called a haboob, can be enough to damage the garage door or hamper garage door operation. Professional installation pays off because solid weatherization means wind, dust, and water stay out of the garage. It also provides for smooth operation, which may be particularly crucial if wood components swell as a result of humidity.
Seeking shelter
When a monsoon hits, coyotes, snakes, and rodents searching for immediate cover will seek the closest shelter, even if it isn’t their home. Keeping the garage door tightly closed will help prevent your garage from becoming a refuge for critters. Not only might they decide to stay, but even if they go home after the monsoon event, they can leave unwanted pests such as fleas and ticks in their wake. This is especially wise if you have pets.
Keep the car inside
When a monsoon hits, the safest place a car can be is inside a dry, snug garage. Stay put! Visibility during a monsoon event can be zero. Flying debris and falling trees can damage a car, and the occupants can get hurt. Flooding is a real danger in the Valley, both because of the torrential rain and because of oil on the roads, which ‘floats’ on the rainwater following a thunderstorm, making streets slick and difficult to navigate. It’s easy to miscalculate the amount of water and become stuck. So the safest thing to do is to wait out a monsoon before driving anywhere, and be incredibly careful where and how you drive afterward.
Repair damage immediately
If a garage door is damaged during a monsoon, immediate repair can not only prevent a breach in security, but it can also prevent more damage down the road, especially if the damage interferes with the operation of the door.
Service, repair, or replacement after the season
Sometimes a homeowner will realize after the monsoon season that their garage door isn’t up to snuff, and they’ll call for garage door service, a repair, or even replacement. We’re going to talk more about garage door service in our next blog, but you can be sure that having your garage door serviced is worthwhile, especially if it’s noisy or stalls since proper care can keep it from breaking down and possibly causing more damage.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
