How to Prepare Your Garage Door for Extreme Weather Conditions

As the first line of defense between your home and the outside world, your garage door plays a critical role—especially during extreme weather. Whether it’s intense heat, torrential rain, powerful winds, or freezing cold, your garage door must be ready to handle it all.

At Brentwood Door Co Inc, a trusted garage door company with decades of experience, we understand how extreme weather can impact garage doors. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to help you prepare your garage door for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

Why Weatherproofing Matters

Failing to properly prepare your garage door for extreme weather can result in:

Costly damage to the door and opener

Water intrusion and flooding

Increased energy bills due to poor insulation

Safety hazards and security issues

Proactive preparation helps protect your investment, keeps your home more energy-efficient, and ensures your garage stays safe and secure.

1. Inspect and Reinforce Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is your garage door’s first line of protection against rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Over time, this rubber or vinyl seal can crack, peel, or detach—leaving your garage vulnerable.

What to Do:

Inspect the weatherstripping along the bottom, sides, and top of the door.

Replace any sections that are brittle, torn, or missing.

Choose heavy-duty weather seals designed for your local climate.

If you're not sure what kind of seal is best for your area, Brentwood Door Co Inc can recommend and install the right option for maximum durability.

2. Check for Gaps and Cracks

Even the best garage doors can develop gaps around the edges or cracks in the panels, especially after years of use or shifting foundations.

Key Steps:

Visually inspect your garage door panels and surrounding frame.

Seal small cracks with waterproof exterior-grade sealant.

For large gaps or structural concerns, consult a professional garage door repair technician.

At Brentwood Door Co Inc, our team specializes in identifying structural issues before they escalate, helping you avoid weather-related damage.

3. Insulate the Garage Door

An insulated garage door can make a huge difference in protecting your garage from extreme temperatures—hot or cold. Insulation keeps your garage more comfortable, reduces energy costs, and helps protect items stored inside.

Your Options:

Purchase an insulated garage door

Add insulation panels to your existing door

Upgrade to modern insulated materials (like polyurethane or polystyrene core doors)

We offer high-performance, energy-efficient garage doors at Brentwood Door Co Inc, custom-fit to your home’s needs and local climate.

4. Secure the Door Against High Winds

In areas prone to hurricanes or strong storms, wind resistance is a must. Garage doors are large openings, and if not reinforced, they can buckle under pressure—potentially leading to major property damage.

Ways to Reinforce:

Install a bracing kit or wind-resistant garage door

Reinforce the tracks and hinges with heavy-duty hardware

Ensure the door is rated to withstand high wind loads

Ask our experts at Brentwood Door Co Inc about wind-rated garage doors that meet or exceed local building codes for storm protection.

5. Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts

Cold weather can stiffen springs and rollers, while heat and humidity can cause rust and corrosion. Regular lubrication ensures smooth, quiet operation regardless of the climate.

What to Lubricate:

Torsion springs

Hinges

Rollers

Tracks

Use a silicone-based lubricant, and avoid heavy grease that attracts dust. If your door sounds louder than usual or struggles to open smoothly, it might be time for a garage door repair or tune-up.

6. Test the Auto-Reverse and Safety Sensors

During storms or power outages, your garage door’s safety features are crucial. Make sure the auto-reverse function and safety sensors are fully operational before severe weather hits.

Test Instructions:

Place a small object (like a wood block) under the door and close it. The door should automatically reverse when it contacts the object.

Check the alignment of the photo-eye sensors—clean the lenses and ensure they’re facing each other properly.

If anything seems off, contact Brentwood Door Co Inc for a full safety check and repair service.

7. Prepare for Power Outages

Many extreme weather events lead to power failures. Ensure you can still operate your garage door if the power goes out.

Tips:

Learn how to manually release your garage door (typically via a red emergency pull cord).

Consider installing a battery backup system for uninterrupted operation.

Choose a smart opener that alerts you when the power is out or the door is left open.

As your local garage door company, we can recommend opener systems with built-in battery backups and mobile app control for added peace of mind.

8. Clear the Perimeter

A cluttered or obstructed area around your garage can worsen damage during extreme weather. Debris and nearby trees can fall onto the door, while poor drainage can lead to flooding.

What You Should Do:

Trim branches or bushes that could fall on your garage

Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup

Ensure the ground around the garage slopes away to avoid pooling water

Keeping the area around your garage clear is a simple but effective way to reduce weather-related risks.

9. Schedule a Professional Inspection

The best way to ensure your garage door is weather-ready is to schedule a professional inspection. Our team at Brentwood Door Co Inc checks every component—from springs to seals—to catch potential issues before they become emergencies.

A professional assessment includes:

Inspecting and adjusting spring tension

Tightening hardware

Testing the balance and function of the door

Recommending upgrades or reinforcements if needed

We offer affordable seasonal tune-ups to help homeowners stay ahead of weather-related damage and prolong the lifespan of their doors.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your garage door for extreme weather is about more than protecting your property—it’s about ensuring safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Whether you're facing summer heat, winter storms, or hurricane winds, proper garage door maintenance makes all the difference.

Don’t wait for the next weather event to expose a weakness in your system. Contact Brentwood Door Co Inc, your reliable garage door company, for expert inspections, maintenance, and garage door repair services designed to keep your door in top condition year-round.

Need help weatherproofing your garage door?

Call Brentwood Door Co Inc today to schedule a seasonal inspection or consultation—we’re here to keep your garage door strong, safe, and storm-ready!