Understanding Storm Rated Garage Doors

Why Storm Rated Doors Are Needed

Although the strength of garage doors is a significant concern in high-wind conditions, many people simply are not aware of the need for reinforced garage doors. These garage doors are often referred to as Wind Load rated, Storm/Hurricane rated or simply Wind rated. As the homeowner, you, with the assistance of your builder and garage door dealer, are responsible for choosing the appropriate wind load product to meet or exceed your local building code.

In recent years, a number of hurricanes have made landfall in the US and caused millions of dollars in damage from high winds. As a result, local building officials, townships, counties and states have adopted and are enforcing more stringent building codes directed at strengthening the foundations, structures and components that are associated with building construction.

Hurricane Facts: 

• About 90% of residential wind damage starts with wind entry through the garage door.¹
• Less than 30% of homes in hurricane prone areas have adequate garage door wind load reinforcement systems.²
• Fewer than 50% of consumers in hurricane prone areas know that their garage doors are required to meet building code criteria for wind pressures.²
• Winds can stay above hurricane strength many miles inland. Hurricane Hugo (1989) battered Charlotte, North Carolina - about 175 miles inland - with gusts to nearly 100 mph.³