Do Garage Doors in Lakewood Need Wind-Load Reinforcement?

Your garage door is one of the largest and heaviest moving parts of your home. It protects your vehicles, provides easy access, and adds security to your property. However, in Lakewood, where weather can change quickly, many homeowners wonder if a standard garage door can withstand strong winds.

Wind-load reinforcement is the answer. At Select Garage Doors, we have seen firsthand how reinforced garage doors prevent serious damage and help keep families safe. If you’re unsure whether your garage door is ready for strong winds, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Key Takeaways

• Wind-load reinforcement strengthens garage doors to withstand high winds and pressure, using stronger materials, extra bracing, and heavy-duty tracks.
• Lakewood doesn’t require reinforced garage doors by law, but with wind gusts reaching 50-60 mph during storms, reinforcement is highly recommended for added protection.
• A reinforced garage door helps protect the structure of your home, keeps your family safe, saves money over time, and provides peace of mind during storms.
• Reinforcement options include built-in reinforced doors, removable kits, and hardware upgrades. Each option offers varying levels of protection based on your budget and needs.
• Signs that your garage door needs reinforcement include being over 10-15 years old, flexing when pushed, or struggling to stay on tracks.
• Professional reinforcement ensures proper installation, reducing the risk of door failure during storms compared to DIY kits.

What Is Wind-Load Reinforcement?

Wind-load reinforcement is the process of strengthening a garage door to better withstand high winds. This reinforcement typically involves using stronger materials, additional bracing, and heavy-duty tracks.

Without reinforcement, high winds can push against the door, causing it to bend or break. This creates pressure inside your garage, which can lead to damage to your walls or even your roof.

A reinforced door is specifically designed to handle wind pressure, helping prevent these issues and keeping your home safe. Wind-load reinforcement is not just for hurricane-prone areas.

Even in regions like Lakewood, strong winds from storms, snow, or severe weather can be damaging, making wind-load reinforcement an important consideration for homes in open areas.

Does Lakewood Require Reinforced Garage Doors?

Lakewood does not face hurricanes like coastal cities, but it is still susceptible to strong winds, snowstorms, and severe weather. The National Weather Service reports that wind gusts of 50-60 mph can occur, especially during winter storms.

These winds can damage unreinforced doors, so while Lakewood may not legally require reinforced garage doors for all homes, it is highly recommended for safety.

The International Residential Code (IRC) does not specifically mandate wind-load reinforcement for all garage doors unless the wind load exceeds a certain threshold, which varies depending on the region.

However, if you live in an area prone to high winds, have a larger garage door, or your home lacks natural barriers (such as trees or other buildings), reinforcement becomes an essential upgrade.

Why Wind-Load Reinforcement Matters

Here’s why wind-load reinforcement is a smart investment for homeowners:

Protect Your Home

Your Lakewood garage door is one of the largest openings in your home. If it fails during a storm, the wind can quickly cause extensive damage to the rest of your home. A reinforced door keeps the structure of your home intact by withstanding high-pressure winds, helping protect everything inside.

2. Keep Your Family Safe

A reinforced garage door is far less likely to bend, break, or come off its tracks during strong winds. This reduces the risk of flying debris and keeps your family safe from potential injuries caused by collapsed doors or debris.

3. Save Money in the Long Run

Though reinforced doors may cost more initially, they tend to last longer and need fewer repairs over time. Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with wind-resistant doors, saving homeowners money on premiums.

4. Be Prepared for Storms

Knowing your garage door is reinforced provides peace of mind. You won’t need to worry about unexpected damage during severe weather, knowing your door can withstand high winds.

Types of Wind-Load Reinforcements

Garage doors can be reinforced in several ways, depending on the homeowner’s needs and budget:

Built-In Reinforced Doors

These doors are designed to resist wind pressure from the start. They use stronger materials, such as heavy-gauge steel or composite materials, and include extra bracing or tracks for stability. This option is ideal if you’re replacing an older door or upgrading to one that offers the best protection.

Removable Reinforcement Kits

These kits are installed inside the garage when high winds are expected. They typically include braces or bars that secure the door to the frame. While these kits are more affordable, they must be installed every time a storm is forecasted, which can be inconvenient.

Hardware Upgrades

In some cases, reinforcement focuses on strengthening the door’s hardware, such as tracks, rollers, hinges, and mounting hardware. Stronger hardware helps ensure the door stays on its tracks and resists wind pressure without replacing the entire door.

How to Tell If Your Garage Door Needs Reinforcement

If you’re unsure whether your garage door needs reinforcement, here are some signs:

• The door is more than 10-15 years old.
• The door feels lightweight or flexes when you push against it.
• The panels are bent, warped, or showing signs of wear.
• The door struggles to stay on its tracks or doesn’t move smoothly.
• You live in an area with few natural barriers (trees, buildings, etc.), exposing your door to high wind pressure.

If any of these apply, it may be time to reinforce your Lakewood garage door.

Professional vs. DIY Reinforcement

Some homeowners attempt to reinforce their doors with DIY kits, but these may not provide the same level of protection as professional installation. Proper wind-load reinforcement requires a detailed understanding of garage door mechanics, local weather conditions, and building codes.

Professional installers:

• Inspect your current garage door to identify weak spots.
• Recommend the right reinforcement options based on your door type and Lakewood’s specific weather risks.
• Offer expert installation to ensure your door is properly reinforced for long-term protection.

While DIY kits may seem like a cheaper option, improper installation can lead to door failure during a storm, resulting in higher repair costs.

Cost of Wind-Load Reinforcement

The cost of reinforcing your garage door depends on the type of upgrade you choose:

• Bracing kits: These kits typically cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the brand and materials.
• Full reinforced doors: These doors cost more upfront but offer the best long-term protection.
• Professional installation: This service adds to the price but guarantees that your door is correctly installed and reinforced to meet safety standards.

Reinforcing your garage door is an investment in your home’s safety and your family’s protection. While it may cost more initially, it can save you money in the long run by reducing repairs and preventing major damage.

Why Lakewood Homeowners Are Choosing Reinforced Doors

With the changing weather in Lakewood, more homeowners are opting for reinforced garage doors. These doors improve safety and increase home value. Buyers are more likely to choose a home with a garage door that can withstand severe weather conditions.

Reinforced doors offer superior protection without sacrificing curb appeal, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to boost both safety and aesthetic value.

Wind-Load Reinforcement for Lakewood Garage Doors

So, do garage doors in Lakewood need wind-load reinforcement? While it’s not required by law, it’s highly recommended. Reinforced doors provide added protection for your home, keeping your family safe and reducing the risk of damage during storms.

At Select Garage Doors, we specialize in helping homeowners make informed decisions about their garage doors. Whether you need to reinforce your existing door or install a new, stronger one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Call us today to schedule your consultation. Let’s ensure your garage door is ready to withstand whatever weather Lakewood brings.