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Why Storm-Rated Garage Doors Matter
Many homeowners may not realize the importance of reinforced garage doors in high-wind areas. Often called Wind Load-rated, Storm/Hurricane-rated, or simply Wind-rated doors, these specialized garage doors are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. It’s essential for homeowners to select a wind-resistant door that meets or exceeds local building codes.
In recent years, hurricanes have caused extensive damage across the U.S., resulting in millions of dollars in losses. In response, local governments, townships, counties, and states have strengthened building codes to ensure homes and structures are better equipped to handle high winds.
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
Understanding Wind Load Requirements
Wind load regulations can differ depending on location, garage door size, placement on the structure, and regional wind zones. Because these factors vary, it's important to ensure your garage door complies with local building codes. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to select a garage door that meets or exceeds these requirements. If you are near the coast or an area that is susceptible to hurricanes and high winds, we encourage you to call your local building department to ask them for the local code requirements for garage doors.
See Which Amarr Garage Doors Meet Windload Speeds
You don’t have to compromise style for storm preparedness. Our residential garage doors are available with a wind load reinforcement system that meets or exceeds building code requirements in your area.
Customize every aspect of your door including style, size, storm/wind rating, color, glass options & more. Customize and add to cart.
Contact us (or call 585-603-0005) with any questions you have about our selection of storm rated garage doors.
1Copyright 2021, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
2August 2006, Electronic Answers, Amarr Garage Door Hurricane Preparedness Study
3Revised August 2001, Hurricanes, Unleashing Nature’s Fury: A Preparedness Guide, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service