Garage door hail damage can happen fast during North Texas hailstorms, causing visible dents and cracks. It can also cause issues that may affect how your garage door functions. This is why it’s best to prepare in advance with inspections, storm-rated upgrades, and maintenance tips and checks after a storm.
In North Texas, it only takes a few minutes of hail for a garage door to become a major safety and security problem. The reason is simple: garage doors are large and exposed to the elements, which means any amount of hail may require an emergency garage door service Dallas homeowners can depend on.
North Texas hailstorms can cause sudden and severe damage to garage doors. Large hailstones can dent panels, crack materials, and knock doors off track in just minutes. This means you’ll need hail damage repair.
You might even find that a power outage leaves your garage door stuck or unsafe to use, often leading homeowners to seek professional hail damage repair.
Since hail season in North Texas is unpredictable and intense, you need to understand how to protect your home.
Why Garage Doors Are Vulnerable to North Texas Hail
Garage doors cover a large surface area and are typically one of the most exposed parts of a home. They can dent or crack since they’re usually made from:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Wood
- Composite materials
In North Texas, hailstorms usually come with strong winds. This means that hail comes down sideways and is more likely to impact garage door panels. It can also affect windows and exterior trim.
Even a small amount of hail can cause a significant amount of damage in a short time frame.
Temperature also affects hail damage to garage doors. In the spring and early summer, materials expand and contract quickly. This means garage doors are more susceptible to cracks and dents, along with chipped paint.
Common Types of Hail Damage Homeowners Miss
Sometimes hail damage is obvious, especially when it’s dents or shattered garage glass. Other times it’s not noticeable right away and requires garage door troubleshooting.
For example, a few shallow dents can weaken the structure of your garage door over time. This means that it might have alignment issues eventually.
A few cracks in composite garage doors can let moisture set in. This can lead to rot or warping.
Hail can affect weather stripping and bottom seals, tearing or loosening them. This reduces the efficacy of insulation and can allow water to seep in.
Hail can affect internal components. Tracks might shift slightly when impacted more than once.
Hinges can loosen. Rollers can become misaligned.
Power Outages and Garage Door Safety Risks
Power outages are common during severe North Texas storms. Since garage doors rely heavily on electricity to operate safely, one garage door power outage can affect a person’s home security. Additionally, homeowners need to open their garage door manually, something that can be challenging to do.
Using the emergency release improperly can cause the door to slam shut. This is especially true if springs are already weakened or damaged by hail.
A door that is partially damaged may also become unstable when operated manually. This increases the risk of a person becoming severely injured. It also means property damage can occur.
Some homeowners are concerned about safety, and rightfully so. When a garage door is stuck open during an outage, their home is exposed, along with vehicles.
Storm-Ready Garage Door Upgrades That Help
Preparing a garage door for hail season doesn’t mean you have to replace your entire garage. It just means that a trained professional needs to inspect the integrity of your garage to see what’s working and what needs upgrading. The benefit of these upgrades is that they can improve durability and reduce the risk of severe hail damage.
Impact-resistant garage doors are designed with reinforced panels that better withstand hail strikes. Wind-rated doors provide added structural support. This helps the garage door stay aligned during severe storms.
Battery backup systems for garage door openers allow homeowners to continuously use them during power outages. This improves overall safety and security.
Routine maintenance is also paramount. Some things to have done include:
- Tightening hardware
- Inspecting rollers
- Checking track alignment
It’s wise to do this all before storm seasons to ensure your garage doors can handle the stress of the elements without failing. Working with a local company like Meadows Garage Doors can help identify vulnerabilities before storms arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hail Damage a Steel Garage Door?
Yes, steel garage doors can be damaged by hail, especially during severe North Texas storms. Large or wind-driven hail can dent panels, damage paint, and weaken structural integrity. Even minor dents can affect how the door moves over time.
Are Garage Doors Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?
On average, homeowners insurance covers garage doors if they’re damaged by covered events. This includes hail or severe storms. Coverage depends on your specific policy.
How Do You Open a Garage Door During a Power Outage?
Most garage doors have an emergency release cord that disconnects the opener. This allows you to manually open it. However, damaged doors may be unsafe to lift manually, which is why you need to be extremely careful.
Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Garage Door?
That depends on how much damage your garage door sustained. Minor dents or component issues can often be repaired. Severe panel damage, structural weakening, or repeated repairs may make a complete replacement the best option.
Protecting Your Home From Garage Door Hail Damage
Hailstorms and power outages are what North Texas homeowners come to expect. Unfortunately, garage doors often get the most damage. You may have visible dents or hidden mechanical issues, which means that garage door hail damage can affect safety, security, and daily use.
At Meadows Garage Doors, we’re dedicated to Dallas garage services and helping customers keep their garage doors working effectively, especially when hail season strikes. This is why we offer regular inspections and are devoted to fixing issues as quickly as possible.
Your safety and security are our priority, so contact us today for an estimate and emergency garage repairs. Finding small issues with your garage door ahead of time can save you money in the long run.
