Is Your Garage Door Hurricane-Ready? Jonesboro AR Homeowner Checklist

When storm season rolls into Jonesboro, AR, the garage door is often the most overlooked weak point in your home’s defense. Yet, it’s also one of the largest entry points—and if it fails during a high-wind event, it can compromise your entire property.


Whether you're a new homeowner or have lived in Northeast Arkansas for years, this garage door hurricane-readiness checklist from Smart Overhead Door will help ensure your door is ready to withstand the next big storm.


Why Garage Doors Matter During Storms


Your garage door covers a significant portion of your home's exterior wall. If high winds breach it, they can create internal pressure that leads to roof damage or complete structural failure. Making sure your garage door in Jonesboro AR is reinforced and properly maintained is not just smart—it's essential.


Hurricane-Readiness Checklist for Your Garage Door


Use this step-by-step checklist to evaluate your garage door's storm-readiness:


1. Check for Wind-Rated Certification


Not all garage doors are created equal. Look for a wind-load rating label on your garage door or documentation from the manufacturer. In storm-prone areas, your garage door should meet FEMA or International Building Code (IBC) standards for wind resistance.


Tip: If your current garage door lacks a wind-load rating, consider replacing it with a hurricane-rated garage door from Smart Overhead Door.


2. Inspect for Structural Weaknesses


Walk around your garage door and look for the following signs of wear:


  • Dents or cracks in the panels

  • Loose or missing hinges, screws, or brackets

  • Gaps between the door and frame

  • Rust or corrosion on metal parts


If any of these are present, schedule an inspection right away. Weak points become failure points during a storm.


3. Reinforce With Bracing Systems


Adding a garage door reinforcement kit or horizontal braces can significantly improve your door’s resistance to wind and impact. These braces span the width of the door and anchor to the surrounding structure, enhancing overall stability and reducing the risk of damage during severe weather.


Many professional garage door service providers offer custom reinforcement solutions tailored to the specific needs of your home and local climate conditions.


4. Secure the Tracks and Mounting Hardware


The vertical and horizontal tracks should be firmly attached to the garage framing. Check for:


  • Loose bolts or lag screws

  • Warped or bent tracks

  • Misaligned rollers


A qualified technician can quickly secure or replace these components before they become hazardous in high winds.


5. Test Your Garage Door Opener’s Manual Release


In the event of a power outage—which is common during severe storms—you’ll need to manually open and close your garage door. Test the emergency release to make sure it works smoothly and without resistance.


6. Seal Out Water and Debris


Install or replace weather stripping along the bottom and sides of your garage door. This helps:


  • Prevent flooding

  • Reduce wind-driven debris from entering

  • Improve energy efficiency year-round


7. Schedule a Professional Garage Door Inspection


Not sure where to start? Our team at Smart Overhead Door in Jonesboro AR provides thorough safety and storm-readiness inspections. We'll assess your garage door’s condition, recommend reinforcements, and handle all necessary repairs—fast, affordable, and local.


Be Prepared Before the Storm Hits


Hurricane-strength storms and tornadic winds are becoming more frequent in Arkansas. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use this checklist to evaluate your garage door’s readiness and give Smart Overhead Door a call for expert support. Contact us today to schedule your hurricane-readiness inspection or request a quote for a reinforced garage door in Jonesboro AR!

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