Retrofit your garage door with a storm proofing kit

Reinforcing your garage door is a cost-effective way to storm proof your garage. Steel trusses running lengthwise are added to the door in order to prevent it from buckling inwards in high winds. A hole is then drilled into the concrete floor of the garage right next to the garage door. In the case of an impending storm, you fit a steel beam into the hole that serves as a brace – the horizontal trusses transmit the force from storm winds to the vertical brace, which is securely anchored in the foundation of your house.

You can also install track brackets to secure the garage door track to the side of your garage. Some of the pressure from the high-speed winds is transferred to the track of the garage. This can cause the track to twist and break if not properly anchored, which cause your garage door to simply fall off your garage.

With the correct tools, the installation process is simple for the homeowner to do. However, it’s best to contact a professional garage door company and have an expert inspect your current door for its storm readiness. If your garage door has windows that are not impact-resistant, or is made of wood or thin aluminium, debris from strong winds can pierce the door. Wind passing through the hole can quickly rip the entire door apart, regardless of how well it is fortified.

Another benefit of industrial roller shutter doors is that they can look inconspicuous while providing excellent security. Because of their complex coil mechanism, roller shutters can be rolled up when not in use, saving a great deal of space in the process.

Security is the greatest benefit of industrial roller shutters. Windows and doors are simply not enough to stop criminals entering your property; also, they do nothing to deter them. Roller shutters on the other hand, will provide an excellent deterrent to would be intruders or vandals, looking to target your business.

Industrial roller shutter doors are also quite affordable, since they are made of galvanized steel or extruded aluminium. They are strong, sturdy, hard-wearing and most importantly, offer good value for money.

Firstly, find out about the company

• What is their history? Are they a new company? If so, what experience do their owners have?
• Are they legal? They should have all necessary licenses and permits to work in your area
• Do they have insurance? This is absolutely crucial and every legitimate company will be fully insured
• Do they have a showroom where you can see and touch the products?
• What brands do they use?

Also, find out about past customers

Reputable companies will offer a list of references. These are past clients who have agreed to give their honest opinions about their experience. Ideally, these customers will be in, or near, your neighbourhood. You can also ask the company to provide details of past projects, such as photos of completed work and location of past work.

Thirdly, it’s important to know how they communicate with you

A good company will try to get the following information from you during your meeting. This will show you that they are actively trying to give you good advice about choosing a garage door.

They will ask about…

• Your size requirements
• Your budget
• The design of your house, so that they match the door style
• What functions, features and traits you need

They will offer…

• Different options at different prices
• A complete price quote including labour and equipment
• Access to a virtual design centre where you can design your own door and see how it will look on your house

Information about a full warranty in writing

When dealing with Meranti garage doors, you should understand that the maintenance is in two parts; that is, maintaining the actual door, and maintaining the mechanism.

After installing your Meranti garage door, oil the surface three months after installation, after six months, then annually. Our wooden garage doors are made using Meranti wood and we use Silkwood to treat our doors. You can use any other penetrating oil, but stay clear of paint or varnish.

An automatic garage door can be a lifesaver: however if not properly maintained, can cause safety issues to you or your family. For this reason, the onus is on you to regularly inspect the door mechanism. It’s advised that you conduct the following exercises monthly:

•  A visual inspection

With the garage door closed, inspect the following for wear and tear: the rollers, door springs, hinges and pulleys. If anything looks or sounds out of place, contact a reputable technician.

•  A door balance test

Disconnect the automatic opener and lift the door. You should be able to lift it easily in one swift motion: and it should remain open without any additional support. If neither of these are the case, contact a technician to inspect it.

•  A force setting test

Start with the garage door open. Using the remote control, close the door. As it closes, hold up the garage door with both hands using full force. The door should immediately, and easily reverse. If it doesn’t, contact a technician to service the door.