A Homeowner’s Guide to Preparing Your Garage for Storm Season

May 31, 2025

If you live in a coastal or storm-prone region, you’re likely familiar with the annual “tradition” of preparing for hurricane season. From securing windows to stocking emergency supplies, every precaution matters. Have you forgotten about your garage? For many homes, the garage is the largest entry point and one of the most vulnerable during a storm.

At CAMBEK, we believe that protecting your home shouldn’t mean sacrificing beauty. That’s why we design hurricane-rated garage doors that combine custom wood craftsmanship with the structural performance required to withstand extreme weather.

Why Your Garage Deserves Special Attention

The garage door covers a large surface area, and during a storm, it’s subjected to intense wind pressures, flying debris, and rapid shifts in atmospheric pressure. If the door gives way, the results can be catastrophic:

Wind enters the home, creating internal uplift that can impact your roof
The door can collapse inward, damaging vehicles or belongings
Water can enter freely, leading to mold, rot, and structural issues

In many cases, garage door failure is the first point of failure during a hurricane, one that triggers a cascade of additional damage. How can you make sure your garage space and door are prepared?

Inspect Your Current Garage Door

Start by evaluating the condition and construction of your existing garage door. Look for:

Signs of wear or corrosion, especially on hardware or tracks
Loose or missing fasteners, brackets, or hinges
Gaps or misalignment between panels
No visible reinforcement (e.g., horizontal bracing or steel bars)

Many standard garage doors, even ones that appear sturdy, are not designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. If your door was installed more than 10–15 years ago or lacks reinforced backing, it may not meet current storm ratings.

Install a Hurricane-Rated Garage Door

If you’re serious about protecting your home during storm season, investing in a hurricane-rated garage door is one of the most effective steps you can take.
At CAMBEK, we build custom hurricane-rated wood garage doors that are engineered to meet or exceed the most stringent building codes, including those in Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). Our doors combine:

Impact-resistant laminated cores
Steel-reinforced internal framing
Heavy-duty track systems and wind-rated hardware
Seamless integration of design and durability

With CAMBEK, you don’t have to settle for a utilitarian steel slab. You can have a door that reflects your home’s architectural beauty and historic charm, while protecting everything behind it.

Anchor or Reinforce Interior Garage Items

Beyond the door itself, it’s important to secure the items inside your garage that could become hazards or be damaged during a storm.

Anchor shelving units to walls using screws or brackets
Elevate important belongings (documents, tools, etc.) off the ground in case of flooding
Secure propane tanks, fuel cans, or chemicals to prevent leaks or tipping
Clear floor clutter that could become dangerous if the wind enters

If you store outdoor furniture, grills, or loose equipment in your garage before a storm, be sure those are also stabilized or strapped down.

Check Weatherstripping and Seals

Gaps around your garage door can allow wind-driven rain, pests, and debris to enter. Before storm season hits, inspect the:

Bottom weather seal (the rubber gasket along the floor)
Side and top seals where the door meets the frame
Threshold seal, if applicable

Replace any brittle, cracked, or missing seals to reduce the risk of water intrusion and air pressure imbalance.

Bonus: this also improves energy efficiency year-round by keeping your garage more temperate.

Have a Backup Power Plan

If your garage door is operated by an electric opener, be prepared for power outages. Consider:

Installing a battery backup system on your opener
Learning how to manually disengage and operate your door in case of emergency
Storing flashlights and a backup power source nearby for visibility and operation during a storm

While modern openers are convenient, they can become a problem during blackouts if you don’t have a way to open the door manually.

Take Preventive Measures for Flooding

If you live in a low-lying area, floodwater can easily enter the garage, especially if the door isn’t sealed tightly or the property is sloped toward the house.

To protect your garage from flood damage:

Use sandbags or water-activated flood barriers around the garage entry
Install a garage door flood shield or threshold ramp
Ensure the garage floor has adequate drainage or sump pump access
Store high-value items in water-resistant bins or on elevated shelving

These simple steps can prevent costly water damage to your home, vehicles, and belongings.

Keep Your Emergency Kit Accessible

It’s always smart to store emergency essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, nonperishable food, and bottled water in an easily accessible place. The garage is often a go-to location for storage, but be sure these items aren’t buried under boxes or blocked by tools.

If you plan to shelter in place during a storm, or if you may need to evacuate, having a clear, accessible path to these supplies will help you access them when you need to.

Think Long-Term. Upgrade for Beauty and Resilience.

Your garage door is more than a simple door; it’s also a major part of your home’s curb appeal. Choosing a hurricane-rated door from CAMBEK means you’re getting a product that doesn’t just meet building codes, it also meets your expectations for beauty, craftsmanship, and performance. Our doors offer:

Custom wood styles tailored to your home’s architecture
Durable finishes that resist humidity and salt air
Engineered for lasting performance in coastal conditions

Don’t Wait Until the Storm Hits. Get a Hurricane-Rated Door.

When it comes to finding a door that protects what matters while honoring your home’s design, we deliver a solution that’s as strong as it is stunning. Ready to upgrade your garage before the next storm season? Contact our team today for a custom quote or consultation. We’ll help you choose a hurricane-rated garage door that fits your home, your style, and your peace of mind.