The garage door is one of the largest moving openings in a house, which means it's also one of the more vulnerable points during a windstorm. Puget Sound storm season brings high winds, driving rain, and the occasional power outage, all of which put extra stress on a door that hasn't been checked in a while.
Structural checks before storm season
- Inspect the tracks for looseness — high winds can put lateral pressure on a door that's already slightly misaligned.
- Confirm all mounting brackets and hinges are tight.
- Check the bottom seal and weatherstripping for gaps that would let wind-driven rain inside.
- Look at the panels for any existing dents or weak spots that could worsen under wind pressure.
During a storm
- Keep the door closed as much as possible during high wind events — an open door creates pressure that can stress the structure of the garage itself.
- Avoid opening or closing the door manually during very high winds if it feels like it's catching or resisting.
- Know where the manual release cord is in case of a power outage, so the door can still be opened by hand if needed.
After the storm
Once the weather clears, do a full visual and operational check: listen for new noises, check for track misalignment, and inspect for water intrusion at the bottom seal. Storm damage isn't always immediately obvious, and a door that seems fine but was under stress can develop issues in the following weeks.
If storm season leaves your door dented, misaligned beyond a simple adjustment, or you're realizing your current door isn't holding up the way it used to, our wizard gives an exact installed price for a new, sturdier Hörmann door in about two minutes.