Repairing Garage Doors After A Storm
What if your garage door becomes broken due to a storm?
Most of the time, the efficiency of a garage door is only tested after a storm or a hurricane has struck. The least prepared you are for the damage that bad weather can bring, the more likely garage door failure will occur. In order to make the most out of protecting your garage, the door should be wind resistant.
Things to remember before you decide to have your garage door repaired:
Above anything else, remember that it is ideal to contact your local building official to learn the building requirements in your area.
The Texas Windstorm Building Code or TWBC is an essential factor that may affect your decision. If you live in the vicinity of the first row of Texas counties, usually described to be in the boundary of Gulf of Mexico, it may be necessary to comply with TWBC. Other areas that are affected by this code are the Harris County cities including Morgan's Port, Shore Acres, Pasadena, Seabrook, and La Porte.
Your insurance agent can explain to you the details of the the Windstorm Inspection program. You will then be given a Certificate of Compliance (Form WPI-8) by the Texas Department of Insurance or TDI, only if your garage door installation is windstorm compliant. This ensures that you can maintain windstorm insurance coverage.
Know more about the Windstorm Inspection Program by calling (800) 248-6032 or visiting their website at www.tdi.state.tx.us.
Things to remember when choosing a contractor:
Choosing a contractor requires your patience and diligence so as to end up with someone who is capable of doing the job effectively and properly. It is not advisable to settle for solicitors who go from door to door in order to offer repair works after a storm.
The best move is to ensure that the contractor is bonded and carries liability insurance. For every contractor that you eye as a candidate, make sure you get his full name, complete address, working telephone numbers, and in-state references. At least three written bids must be acquired for best comparison.
Texas Windstorm Building Code and the Requirements for Garage Door Installation
Selecting a garage door for your home:
Check the product list of the major manufacturers of garage doors by consulting TDI. Since there is a wide array of products to select from, choosing a wind resistant garage door should be easy. For garage doors that include glass panels, choose a door that has a high impact resistance rating.
Installing a garage door properly:
The installation instructions set by the manufacturer of the product must be followed strictly when assembling the garage door. Take advantage of the descriptive engineering drawings that come along with the installation. All of the information about permitted products can be viewed at the TDI website.
