While garage doors are fantastic inventions, they are easily damaged during strong windstorms. Repairing or replacing a garage door, especially a double door, is expensive. But there are steps you can take to protect your bank account from those expenses.
First, talk with your independent insurance agent about windstorm insurance, which helps cover the cost to repair or replace that garage door and protect your bank account. You will need to pay the deductible, but the rest of the bill can by footed by your insurer.
Along with the right coverage, you can also take steps to protect your home from a similar incident. Try the following tips:
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Many home improvement stores sell a "retrofit" kit for garage doors. Many people choose to install the kit, or you can hire a professional. Retrofitting involves adding vertical support posts for increased stability.
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Check the garage door track. If it is loose, then the bolts probably need replaced with longer bolts. Again, this is something you can do yourself, or hire a professional.
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Look at the horizontal panels. If one of them is warped or bowed, then you need to replace that panel and probably replace a horizontal brace or hinge. Just as the vertical braces need to be steel or a high rated wood, so do the horizontal braces.
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Ask a professional to check the springs every two to three years. They also need to be checked if you choose to add any braces to your garage door. If a spring fails, you will not be able to open your garage door. Replacing springs on your own is dangerous, so hire a professional.
Windstorm insurance helps cover damage to your roof, windows, doors and decks. It might even cover damage to the inside of your house if a damaged window, door or roof lets in the rain. If you are wondering what else windstorm insurance will cover, talk with an agent today.