If you’re in the market for a new garage door, you may have heard about wind load-rated garage doors. But what exactly does that mean? And should you buy one for your home? In this blog post, we’ll answer questions and help you decide if one is right for you.

How do I know if I need a wind-rated garage door?

Homeowners in wind-prone areas may wonder if they need a more secure garage door. The answer depends on the wind speed in your area and the size of your garage door. If you live in an area with sustained winds below 90 miles per hour, a wind-rated garage door is not necessary. However, if you live in an area with occasional gusts above 90 miles per hour, or if your garage door is larger than 8 feet wide, you should consider a wind-rated garage door. These garage doors are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 150 miles per hour, and they can help to protect your home from wind damage during severe weather events.

For more information and specific requirements for your area, please contact your local building official.

Wind speed maps are available to help determine if you live in an area where a wind load-rated garage door makes sense.

Is my current garage door rated?

If you see a sticker on the inside of your door with MPH, PSF+, and PSF- values, then your current garage door is wind-rated. MPH measures wind speed or velocity while wind pressure is a force measured in pounds per square foot (PSF). Matt Risinger of Risinger Build showcases his OHD Thermacore door in a recent YouTube video.

If you have a label, make sure to keep it intact.

Are all garage doors wind-rated?

No. If you’re not in jeopardy of hurricanes or tornadoes, it’s likely your garage door isn’t rated. If you’re looking to gauge the need for a wind-rated garage door, Amarr built a helpful calculator.

Who has wind-load-rated garage doors for sale?

Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, and Overhead Door all offer wind code-rated garage doors.

Can I reinforce my current garage door?

Yes, you can reinforce your existing door with metal beams or other wind-resistant add-ons. This can help to improve the wind resistance of your door, although it may not be as effective as buying a new door. Whichever option you choose, taking steps to improve the wind resistance of your garage door can help to keep your home safe during severe weather.

What are the wind speed approval ranges?

Specifically, Amarr offers doors with ranges between 90 – 185 MPH ranges. Some are also impact rated.

Can wind-load-rated doors lower my homeowner’s insurance?

Depending on your location, it may make sense to contact your insurance provider and ask about possible discounts. A secure garage door lowers the potential negative fallout from severe storms.

The rating is the standard measure of how much wind a garage door can withstand. Doors with higher ratings can resist gusts of wind up to 150 mph, while those with lower ratings may only be able to handle winds up to 90 mph. You should always check the wind code rating of your garage door before purchasing or installing one, as this will ensure that it can withstand your area’s typical storms. If you have any questions about these ratings or need help selecting a new garage door, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help!