Hurricanes come with enough stress on their own. The last thing you want is for your garage to be a disaster zone. In many homes, it’s more than just a place for parking—it’s also storage central. But if you're in a storm-prone area like Florida, that garage can quickly turn into a flood trap or worse.
A little prep work goes a long way, especially if you’re trying to protect tools, keepsakes, or your car from a storm surge, water damage, or flying debris.
Focus on the Biggest Weak Spot: The Door
Garage doors might look strong, but did you know they're often the most vulnerable part of your home in high winds?
If the door fails, air pressure can build up quickly, increasing the chance of catastrophic damage to your roof or walls. That’s why reinforced garage doors and hurricane-rated doors are worth serious consideration.
“Garages are often the largest opening in a home, making them a weak point during high winds and storm surges,” said Rusty Halm of Garage Living of Tampa. “In Tampa, we face Category 1-3 hurricanes regularly, with winds up to 129 mph, so preparation is critical.”
Many newer homes have wind-rated doors that meet local building code; however, older homes might need a retrofit. Garage door braces, mounting brackets, or even a full replacement with an impact-resistant garage door can make a big difference. Look for doors with high wind load ratings and double-check compliance with your local code or building codes in your area.
If your current setup has an opener, check that it has a manual release and that all electronic parts are protected against power outages. Consider surge protectors to help reduce damage to your door during power surges.
Keep Your Items Dry and Off the Floor
Flooding is often part of the storm package, and garages usually take the hit first. Think about everything sitting on your garage floor: paint cans, tools, holiday decor, and maybe even some important family keepsakes. Now imagine it all soaked or floating away. That’s where elevation and planning ahead come in.
“The most cost-effective approach is the 80-20 rule," said Halm. "We focus on minimizing water damage to stored items. [We offer] a variety of organizational solutions that keep your items secure and elevated, helping protect valuables from flooding and complementing other flood prevention measures.”
Here are a few simple ways to prep:
- Use overhead racks or ceiling-mounted storage to keep things high
- Install metal shelving or weather-resistant cabinets
- Store items in waterproof bins with tight-fitting lids
- Move keepsakes to a safe inside the house—not the garage
- Add a flood barrier or sandbags near the garage door opening
Also, weather stripping along the bottom and sides of your door can help reduce water infiltration. For garages in low-lying areas, long-term solutions like a French drain or storm kit may help divert water away from your foundation.
Think Long-Term with Upgrades That Last
Serious storms are more common now than ever, so it's worth considering long-term changes that will hold up over time. From upgraded flooring to better organization, these changes protect your space and reduce post-storm cleanup.
“At Garage Living of Tampa, 80% of our current transformation projects focus on hurricane preparedness: from our Floortex coatings and open storage solutions to steel cabinetry that resists corrosion and car lifts,” Halm said. “Everything we offer is designed to help and will withstand flooding and storm surges.”
Floortex floors don’t just look good—they’re also tough against water damage, spills, and mold growth. Steel cabinets are built to resist rust and handle impact better than wood or plastic. For homeowners with limited driveway space, a car lift may also prevent storm damage to a second vehicle by lifting it above flood water.
And don't forget about small upgrades like checking garage door struts, reinforcing the support frame, and applying fresh coats of paint to metal doors for added durability. If your area is prone to high wind events, reinforcement brackets or a full garage door reinforcement kit can be installed during your next maintenance appointment.
FAQ
How can I tell if my garage door meets hurricane standards?
Check for a label or sticker that lists the wind load or impact rating. This should match the wind rating required by your local building authorities. If you're unsure, a garage door professional or repair service can inspect it for you.
Should I disconnect my garage door opener during a storm?
Yes. If there's a power outage or surge, disconnecting the automatic garage door opener helps protect its electrical components. Make sure the manual release works so you can still open the door if needed.
