Garage doors can be easily damaged by high winds during a hurricane or severe storm. Metal reinforcement kits are available that attach to the concrete slab and framing above the door to provide two additional points of support, or you can make your own garage door reinforcement from 2x4s.

To make your own garage door reinforcement, start by attaching a 2×4 to the concrete floor inside the door using lead shields or concrete screws.

Next, make two sturdy braces from 2x4s by attaching them together into a “T” shape. Extend the 2×4 on the brace that faces the outside of the garage 1½” to allow for attachment to the floor plate.

Make two support brackets from 2x4s and attach them to the framing above the door.

Secure the braces to the brackets above the door using bolts.

Secure the braces to the 2×4 plates on the floor with screws from the outside of the brace into the floor plate.

Unplug the garage door operator to prevent the door from accidentally opening while the braces are in place.

Check out our Hurricane Help page for more information.

Further Information

• Boarding Up: Hurricane Storm Panels for Your Home
• Fabric Storm Panels: Hurricane Protection for Your Home
• Plastic Storm Panels for Your Home

Please Leave a Comment

4 Comments on “How to Protect a Garage Door from Storm Damage”

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1. w s brown Says:
   August 22nd, 2011 at 1:12 pm

   Hello,
   can you show pictures of braces attached to the board secured to the concrete floor.
   Thanks
   W S Brown

2. 

   Ben Erickson Says:
   August 22nd, 2011 at 3:18 pm

   Hi W.S.,
   I’ve updated the article above to make it clearer how the braces are attached to the floor plate.

3. w s brown Says:
   August 22nd, 2011 at 9:09 pm

   Hello Ben,
   Thanks for the prompt response and the pictures !
   I had new garage doors installed a few months ago and have put off reinforcment preparations until today, when the weatherman forecasted hurricane Irene was going to pay us a visit this weekend.
   I am planning on using some 4 inch wide metal to attach the braces to the header . Other than that, I will follow your instructions. I will send pictures when completed tomorrow, if you are interested.
   Thanks again for the immediate response.

   W S Brown

4. 

   Ben Erickson Says:
   August 23rd, 2011 at 8:00 am

   Hi W.S.
   Glad to be of help. Let us know how it works out.

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