Can you handle emergency garage door repairs the same day?

Absolutely. We keep same-day slots open for emergencies because we know a broken garage door can throw off your whole day. If you call before 2 p.m., we'll typically get someone out to you in Winona that afternoon. After hours? We have an emergency line. Response time varies by time of night, but we prioritize safety issues like doors that won't close or springs that snap.

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Yes on all counts. We're fully licensed to operate in Ohio and maintain current bonding and comprehensive liability insurance. You can ask for proof anytime—we're happy to share. This protects both you and us, especially when we're working on heavy-duty springs or doing structural work on your home.

What garage door styles work best with older Winona homes?

Many homes here have classic architectural character, and we respect that. Traditional raised-panel and carriage-style doors complement older properties beautifully. If you're in a Victorian-era neighborhood, we can source doors with authentic hardware and finishes. Newer homes might suit contemporary flush or glass-panel designs. We'll help you choose something that fits both your home's style and your budget.

What exactly does your warranty cover?

Our standard warranty covers parts and labor for one year on most repairs. Springs and openers carry longer coverage—typically five years on springs. Doors themselves usually come with a manufacturer's warranty of 5–10 years depending on the model. We'll walk you through what's covered when we finish the job, and we keep detailed records so claims are hassle-free.

Do you replace weather stripping and seals?

We do, and Winona winters make this important. Worn seals let cold air and moisture creep into your garage, which adds to heating costs. We replace bottom seals, side seals, and top seals depending on where you're losing air. It's an affordable job that pays for itself pretty quickly, especially if you use your garage as a workshop or storage space.

Can you reprogram my remote and keypad?

Yes. Lost your remote? We can reprogram existing remotes or sell you a replacement and sync it to your opener. Same with keypads—we'll clear old codes and set new ones. This usually takes 15–20 minutes on a service call. If you're concerned about security after a remote goes missing, we can wipe all codes and start fresh.

How fast can you respond to emergency calls in towns near Winona?

We serve Winona and surrounding communities. For nearby towns, expect response times of 30–45 minutes during business hours, longer if it's evening or weekend. We always try to fit emergencies in quickly, but exact timing depends on our current job schedule. Call our emergency line and we'll give you a realistic estimate based on where you're located.

Do you install smart openers like MyQ or HomeLink?

We absolutely do. Smart openers let you check if your door is open from your phone and close it remotely—really helpful if you're away and realize you forgot. We install MyQ and integrate with HomeLink systems for cars that support it. Installation runs a couple hours. We'll make sure everything syncs properly and walk you through the app before we leave.

What happens if my garage door comes off the tracks?

Don't try to force it back on yourself—you could bend the track or damage the door. We can realign and retrack it safely. The fix depends on what caused it; sometimes it's just a derailment from impact, other times a bent track needs replacement. We'll inspect the whole system to make sure nothing else was damaged in the process.

Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips

2024-01-10 7 min read Winona Garage Doors Team

# Preparing Your Garage Door for Storm Season: Essential Tips

In Ohio's climate, severe weather can strike at any time of year. From summer thunderstorms with damaging winds to winter ice storms and occasional tornado threats, your garage door faces significant stress during extreme weather events. As the largest moving component of most homes, a properly prepared garage door is crucial for protecting your property and family.

Understanding Storm Risks to Garage Doors

Your garage door is particularly vulnerable during high winds because of its large surface area. A standard two-car garage door measures approximately 128 square feet or more. When wind strikes this surface, it creates tremendous pressure that can cause the door to buckle inward, or worse, blow outward entirely.

When a garage door fails during a storm, the consequences extend far beyond the door itself. The sudden pressure change can lift the roof, blow out windows, and cause catastrophic structural damage to your entire home. Studies show that homes with failed garage doors during hurricanes and tornadoes suffered significantly more damage than those whose doors remained intact.

Pre-Storm Inspection Checklist

Several weeks before storm season begins, conduct a thorough inspection of your garage door system:

Hardware Inspection: Examine all hinges, rollers, brackets, and mounting hardware for signs of wear, rust, or loosening. Tighten any loose bolts and replace worn components. Pay particular attention to the brackets that hold the door tracks to the wall.these must be securely anchored to withstand wind pressure.

Spring and Cable Assessment: Extension springs and torsion springs experience fatigue over time. Look for gaps in the coils, rust, or visible damage. Frayed or worn cables should be replaced immediately, as cable failure during a storm can be dangerous and allow the door to fall unexpectedly.

Weatherstripping Condition: Check the weatherstripping along the bottom and sides of your door. Damaged or missing weatherstripping allows wind-driven rain to enter your garage and reduces the door's wind resistance by creating pressure differentials.

Panel Integrity: Inspect each panel for dents, cracks, or warping. Damaged panels are structural weak points that are more likely to fail under wind pressure.

Reinforcement Options

If your garage door is older or you live in an area prone to severe weather, consider these reinforcement options:

Horizontal Bracing Kits: These retrofit kits add horizontal reinforcement bars to each panel of your garage door. The bars distribute wind pressure across the entire door structure rather than concentrating stress at single points. Professional installation ensures proper placement and attachment.

Vertical Stiffening: Some reinforcement systems use vertical braces combined with additional supports at the top and bottom of the door. This creates a rigid framework that resists both inward and outward pressure.

Impact-Resistant Doors: If you're due for a door replacement, consider upgrading to an impact-rated garage door. These doors are engineered to withstand high winds and flying debris, and they often qualify for insurance premium reductions.

Permanent Bracing: For high-risk areas, permanent bracing systems can be installed. These remain in place year-round and don't require any action before storms.

Emergency Preparation Steps

When severe weather is imminent, take these steps to protect your garage:

Secure Loose Items: Remove or secure anything in your garage that could become airborne if the door fails. Garden tools, bikes, and storage boxes can cause additional damage if blown around inside the garage.

Check Door Balance: A properly balanced door is less likely to fail. Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. It should stay in place with minimal drift. If it falls rapidly or rises on its own, the springs need adjustment.

Consider Temporary Bracing: If you don't have permanent reinforcement, temporary bracing can be installed before major storms. Two-by-four boards cut to fit between the floor and each panel can provide additional support.

Test Your Opener: Ensure your garage door opener is functioning properly. You'll want to be able to close the door quickly when a storm approaches. Check that the emergency release cord is accessible in case you need to operate the door manually.

Post-Storm Assessment

After severe weather passes, inspect your garage door before operating it:

- Look for visible damage to panels, tracks, or hardware, Check that the door is still properly aligned in its tracks, Operate the door manually before reconnecting the opener, Listen for unusual sounds during operation, Test the safety sensors and auto-reverse function

If you notice any damage or unusual operation, contact a professional before continued use. Operating a damaged door can cause further damage or injury.

Insurance Considerations

Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes with reinforced garage doors, particularly in areas prone to severe weather. Check with your insurance provider about:

- Available discounts for wind-resistant doors, Requirements for reinforcement to qualify for discounts, Documentation needed for claims if storm damage occurs

Professional Storm Preparation

At Winona Garage Doors, we offer comprehensive storm preparation services including:

- Complete system inspection and tune-up, Reinforcement kit installation, Weatherstripping replacement, Spring and cable replacement, Balance adjustment, Emergency service when storms do cause damage

Our 2-hour emergency response ensures you're never left with a vulnerable home during storm season. Contact us today to schedule your pre-storm inspection and ensure your garage door is ready to protect your home and family.

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