How to Know if Your Garage Doors in Visalia Are Earthquake-Friendly
Earthquakes are events that can be very dangerous and if you happen to be in an area where they often occur, having your garage door prepared can mean the difference between losing your most essential belongings or not. If you have recently moved to an area with frequent earthquakes or live in an area that regularly sees earthquakes, it is important to know what to do before they occur. Here are some ways to ensure that your garage door in Visalia is earthquake friendly.
Install a Garage Door Sensor
In many cases, garage door sensors are the best solution for preparing your garage doors for an earthquake. Garage door sensors are motion detectors installed onto your garage door. These sensors work by completing an electrical circuit when they detect motion in front of them. This will then trigger the garage door to reverse in a safe direction. If there is an earthquake and the garage door starts to open, the sensor will connect and cause the door to close. This is an excellent way to prepare your garage doors for an earthquake because it will prevent the door from opening and allow debris to hit the house.
Test Your Garage Door Opener
A garage door opener that is not working correctly can cause serious problems during an earthquake and you will want to ensure that it is functioning properly. If you are uncertain about the functionality of your garage door opener, have it tested by a professional. A working garage opener allows you to quickly and easily close the door in case of an earthquake. Even if your sensor is not working, you can manually or automatically close your garage door to help prevent any damage from occurring.
Install a Garage Door Stabilizer
You can also install garage door stabilizers to protect your door from any earthquake damage. These stabilizers are often made from a material similar to angle iron and are used to create a barrier between the garage door and the wall. When there is an earthquake, these stabilizers will prevent your garage door from being damaged. A stabilizer can be a good investment for your garage door, especially if you believe that you are in an area that may have frequent earthquakes.
Check the Springs of Your Garage Door in Visalia
An excellent way to prepare your new garage doors for an earthquake is to ensure that the springs are working properly. If you believe that your garage doors do not have smooth springs, you may want to have them replaced. Springs can become worn out and weaken over time, which can cause them to break during an earthquake when they hit the wall. Functional springs will help keep your garage door in place and can keep the garage door from falling off of the tracks.
Review the Garage Door’s Bolt
When it comes to safety, you want to ensure that your garage door is secured. You can purchase bolts that will help keep the doors in place and secure. Most of these bolts will prevent the door from being destroyed during an earthquake because they will keep it from bouncing around. Some bolts will even allow you to easily open the door if you need access to the garage. There are different types of rollers that are available for your garage doors, and you can easily secure these by using bolts.
Use Heavy-Duty Rollers
When choosing the right roller to install on your garage door, it is important to consider how much weight it can handle. If you have many items in your garage, using heavy-duty rollers may be a good idea. These rollers can handle more weight and are designed to last longer than other types. Heavy-duty rollers are usually made of steel.
Put Lubricant on Your Rolls
When it comes to your garage door rollers, it is important to use a lubricant. You can purchase a commercial garage door lubricant or make your own. You will want to avoid using soap for lubricating the rollers because it can damage the rubber. A good alternative is to use silicone spray or 3-in-1 oil. If you use silicone spray, ensure the surface is clean and you will want to let it set for several hours before using it. It is not recommended to spray the garage door roller when it is hot because it could cause the surface to burn.
Install the Right Garage Door
When preparing your garage doors in Visalia for an earthquake, you will also want to consider the type of door you are using. If you have an older garage door, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer and sturdier one. You can also opt for a metal door instead of wooden doors because they are designed to be more flexible. These doors can move with the pressure of an earthquake and may not be damaged.
Use the Right Fasteners
When installing your garage door, you want to use the right fastener. It is important to use the correct fasteners because they can help prevent damage in an earthquake. Nuts and bolts will secure the door to the floor, while screws and wing nuts will help keep it on the tracks. Use screws instead of bolts because they can withstand more pressure when an earthquake occurs. The nails that hold the door in place will help secure the door to the frame.
Assess the Balance of Your Garage Door
When you think about your garage door’s safety, you will also want to ensure that it is properly balanced. Many garage doors are not properly balanced, which can cause them to shake during an earthquake. You can have your garage door checked by a professional to ensure it is properly balanced. The right type of balance will help alleviate the pressure on the garage door and prevent it from breaking.
Use Expanding Anchors
During garage door installation, it is also a good idea to use expanding anchors on them. This is because these anchors can securely hold the door in place during an earthquake. If too much force is exerted on the door, the anchors can expand and help the door pull straight up instead of swinging around. If you have a hollow wall, it is a good idea to put an expansion anchor on both sides of the garage door. You will want to check these anchors regularly and ensure they are securely holding the garage door in place.
When it comes to your garage door in Visalia, you will want to ensure they are prepared for an earthquake. You can take several steps to ensure safety and prevent damage. If you want to repair your garage door, search for garage door repair near me so you can find the service.