| Quick Answer: A standard residential garage door is often the first part of a home to fail in high wind, since it is the largest moving surface on the exterior. Minnesota has seen an active stretch of severe weather this July, with damaging winds and large hail reported across the state. The fastest way to protect your home before the next storm is to check your track hardware, confirm your opener has battery backup, and ask whether a wind rated door makes sense for your property. Sam’s Garage Door and Home Services offers free storm readiness inspections in Minneapolis, Eden Prairie, Saint Louis Park, and Richfield. Call (952) 234-9090 to schedule one. |
Why the Garage Door Is the Weak Point in a Storm
Most homeowners think about their roof or windows when a storm rolls in, but the garage door is usually larger than any single window and is only held in place by a track, a set of rollers, and a handful of hinges. When wind pushes against that much surface area, the door can bow, pop off its track, or blow inward, which then puts pressure on the rest of the house structure. This is especially true for older doors, doors without reinforcing struts, or doors on a garage that faces the prevailing wind direction.
Minnesota’s Storm Season Has Been Active
This July, Minnesota has experienced multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms, including reports of golf ball sized hail, wind gusts between 70 and 80 miles per hour, and at least one tornado on the ground in the northwestern part of the state. Metro area impacts have varied storm to storm, but the pattern is a reminder that summer storm season in Minnesota is not something to plan around loosely. A garage door that has not been inspected in a year or two is a gamble during a season like this one.
What Actually Happens When Wind Hits a Garage Door
A typical residential garage door is rated for a certain wind load, but that rating only holds if the hardware behind it, meaning the track, the rollers, the hinges, and the bracing, is in good condition. Weak lag bolts, a bent track, or missing struts can drop a door’s real world wind resistance well below its rated number. That is why two homes with the same door model can have very different outcomes in the same storm.
Storm Wind Speeds vs Garage Door Wind Ratings
General industry reference ranges. Your door’s actual rating depends on size, material, and hardware.
| Category | Typical wind speed |
| Typical severe thunderstorm gust | 60 mph |
| Damaging straight line winds | 75 mph |
| Derecho level gust | 100 mph |
| Standard garage door, typical rating | up to 90 mph |
| Wind rated garage door, typical rating | up to 150 mph |
Storm Prep Checklist
| Task | Why it matters | How often |
| Inspect track brackets and lag bolts | Loose hardware is the most common cause of a door failing before its rated wind speed | Every spring and after any major storm |
| Test the opener’s battery backup | Power outages are common during summer storms, and a backup lets you open the door safely | Twice a year |
| Check weatherstripping and seals | Worn seals let wind driven rain into the garage and can worsen wind load on the panel | Once a year |
| Clear debris from the tracks | Sticks, gravel, and ice can cause the door to bind or jump the track under stress | Before storm season and after any storm |
| Confirm the manual release cord works | If the opener fails during an outage, this is your backup way in or out | Once a year |
| Ask about a bracing kit for wide doors | Two car doors carry more surface area and benefit most from added reinforcement | One time upgrade |
Should You Upgrade to a Wind Rated Door
If your home in Eden Prairie or Minneapolis sits on an open lot, backs up to a field, or has had storm damage before, a wind rated or reinforced door is worth pricing out. It is also worth considering if your current door is more than 15 years old, since hardware and materials have improved significantly. A technician can measure your opening and give you options at different price points during a free estimate.
After the Storm: What to Inspect
Once a storm passes, walk out and look at the door from the outside and the inside before you run the opener. Look for bowing panels, a track that has pulled away from the wall, or a spring that looks stretched or disconnected. If anything looks off, do not run the opener until it has been checked, since forcing a damaged door can turn a repair into a full replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a garage door blow in during a severe thunderstorm?
Yes. It is one of the more common forms of storm damage to a home, especially on older doors or doors without reinforcing struts.
Does homeowners insurance cover garage door storm damage?
Most standard policies cover wind and hail damage to a garage door, but coverage details vary by policy and provider. Check with your insurance company and keep photos of any damage.
How much does a wind rated garage door cost compared to a standard one?
Wind rated doors typically cost more upfront due to added steel gauge and reinforcement, but the exact difference depends on size, material, and insulation. A free estimate from Sam’s Garage Door and Home Services will give you an accurate comparison for your home.
Is it safe to open my garage door during a tornado warning?
No. Keep the door closed during a tornado warning. Opening it does not equalize pressure the way older advice suggested, and it removes a layer of protection between your family and flying debris.
How often should a garage door be inspected in a storm prone area?
At least once a year, ideally in the spring before storm season ramps up, plus a quick check after any storm with high winds or hail.
| Sam’s Garage Door and Home Services Serving Minneapolis, Saint Louis Park, Eden Prairie, and Richfield Call (952) 234-9090 | samgarageservices.com |