Spring in Arkansas is full of pleasant, mild days as the weather grows more humid and greenery blossoms into summer. However, not every day is so predictable. During spring, a variety of weather conditions can cause storms to form, including clashes of warm air from the south and cool air from the north.
These weather events can cause blown-in garage doors, track damage, and broken windows and panels, leaving your garage vulnerable to the elements. Knowing what to do after storm damage is the best way to get back on track.
Assessing Storm Damage to Your Garage Door
It’s helpful to get an idea of the extent of the storm damage to your garage door before calling in a professional. The more information you can give us, the quicker we can assist.
Common Types of Storm Damage in Arkansas
Homes and businesses in Arkansas commonly experience storm damage, including damage to roofs, siding and garage doors. High winds carrying debris and hail can cause damage ranging from dents and broken glass to destroyed panels and doors.
Arkansas is no stranger to flood damage, either. Rivers bursting their banks or flash flooding in lowland areas will cause damage and electrical issues if the water enters your garage. While not as common, tornadoes can also occur, picking up large pieces of debris like trees and signs that can cause immense damage.
Safety Precautions to Take Before Inspection
Before checking the harm to your garage door and exterior, you must take the proper safety precautions. If there’s any flooding or water infiltration, turn off your power. Wear eye protection, gloves and sturdy shoes, and always check for structural hazards such as sagging ceilings or crumbling walls.
While you can do a preliminary inspection from the outside if necessary, calling a professional when you have any kind of storm damage is the best thing to do. If you’re in any way unsure about the safety of the building or the operation of the garage door, contact a professional immediately.
Immediate Steps to Take After Garage Door Storm Damage
Once you know the storm is over and it’s safe to emerge, you can take the following steps.
Secure Your Property
Storm-related damage to your residential or commercial property often compromises your security. Deploying a temporary security solution to block access until the repair team arrives is crucial for preventing further damage and ensuring your property’s safety.
For residential properties, plywood boarding offers a barrier that’s resistant to weather and guards against intruders. If you don’t have plywood handy, a heavy-duty tarp secured with nails and screws across the opening will offer some weather protection and privacy.
If you own a commercial property with valuable equipment and products, you’ll need more heavy-duty protection. If you can, use portable metal fencing panels with chains and cables locking them into place on what remains of the door or tracks. Setting up security cameras and motion lights will also act as a deterrent and allow you to monitor the area.
Document the Damage for Insurance
The better you can document the damage, the easier it will be for insurance to process your claim. You’ll want to give an overview and a detailed look at the destruction. To do this, use your best camera and take close-up shots of all the broken parts. Depending on the type of camera you use, you may need to make sure the settings have date and time stamps enabled.
Once you’ve documented individual damage, take wide shots that show the entire garage door and its surroundings from multiple angles to provide context. If it’s safe to do so, you can also photograph evidence of the storm, like downed trees and debris, to connect cause and effect. Take your pictures before any clean up attempts and ensure you document the serial numbers and models of all the damaged equipment.
Emergency Garage Door Repair Services in Northwest Arkansas
It’s important to know the immediate steps to take after storm damage. However, you also need a reliable repair company that you know will be there for you in your time of need. At Integrity Overhead Door, we’re proud to offer the residents of Fayetteville garage door repair. We also serve Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Bella Vista, Cave Springs and the surrounding communities.
Why Choose Integrity Overhead Door?
Our technicians have experience with all major brands and styles of garage doors. As a LiftMaster® and Clopay® dealer, we’ve worked hard over the years to gain our reputation amongst our customers in Northwest Arkansas. Backed by numerous badges and awards from Home Advisor and Expertise.com, our team will leave you feeling secure and ensure your satisfaction through a detailed post-repair inspection.
24/7 Garage Door Repairs
As residents of Northwest Arkansas, we know how quickly weather conditions can change. Local homes and businesses need a 24/7 garage door repair team to depend on during emergencies. When you call us for urgent service, you can expect a quick response and comprehensive repairs from locals familiar with the area.
Residential vs. Commercial Garage Door Repair Needs
There are some key differences between the repair needs of commercial versus residential garage doors.
Special Considerations for Property Managers and Business Owners
Any commercial space that has a compromised garage door needs tight security on location until the door is fixed. It’s also important to complete repairs as efficiently as possible to reduce business downtime, while also meeting strict commercial safety codes and regulations.
Tailored Solutions for Arkansas Homeowners
We are proud to provide the communities we serve with fast, reliable and local service they can trust. Residential repairs are often less complex than commercial ones. While any damage carries a security risk, homes aren’t as big of a target as a business with valuable inventory behind its doors. However, we will still maintain the same efficiency and urgency in fixing your residential garage door.
Contact Us for Garage Door Repair in Northwest Arkansas
At Integrity Overhead Door, we want to help you Build Better Days. We’ll be there when you need emergency garage door repairs at your home or business. Our experienced technicians are ready to provide exceptional service and quality products when it matters most.
Contact us today for emergency repairs, preventive maintenance and replacements.
