What Size of Bolts Are Used for Hurricane-Proof Garage Doors?

It could result from weather conditions, such as hurricanes. Some products can be used when preparing your garage door, but the correct bolt size matters. Storm-resistant garage doors are designed to withstand the force of hurricane winds or other flying objects. The size and type of bolts used in Hurricane-Proof Garage Doors are vital for their success. So, let us explore the topic in detail to discuss the details and the aspects considered.

Understanding Hurricane-Proof Garage Doors

Hurricane Impact Garage Doors are designed according to a specific area's local building code requirements and to withstand certain wind velocities of between 130 and 200mph. They incorporate strong materials in their construction, sturdy fixtures, and an efficient fixing mechanism to ensure they do not collapse under pressure. The correct bolts are crucial for the door construction to guarantee its sturdiness and avert possible harm.

Why Proper Bolt Sizing Matters?

Substituting small or small diameter bolts can also cause the door not to hold hurricane-force winds and result in the collapse of the structure. Properly sized bolts:

• Distribute the load evenly.
• Increase the strength of the door over its present condition.
• Conform to local hurricane protection codes.

Bolt Specification

Bolt Specification	Details
Diameter	1/4 inch to 3/8 inch
Length	2 to 4 inches
Material	Stainless steel or galvanized steel
Tensile Strength	70,000 psi or higher
Type of Head	Hex or carriage bolts

Bolt Sizes for Hurricane-Proof Garage Doors

The sizes of bolts that must be ordered for hurricane-proofing depend on the door type and the manufacturer. However, the general recommendations include:

Component	Recommended Bolt Size	Material	Additional Notes
Track Anchors	3/8-inch diameter x 2-4-inch length	Stainless Steel	Bolts must penetrate deep into the framing for a secure hold.
Hinges and Brackets	1/4-inch to 5/16-inch diameter bolts with washers and nuts	Galvanized Steel	Use washers for additional stability.
Roller Assembly Bolts	1/4-inch diameter x 1-2 inch length	High-Tensile Steel	Ensure bolts are rust-resistant for long-term durability.
Reinforcement Plates	1/2-inch diameter carriage bolts	Stainless Steel	Plates should be spaced according to manufacturer recommendations.
Bottom Brackets	3/8-inch diameter bolts with self-locking nuts	Heavy-Duty Steel	Secures the bottom of the door to prevent uplift.

Types of Bolts for Hurricane-Proof Garage Doors

The bolts used in hurricane-proof garage doors typically fall into the following categories:

Bolt Type	Size	Purpose
Lag Bolts	3/8 inch by 3-4 inches	Secure brackets to walls or frames.
Carriage Bolts	1/4 inch to 3/8 inch	Attach metal reinforcement to door panels.
Anchor Bolts	1/2 inch by 4-6 inches	Fasten the door track to the concrete floor or wall.
Heavy-Duty Bolts	5/16 inch or larger	Securely hold wind-resistant reinforcements in place.

Lag Bolts

• These are usually used to fasten the reinforcement brackets on wood or concrete walls.
• It is advised to be no smaller than 3/8 inches in diameter and no less than 3 inches in length.

Carriage Bolts

• Carriage bolts are ideal for fastening wind load braces to the door skins.
• The standard size depends on the door type and ranges from 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch in diameter.

Anchor Bolts

• It is a popular type of bolt used when the track or any other part needs to be secured to the concrete floor or masonry wall.
• For proper anchoring, they usually come in round forms about 1/2 inch in diameter and 4-6 inches long.

Heavy-Duty Bolts

• One more feature is thick and powerful bolts, the thickness of which must be no less than 5/16 inches to guarantee the stable holding of additional reinforcements or hurricane bars.

Steps to Hurricane-Proof Your Garage Door

To ensure your garage door is fully hurricane-proof, follow these steps:

Inspect the Current Door

• Ensure your door is wind-rated or hurricane certified.
• Check for loose screws and rusty or worn-out screws and replace them if needed.

Reinforce the Door

Place horizontal steel members or ledgers on the back side of the door panels. Secure them with 5/16-inch to 1/2-inch reinforcement bolts.

Strengthen the Tracks

• Screw the tracks with the help of 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch track bolts onto the brackets.
• Attach extra strong brackets if necessary.

Install Anchor Bolts

Secure the door frame to the closest wall with ½-inches larger anchor bolts. Ensure the bolts properly penetrate the wall to increase the strength of the hold.

Test the System

If you want to hire a contortionist or someone to do such marvelous jobs with the door, please try the door after installation and shaker.

Hurricane-Proof Garage Door Cost

The price of hurricane-proof garage doors also varies with the door size, material, and other extras that may be included. Below is an estimated cost breakdown:

Garage Door Type	Average Cost	Additional Bolt/Hardware Costs	Installation Costs
Single Garage Door	$700 - $1,500	$50 - $150	$200 - $500
Double Garage Door	$1,500 - $3,000	$100 - $300	$300 - $800
Hurricane-Proof Roll-Up Doors	$2,500 - $5,000+	Included in Door Cost	$500 - $1,000

Tips for Choosing the Right Bolts

 

Check Manufacturer Guidelines

Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations, as bolt size and type can vary depending on the door model.

Use Corrosion-Resistant Materials

Stainless or galvanized bolts provide long-lasting materials for the construction of the structure.

Inspect Annually

Bolts should also be inspected for wear or corrosion; if you live in coastal areas, this should be done more often.

Conclusion

The selection of the correct bolts is vital in Hurricane Impact Garage Doors Repair Services. This way, you can improve not only the safety and longevity of your garage but also learn some interesting facts about bolts. So, whether you are thinking about changing your garage door to a hurricane-proof one or retrofitting an existing one, it is essential to use high-quality hardware to make sure that no matter the hurricane season, your door will not pose a threat to your property. Let American Garage Door Repair be your partner in safeguarding your home during hurricane season.