Reinforcing doors

[Dorot29701]

Now that hurricane season is over I would like to see if we can reinforce both the front door and the garage door. The front door is one of those double doors with sliding bolts on one side and a lock on the other. Read in the paper that they didn't holdup well in high winds. Does anyone know if we can do something ourselves (as opposed to hiring someone) to make it stronger. Really don't want to have to buy new doors. Our garage doors are the older kind (house built in 1983) with Genie door opener. Is there a kit of some kind that we can get to add strength to them? Thanks.

[Rich]

Contact your local building code inspector to see if they have any specific codes or guidelines.

I would make sure the 2x's your tracks are mounted to are securely anchored to the jambs with tie rods and not just nailed to the frame.

Install extra jamb brackets to the track using two track bolts bolts per bracket and secure the track to the jamb's 2x with at least 5/16 x 1-3/4 lag screws..

Install extra struts across the hinges to stiffen the sections. Replace your springs because the extra struts are about an additional 1 pound per linear foot.

If in doubt call a reliable local garage company to do it for you.

Rich