Affectionately known as “The Golden State,” California is synonymous with celebrity, sunshine, and the place people, young and old, aspire to call home.
Unfortunately, while California might seem like paradise, lifelong residents live in fear of the familiar sound that rips through the silence of an otherwise pleasant day – A smartphone or television wildfire emergency alert.
California’s wildfire season typically occurs from April to October, although the state’s temperate climate leaves the area vulnerable to fires throughout the year.
Preparation, maintenance, and working with a great garage opener and door company are the best ways to protect your family and belongings from the unavoidable ravages of wildfires.
Read on to learn more about what you as a homeowner can do to care for your door and about the most Reliable Garage Door Repair Services in Calabasas, Ben’s Garage Door:
An Ounce of Prevention: Create a Fire Preparedness Plan for Your Garage and Doors
A study by the National Interagency Fire Center found that California leads every other state in the country in the number of yearly wildfires and acres burned.
Preparing your garage entry doors today can help you prevent avoidable damage to your garage door and the contents of your garage in the event of a wildfire.
Start With the Right Garage Door and Garage Door Opener
According to California regulation Chapter 7A, all garage doors are technically classified as exterior doors and must comply with several legal provisions, including:
- Be constructed of ignition-resistant or noncombustible materials
- Possess a 20-minute fire resistance rating
- If made of wood, the wood must have a minimum thickness requirement of 1-3/8 inches for the rails and 1-1/4 for the panels
Doors featuring windows or glass panels must be constructed from fire-rated windows, such as tempered glass.
In addition to being manufactured from a fire-resistant material, proper insulation is critical.
Check this guide out, Why Garage Door Insulation Matters in Los Angeles, to learn more.
Eliminate Flammable Materials from Your Garage
There is a wildfire in the neighborhood, and if you are in a rush during the evacuation, the last thing you want is to worry about the propane tanks in the garage exploding, which can occur when the tank is exposed to pressure or high heat.
In addition to properly storing propane tanks and gasoline canisters, check off the steps on this simple to-do list to help prevent the spread of garage fires:
- Remove any flammable materials, flammable liquids, and other ignition sources from the garage
- Clear away combustible and noncombustible materials from the vents to ensure proper positive airflow – This is especially crucial for garages with gas furnaces and water heaters
- Clean pine needles, dried leaves, and other debris from roof tiles and around the garage door
If you are on the fence about updating your door, read this ROI Analysis for New Garage Doors.
Install A Smoke Alarm and Heat Alarm
Several proactive steps can be taken, but one of the simplest, inexpensive, and often overlooked is to install a smoke and heat alarm in your garage.
Unlike smoke detectors, heat alarms work by responding to the rise in air temperature that occurs during a fire.
Maintain both alarms and remember to change the batteries every six months.
Ben’s Garage Door can recommend great products for your entire garage and provide Professional Garage Door Repair in Sherman Oaks.
Seal Any Gaps Around Roll Up Doors
Improperly adjusted or maintained rollup doors often leave gaps along the door’s top, bottom, and sides.
Hire a garage door professional to level the door and install weatherstripping along these gaps to prevent embers from entering the garage during a fire.
The team at Ben’s Garage Doors can do more than protect your garage doors during the wildfire season.
We also specialize in Preparing Garage Doors for California Earthquakes.
Garage Door Maintenace Tips During the California Wildfire Season – And Beyond
Preparedness is key, but maintenance is equally as important.
Follow these very simple steps to care for your garage and garage doors throughout wildfire season:
- Hire a professional to lubricate any moving parts, including the chains and springs
- Perform regular safety tests
- Create a defensible space by maintaining a clear path for emergency vehicles and emergency responders
Think twice before maintaining or fixing your door on your own.
If you aren’t convinced, check out The Dangers of DIY Garage Door Repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protect my garage from fire?
In addition to installing a fire-rated door and ensuring any gaps around the door are properly sealed, another great option is to install a battery backup on your garage opener.
The backup ensures the door works during power outages and can be a lifesaver if you have an attached garage and the door is your only safe exit.
Can you weatherproof a garage door?
You can absolutely weatherproof your garage door and this important chore helps you stay safe during a wildfire by preventing embers from entering the garage:
- Install door insulation or upgrade to an insulated door
- Install a door sweep
- Seal any gaps with weatherstripping
- Seal other gaps and cracks with foam or caulk
Weatherproofing can also Keep Your Garage Cool During Los Angeles Summers!
How can I make my garage door safer?
Keeping your door safe during wildfire season isn’t tricky, but these simple steps can make a huge difference:
- Monitor any activity around the garage and door with cameras
- Schedule prompt repairs at the very first sign of a problem
- Maintain your smoke and heat alarms
- Clean any flammable liquids from the door immediately
Replacing your door regularly is not only about safety but also about maintaining your garage’s aesthetic appeal.
Want to learn more?
Check out these Top Ten Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door.
