Protecting your Home Against Severe Winds: Reinforce Doors, Windows and the Yard

Reinforce entry doors.

Entry doors serve as a home’s first line of defence against strong gusts and flying debris. Proper reinforcement ensures they can withstand pressure buildup during windstorms, helping protect the home’s structure and the people inside. The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) recommends the following steps to enhance door strength:

• Upgrade to pressure and impact-rated doors or install protective shutters designed to withstand severe winds.

• Reinforce double-entry doors by adding a heavy-duty deadbolt, slide bolts at the top and bottom of the door, and longer hinge attachment screws to enhance stability.

Protect windows and sliding glass doors.

Windows and glass doors are particularly vulnerable to wind pressure and airborne debris, but homeowners can take proactive measures to reduce risks:

• Install storm shutters to shield windows and glass doors from windborne debris. Pre-made shutters are widely available, or homeowners can craft their own using 15.5mm (5/8”) marine plywood cut to fit each window.

• Consider impact-resistant windows and doors, which are specifically designed to endure extreme conditions.

• Seal any gaps or cracks around window frames to prevent wind-driven rain from entering and causing water damage.

Fortify garage doors.

An attached garage can become a major weak point during a windstorm, since garage doors have large, flat surfaces that wind can easily push against. When properly reinforced, these doors can prevent wind from entering the home and causing property damage. Here’s what the ICLR recommends: 

• Install a wind-rated garage door that meets pressure and impact standards for the home’s specific location.

• Add aftermarket vertical braces, available at home improvement stores, to provide extra support.

• Use manufacturer reinforcement kits to strengthen the door and its track, ensuring it remains secure in high winds.

• Install horizontal bracing in each panel to enhance durability.

• Upgrade supports and hinges with stronger materials to ensure all components are wind-resistant.

Learn about how to strengthen your roof against severe winds here. 

Secure outdoor objects.

Loose outdoor items can pose risks if picked up by strong winds, but taking simple precautions can help protect the home from airborne objects:

• Trim trees and shrubs regularly, removing dead or weak branches to reduce the risk of windborne debris.

• Secure outdoor furniture, garbage cans, grills, and storage sheds, using anchors for heavier items if necessary.

• Store patio umbrellas when not in use.

• Park vehicles in a garage or other enclosed area for added protection.

• Moor boats securely, using straps where possible to keep them in place during storms.

• Cover pool filters and pumps to shield them from debris and prevent potential damage.

Proactivity pays off with long-term protection.

By securing entry doors, windows, garage doors and outdoor objects, homeowners are taking smart steps in creating a resilient home, allowing them to focus on what matters most, keeping their families safe and secure.

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This advice is intended to provide general information only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice, or to be relied on in any dispute, claim, action, demand or proceeding. CAA Insurance Company or ICLR do not accept liability for any damage or injury resulting from reliance on this information.