Stronger garage doors would not really changed anything in the Hugo storm either. But from what I have seen in other local storms through the years the garage door is the first to go and the garage will collapse and the rest of the house would be fine. In most cases they are double garage doors. Perhaps we just need to go back to single car doorways so there is less door and more structure?
It’s true that nothing can withstand a direct hit from the vortex of a violent tornado. However, surrounding the vortex is a much-larger area that is subjected to high winds. These non-vortex areas can indeed be spared catastrophic damage by the use of stronger garage doors.
Since tornadoes strike and affect a comparatively small area, the public won’t pay the additional money to buy a “super garage door” in the unlikely event they are hit with a tornado. Just like the public won’t pay the minimal amount of “hurricane straps” to secure their roofs. It’s a nice thought, but the risk isn’t extensive or significant enough to promote the change. After all, that’s why people buy insurance…….so they don’t have to prevent damage.
I don’t think stronger garage doors would have made much difference in Parkersburg IA.
Stronger garage doors would not really changed anything in the Hugo storm either. But from what I have seen in other local storms through the years the garage door is the first to go and the garage will collapse and the rest of the house would be fine. In most cases they are double garage doors. Perhaps we just need to go back to single car doorways so there is less door and more structure?
Several extensive studies have proven the connection between stronger garage doors and minimizing damage from strong winds. For example, see http://www.doorandaccesssystems.com/articles/feature/feature182.asp
It’s true that nothing can withstand a direct hit from the vortex of a violent tornado. However, surrounding the vortex is a much-larger area that is subjected to high winds. These non-vortex areas can indeed be spared catastrophic damage by the use of stronger garage doors.
Since tornadoes strike and affect a comparatively small area, the public won’t pay the additional money to buy a “super garage door” in the unlikely event they are hit with a tornado. Just like the public won’t pay the minimal amount of “hurricane straps” to secure their roofs. It’s a nice thought, but the risk isn’t extensive or significant enough to promote the change. After all, that’s why people buy insurance…….so they don’t have to prevent damage.