The National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office lists large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes among the storms that can occur in its primary severe weather season, which it says is in full swing in April. Check your door after storms, ask what was installed in a new home, and call a technician for springs and cables.
Storms that matter to a garage door
The National Weather Service office for Austin and San Antonio says April in south central Texas is in the middle of its primary severe weather season. It names frequent lightning, large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding among the storms that can occur.
Its list of past events includes a September 2023 hail storm in Round Rock and North Austin and a May 2024 very large hail and high wind event. Hail can fall outside spring, so look at the door after any storm.
A check after any storm
- Panels: round dents are often cosmetic; creases and bent edges are not.
- Window inserts: cracks or chips can drop glass or plastic.
- Bottom and side seals: tears let water and leaves under the door.
- Track and hinges: look for bends, gaps and a section that sits crooked.
- Movement: with the opener disconnected, a sound door moves smoothly and stays put.
If anything is bent, the door scrapes, or it feels heavy, stop using it. Read hail damage to a garage door in Texas for more.
If you bought a new home
A new home comes with a garage door and opener, and many buyers never look at them closely. A short list of questions helps.
Ask what was installed
Get the door maker, model and opener model, and keep the manuals and any warranty papers.
Have the safety reverse shown
Ask the installer or builder to demonstrate it and show you how to use the release handle.
Look at the door's insulation
DASMA says tested U-factor, where a lower number is better, describes the whole installed door.
Check city and HOA rules
Before you change a door, check your city building department and your HOA documents.
Repair or replace?
A repair may be enough when
- A spring, cable, roller or sensor is the problem
- The panels are straight
- The door is not worn out
A new door makes more sense when
- Several panels are creased or dented
- The model is discontinued
- The door is worn or already repaired often
Our approved range for an insulated steel door, 16x7, installed, is $1,800 to $3,600. The final price is confirmed after we see the door. See new garage doors and spring repair.
Insurance and contractors
The Texas Department of Insurance says to photograph and record all damage, keep damaged items until your insurer says you can discard them, and save receipts for temporary repairs. It advises getting more than one estimate, checking references with the Better Business Bureau and never paying in full up front.
Who to call
Emil Garage Doors repairs garage doors, springs, cables and openers and installs new doors in Texas, including Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and San Marcos. Call or send your details with a few photos and we book the soonest visit.
Questions people ask
Does Austin get hail?
The National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office lists a September 2023 hail storm in Round Rock and North Austin among its past events, and names large hail among the storms of its severe weather season.
What should I check in a new home's garage?
Ask for the door and opener models, keep the manuals, have the safety reverse shown to you and learn where the release handle is.
Should I replace a hail-damaged garage door?
Replace it when several panels are creased or the model is discontinued. One or two damaged sections can often be repaired.
Where do I check HOA rules for a garage door change?
Look at your HOA documents and ask your city building department before you change the door.
More guides
Sources
- National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio: weather notes page (April is mid-season for severe weather, hazards listed)
- National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio: past weather events list (hail events in the San Antonio and Austin area)
- DASMA Technical Data Sheet 196: U-factor on garage doors and the thermal performance verification program
- Texas Department of Insurance: After hail or windstorms (filing a claim, documenting damage, temporary repairs, choosing a contractor)