Garage Door Failure
Garage Door Failure
(OP)
Here is a code question that unfortunately hits close to home. I had a garage door fail under a wind storm at my personal residence. It wasn't dramatic, but rather a noticeable bend that makes the door hard to open. After a conversation with the garage door installer, he mentioned that the local building code (IRC 2003) doesn't require a wind rating on garage doors. He basically said I had a 70 mph door in an area with a 90 mph requirement. A 16x8 area of "nonstructural" door is pretty significant in my mind. Has anyone come across structural code requirements for gargage doors in either the IRC or IBC? Would they fall under "compenents and cladding"?






RE: Garage Door Failure
The old code (BOCA/UBC) was 70 mph. The new one says 90 mph. Regardless - when you run the numbers there is not that much difference.
They should replace the door.
RE: Garage Door Failure
RE: Garage Door Failure
Did the door bow? Did it bow outward or inward ?
have you been in touch with the garage door manufacturer to confirm that rating?
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RE: Garage Door Failure
RE: Garage Door Failure
1. When was it built?
2. Check with the local building code official as to what the requirements were when it was built.
3. States have different codes and in some cases allow local officials to supplement the code, as some states do.
If it was built to code and the code was changed to more restrictive (as they are going), you're probably out of luck. Few items except fire are retroactive in codes.
If it wasn't built to code, I imagine you get a new door free.
Good luck,
Dermott
RE: Garage Door Failure
RE: Garage Door Failure
Regarding the failure, the bottom and center horizontals bowed in slightly, and one of the spindles that holds a roller had bent also (from load going towards the building, making door travel "clunky".