Climate Change & Home Finishings: How Extreme Weather Puts Your Home at Risk

Over the past decade, extreme weather events have escalated in both frequency and severity. Homeowners across the U.S. are experiencing firsthand how hurricanes, wildfires, extreme heat, and winter storms can wreak havoc on their properties.

While much attention is given to storm-proofing roofs and reinforcing siding, garage doors, entry doors, and windows are often overlooked—despite being some of the most vulnerable points in any home.

The reality is that choosing the right doors and windows is no longer just about aesthetics or convenience. It’s about protection, durability, and long-term security in a world where climate-related disasters are becoming the norm.

Weak Garage Doors Can Lead to Catastrophic Damage

Garage doors are the largest moving part of a home and are often the weakest link when high winds hit. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a garage door failure during a hurricane or tornado can create a domino effect, leading to:

• Pressure buildup inside the home, which can blow out windows and even cause the roof to lift off
• Flying debris damage, both to your home and to neighboring properties
• Water intrusion, leading to costly flood damage and mold growth

Homeowners in hurricane-prone regions are now upgrading to wind-rated garage doors that can withstand extreme wind pressure and impact from debris. Reinforced garage doors can be the difference between a home surviving a major storm—or sustaining thousands of dollars in preventable damage.

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Insulation

As wildfires rage across many parts of the country, heat-resistant doors and windows are becoming more important than ever.

Standard garage doors and entry doors made of lightweight materials can become vulnerable to extreme temperatures, causing warping, breakdown of insulation, and even structural failure. Additionally, homes with single-pane windows or outdated doors can let excessive heat penetrate indoors, raising internal temperatures and increasing energy costs.

To combat these risks, homeowners are now investing in:

• Fire-rated garage doors and entry doors, designed to withstand high temperatures
• Insulated garage doors and energy-efficient windows, which help regulate indoor temperatures
• Tempered or laminated glass windows, which offer greater fire resistance and impact durability

By upgrading these features, homeowners can enhance their fire resistance while also improving energy efficiency, keeping cooling costs lower during extreme heat waves.

The Problem with Outdated Doors

Winter weather brings a different set of challenges. Heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and freezing temperatures can impact garage doors and entry doors in several ways:

• Doors can freeze shut, trapping vehicles inside and preventing access
• Power outages disable automatic garage doors, making it difficult for homeowners to leave or enter
• Poor insulation leads to higher heating bills, as cold air seeps in through poorly sealed doors and windows

More homeowners in colder regions are upgrading to well-insulated garage doors, storm doors, and energy-efficient windows to better withstand freezing conditions. Additionally, battery backup systems for garage doors are becoming essential to ensure access during power failures.

A Shift Toward Climate-Resilient Homes

With extreme weather events becoming increasingly common, many homeowners are reassessing their home security and durability measures. The days of choosing doors and windows purely for style are fading—now, homeowners are looking for solutions that offer both aesthetic appeal and superior protection.

Popular Upgrades for Weather-Resilient Homes:

✅ Hurricane-rated garage doors for homes in storm-prone areas
✅ Fire-rated doors and insulated windows for wildfire protection
✅ Smart locks and keyless entry systems to maintain access during power failures
✅ Reinforced glass and impact-resistant materials to prevent breakage from debris
✅ Storm doors and secondary insulation layers to reduce heating and cooling costs

Safety, Savings & Peace of Mind

1. Protect Your Family & Property

A well-secured home isn’t just about convenience—it’s about keeping your family and belongings safe. Stronger doors and windows mean a lower risk of break-ins, storm damage, and other security threats.

2. Save on Energy Costs

Investing in insulated garage doors and energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce heating and cooling expenses. Over time, these upgrades pay for themselves through lower energy bills and improved home comfort.

3. Avoid Costly Repairs

When a garage door fails during a storm, the damage can quickly escalate, leading to roof failure, flooding, and structural collapse. Taking preventive measures now can save thousands in future repair costs.

4. Increase Home Value

Climate-resilient upgrades aren’t just a smart investment for your safety—they also boost your home’s resale value. More buyers are looking for homes that are built to withstand extreme weather, making these upgrades highly desirable.

Extreme weather is here to stay, and protecting your home starts with the right doors and windows. At Keystone Door Solutions, we specialize in high-quality, durable garage doors, entry doors, and windows designed to withstand the toughest conditions.

Whether you need a wind-rated garage door, fire-resistant entry door, or energy-efficient windows, our team can help you choose the best options for your home.

Get in touch today to explore our weather-resistant solutions and future-proof your home.