15/02/2026
⚠️ MANAWATŪ / HOROWHENUA – STORM UPDATE & GARAGE DOOR ADVICE ⚠️
As you will know by now we currently under a Strong Wind Watch through until Monday morning, with south-west winds strengthening across the region.
Forecast conditions indicate:
• Sustained winds around 75–90 km/h
• Gusts potentially reaching 95–115 km/h in exposed and coastal areas
• Heavy rain continuing into Monday afternoon
The strongest period is expected overnight tonight into early Monday, with conditions easing later Monday.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to prepare your garage door.
-HOW TO PREP YOUR GARAGE DOOR
• Ensure the door is fully closed do not leave it partially open
• Remove loose items near the doorway (bins, timber, tools, toys)
• Check bottom seal is sealing
• Check all surrounding screws and bracket fixings are tight (tracks, hinges, opener brackets, wall fixings) all tight
• If the door is rattling excessively, disengage the motor to prevent cog stripping.
Garage door motors are not designed to resist storm wind pressure. In severe gusts, wind loading can overpower the opener system.
If the door is already flexing or bowing, secure it early.
TEMPORARY SECURING OPTIONS
SECTIONAL DOORS (panel lift)
• Disengage motor (pull red cord)
• Clamp vice grips / G-clamps onto both vertical tracks above a roller
• Brace internally with timber if safe top to bottoom or side - side
TILT DOORS
• Engage manual locks
• Brace internally with a solid timber prop
• Do not stand in front during strong gusts
•Keep motor engage (tilt doors have poor bracing compared too sectional panel
ROLLER DOORS
• Ensure fully down and locked
• Disengage motor
• Brace bottom rail internally if possible (put something heavy but non fragile behind door)
Do NOT operate a door that is off-track, twisted, or pulling from guides.
Stay clear of cables and tension springs.
IF YOUR DOOR HAS BEEN DAMAGED
• Do not force it closed
• Do not run the motor
• Secure the opening internally if safe
• Keep people clear of the area- **DO NOT GO WHERE CABLES OR SPRINGS ARE COMPROMISED
Wind creates pressure. If air enters the garage, it can blow doors inward, pull rollers from tracks, snap cables, twist panels and damage motors so try cover or seal any gaps around the opening.
Premium Garage Doors will begin attending urgent cases once conditions are safe to travel and work in.
If your door is damaged:
• Send us your location
• Send a clear photo
• Briefly describe the issue
We’ll prioritise emergency securing and storm-related damage once the worst has passed. We are trusted and regularly engaged by leading insurance companies for storm-related garage door damage and assessments. Tempory securance is mostly covered.
Stay safe everyone.
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