What are WindCode® Wind-Rated Residential Garage and Commercial Sectional Doors?

WindCode is Clopay’s rating system for garage doors designed to withstand the high wind speeds of a hurricane, tropical storm or other strong-wind weather event. Clopay gives certain commercial and residential garage door models a WindCode ranking (W1-W9) based on building code requirements, structure exposure and roof height. Clopay’s WindCode® garage doors are Storm Ready,™ which means the necessary reinforcement is already built into the structure of the door. In the event of high winds, just lock the door in order to secure it from Mother Nature.

The alternative is a reinforced garage door that requires someone to physically install the appropriate posts, braces and hardware before a storm hits, and then remove them afterward. This takes time and planning, and if a single piece of hardware is missing, the door won’t be as structurally sound as one in which the reinforcement is contained within the door.

Residential WindCode Resources

How to Choose a Reinforced Garage Door

With our specially designed WindCode® garage doors and an easy-to-follow product selection guide, you can confidently choose the right level of protection for your area. Just look for the "W" rating—the higher the rating, the stronger the door.

WindCode Ratings for Florida Homeowners

Our ratings are based on the official building code requirements for your geographic area, which consider critical factors like wind speed (MPH), home exposure, and structural type. Florida residents can use this guide to determine your required WindCode® rating.

Drawings for Residential WindCode Garage Doors

While our drawings guide a proper installation, a licensed architect or engineer is responsible for designing the building's supporting structure to resist these wind loads. This responsibility does not fall on the garage door manufacturer or installer.

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Residential WindCode Garage Doors Brochure

Prepare for the storm with confidence. Our informative brochure provides all the essential details you need to make an educated choice, ensuring your home, family, and belongings remain safe from harsh weather.

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How is WindCode Calculated?

In a nutshell, geography and building type/size (residential or commercial) determine the WindCode rating. To calculate a rating, Clopay considers factors such as: building width and length, wind speed, roof height and angle, size of the garage door opening, local regulatory agency requirements and the surrounding environment (urban, wooded, shoreline, flat open ground, etc.). Clopay’s WindCode® garage doors are made to meet or exceed building code requirements in high-wind areas. Available for both residential and commercial use, WindCode garage door options include a variety of styles, colors and impact-resistant window designs.

To determine the WindCode rating necessary for your home or commercial facility, check out our online calculator. Just enter a few details regarding your building and region to get an idea of what WindCode products are suitable for your area. Due to the complexity of installing WindCode garage doors, meeting codes and pulling permits, we highly recommend professional installation.

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Commercial WindCode Resources

WindCode Commercial Door Overview

For any commercial building, a garage door failure during high winds isn't just an inconvenience—it's a critical business threat. A single breach can unleash destructive winds throughout your facility, jeopardizing inventory, destroying valuable equipment, and causing operational downtime that leads to significant financial losses.

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Drawings for Commercial WindCode Doors

To ensure a secure, code-compliant installation, Clopay provides detailed windload drawings that contain critical specifications on door sections, horizontal reinforcement, hardware, track, and wind pressure ratings. However, a licensed architect or building engineer is responsible for designing the building’s supporting structure to resist these windloads. This responsibility does not lie with the dealer, subcontractor, or manufacturer.

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Commercial WindCode Garage Doors Brochure

Is your business prepared for severe weather? Our comprehensive brochure provides the critical information you need to make an informed decision, protecting your facility, assets, and operations from the costly impact of high-wind events.

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