I've done quite a few service calls for a local garage door company. Many of the newer operators do have solid state control cards & are susceptible to lightning/surges.
The surge protector for the computer is an expendable item, it did it's job & then some.
What is really needed in areas prone to electrical storms is a lightning arrestor at the service & surge supressors at the point of use. They work hand in hand, using only one type is inviting disaster. The supressors aren't able to stop a lightning strike on their own & the lightning arrestor will have a "let through" voltage that could damage electronics.
Surprisingly, most "surges" are generated within the structure, they do not come from the outsife world.
If you're interested, the following site has more info
http://industryclick.com/magazine.asp?magazineid=286&siteid=13
