Hurricane Doors
Hurricane Doors go hand in hand with impact rated windows. They typically cost you more than other forms of protection for your door areas, however, they are permanent fixtures and do not require labor intensive installation before a storm. There are quite a few manufacturers now offering a variety of hurricane doors with different features and designs. When shopping for hurricane doors we suggest researching each design and its impact tests, engineering, and specifications. Research options such as transom windows or sidelights as they can often reduce the integrity of the doors storm protection performance.
The design of hurricane doors is usually very similar to that of the doors used on bank vaults. They typically have a 3-point locking system and are manufactured with either steel, fiberglass, or wood. Most door manufacturers also have a variety of designs to choose from such as entry doors, french doors, and sliding glass doors. Depending on your budget, you can go as far as to getting a custom impact rated hurricane door built that matches the existing cosmetics of your home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing your Hurricane Doors
- Material - Usually steel, fiberglass, or wood.
- Locking mechanism - 3 Point, Hook, etc...
- Type of glass used on sidelights and transom.
- Building code approval and impact testing.