Living in hurricane-prone South Florida requires homeowners to prepare for the next storm season constantly. One of the most essential mitigation steps involves outfitting your home with hurricane-proof doors.
But besides protecting against high winds and flying debris, impact doors offer other hidden benefits to homeowners. One of them is that they’re better insulators than traditional doors.
Impact-Resistant Glass
Living in Florida and other areas prone to hurricanes means having windows and doors that protect against high winds, flying debris, and heavy rains. When choosing your new home or replacing your current ones, impact doors can provide the ultimate protection to your home and property during a storm.
While standard glass windows break into large shards when something hits them, impact doors and windows have a thick inner layer that resists damage. These doors and windows also help reduce outside noise, making them ideal for homes and businesses near busy streets, airports, or highways.
When selecting the best impact doors and windows, choose those that meet and exceed industry standards. The frame and glass interlayer are the most essential components of a hurricane-resistant door or window. Those who want the sturdiest impact products should consider those made of aluminum rather than vinyl, as aluminum has stronger resistance to direct sunlight and heat.
The Frame
Unlike standard doors, hurricane impact doors are designed for locations prone to storms and high winds. The frame, glass, and hardware used to construct these doors are all engineered with safety in mind. The robust frame helps to withstand high wind pressure and flying debris. The insulated glass offers added security and keep moisture from entering the home.
The robust frame also means that these doors are less likely to break in the event of a burglary. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts for homeowners with impact-compliant windows and doors.
When buying hurricane impact doors, working with a specialty dealer is essential. Big box stores often partner with uncertified specialists to install their products, which may not provide the protection you need in a severe storm. A specialty dealer will have various options and can guarantee their installation. It will give you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
The Glass Interlayer
Hurricane-proof doors are not only safe to use during severe weather, but they can also enhance a home’s curb appeal. They are also an excellent investment that will increase your home’s value. Moreover, they offer other benefits, such as deterring break-ins, noise reduction, and energy efficiency.
The impact-rated laminated glass used in these doors is specially fabricated to withstand severe weather events like high winds and flying debris. It is reinforced with a strong plastic film which holds the glass together even when it breaks. It can also resist water penetration due to rapid pressure changes during severe weather and hurricanes.
Because they provide a tight seal, hurricane-proof doors keep your home better insulated. It reduces your utility bills by limiting the work needed for your system to maintain a consistent temperature. Some home insurance providers also give homeowners discounts on their premiums for choosing impact doors. However, this is only the case for some home insurance companies; you should check with yours to confirm.
The Hardware
As the hurricane threat grows in South Florida, more homeowners are searching for ways to protect their homes. One popular solution is to install impact doors. Purchasing these doors and having them properly installed can be an expensive endeavor.
However, the protection they offer is well worth it. In addition to protecting your home during hurricanes and severe storms, impact-rated doors can help prevent burglary. Burglars often target the front door, and since these doors are more challenging to break into than traditional ones, they are a great deterrent.
In addition, many homeowners find that installing hurricane doors and windows can save money on their home insurance premiums. Insurers know that people who invest in storm-mitigating products are less likely to make claims on their policy.