Your doors are as important as your windows in a storm, and as vulnerable. Here is how impact doors differ from regular ones.
What is different
- Laminated glass that stays in the frame when struck.
- Reinforced frame and threshold designed for wind pressure.
- Multi-point locking hardware that holds the door to the frame in several places.
- Product approval (Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval) after testing as a complete door assembly.
Why doors matter
If a door fails in a hurricane, wind enters the home. Entry doors, French doors and sliding glass doors are among the largest openings, so protecting them is critical.
Styles available
You can choose solid or glass entry doors, doors with sidelights and transoms, double doors, French doors and sliders. See impact entry doors, French doors and sliding glass doors.
Cost and install
Doors cost more than most windows because of size and hardware. Read what impact sliding doors cost and how to choose an entry door.
The weakest point of a standard door
In a hurricane, many door failures start at the lock side of the door, where the latch holds the door to the frame, or at the hinges and threshold. A standard door and frame may not be designed to carry the wind loads. Impact doors use stronger frames, longer anchors, multi-point locks and reinforced thresholds so the entire assembly shares the load.
Types of impact doors
- Entry doors: solid, half-glass or full-glass, with or without sidelights.
- French doors: two operable leaves for patios and dining rooms.
- Sliding glass doors: large panels in a track; the most common patio door.
- Multi-slide and pocket doors: big openings with panels that stack or disappear.
How to choose
- Decide on style and how much light and privacy you want.
- Check the product approval for your location.
- Consider security features and hardware.
- Set a budget for the whole door including installation and finish.
Installation matters
Doors must be anchored and sealed to the approval details and need the same permit and inspection as windows. See permit basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are impact doors required in Florida?
Exterior doors need protection in most coastal areas, which means impact-rated doors or approved shutters.
Do impact doors look different?
Not much. Frames and glass can be styled to match your home.
Are impact doors more secure?
Yes. Reinforced frames, multi-point locks and laminated glass add resistance to forced entry.
Can I keep my existing door frame?
Usually not. Impact doors are approved as a complete assembly, including the frame and anchoring.
Ready to talk about your project? Get a free written quote (usually within 48 hours) or call 786-343-4729. EZ Glazing Corp is licensed and insured (License #SCC131153391) and handles the permit and inspection.