Hurricane Door Protection Tips

If you live along the Florida coast, you know too well the dangers that hurricanes present. While roof reinforcements and window protection are often the first consideration for homeowners, the front door is another critical point of vulnerability that you must address. If left unprotected, hurricane-force winds and flying debris can severely damage your front door, leading to costly repairs and potential safety risks.

In this blog post, we’ll outline the steps you can take to protect your front door from hurricane damage so you can have peace of mind when the next storm rolls in.

Install a Hurricane Resistant Door

One of the best ways to protect your home is to upgrade to a hurricane-resistant door with hurricane-resistant glass. These doors and glass panels are designed to withstand high winds, impact, and storm pressure. Typically, hurricane-rated doors are constructed from materials like fiberglass, steel, or solid wood.

When shopping for hurricane-resistant doors, look for certifications from reputable agencies like the Florida Building Code to ensure the door meets high standards for wind and impact resistance. The cost of replacing your front door may seem high, but the investment is worthwhile when you consider the potential damage and costs from a storm.

Reinforce Door Frame and Hinges

Even a solid front door will not withstand a hurricane if the frame and hinges are weak. Reinforcing these areas can greatly improve your door’s resistance to the extreme pressures and forces exerted by hurricane winds.

Start by upgrading to heavy-duty, three-inch-long screws for the hinges and the strike plates in the doorframe. These longer screws anchor the door more securely into the wall framing, making it less likely to blow off under stress. You should also check for weak spots including rot or other damage around the frame.

Install Impact Resistant Glass Panels

If your front door has older glass panes, these can be a weak point during a hurricane. Standard glass can shatter from flying debris or strong gusts of wind, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Impact-resistant glass is a great solution that can prevent breakage while still allowing for natural light to filter into your entryway.

Impact-resistant glass is laminated with a protective layer that holds the glass together when shattered, preventing large shards from flying into your home. Many hurricane-rated doors come with this built-in feature, but if not, you can often retrofit your current door with this type of glass.

Add Storm Shutters for Extra Protection

Like protecting your windows with storm shutters, you can shield your front door with a door shield too. Storm shutters are typically made from steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate and designed to withstand flying debris and heavy winds. They can either be installed permanently or used as removable shutters that you store until needed.

There are several types of storm shutters to consider, including roll-down, accordion, and panel shutters. Each option has pros and cons depending on your aesthetics, budget, and protection level.

Seal Gaps Around the Door

One often overlooked aspect of hurricane prep is sealing gaps around the front door. Strong winds and rain can easily infiltrate small gaps around the frame, causing water damage and potentially compromising the integrity of your door.

Use weatherstripping to seal around the door’s edges and consider adding a door sweep at the bottom to prevent water from seeping underneath. This also helps keep your home insulated, preventing cold air from entering during a storm.

Maintain and Regularly Inspect the Door

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your front door in good shape for hurricane season. Before storm season begins, inspect the door for signs of wear and tear. Check for cracks in the door or frame, loose hinges, or gaps where air and water could penetrate. Address these issues early to prevent further damage when a storm hits.

The Glass Door Store is your trusted local source for hurricane-resistant front doors. We proudly serve Lakeland and Tampa and offer an array of glass inserts and door hardware from major manufacturers, including standard-tempered and hurricane-impact glass options.

Call us today or visit our showroom.