Impact Doors in Davie, FL

Impact doors close the opening most people forget about. A front door or a pair of French doors is a large panel held shut by a latch and a few hinges, and during a hurricane the wind does not push straight in. It sucks outward on the leeward side and slams inward on the windward side, again and again. A door that pops open even once lets wind pressure into the house, the same outcome as a broken window.

What makes a door impact rated

An impact door is tested as a full assembly: slab, frame, glass, hinges, lock and threshold together. In the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone that means the TAS 201 missile impact followed by cycles of wind pressure in both directions, plus water and air tests. The approval then lists the door sizes, the glass inserts and the hardware that passed. Change the lockset to one not listed, or add a sidelight that was not part of the test, and the assembly may no longer match its approval. That is why we quote doors as complete units rather than slabs.

In-swing or out-swing

Many Florida doors swing outward. An out-swing door is pressed against its stops by the wind instead of being pushed open, which can make it easier to achieve high pressure ratings. In-swing doors are also available with impact approvals and may suit a covered entry or a front step with little landing room. We look at the porch, the step, the overhang and how water drains at the threshold before recommending one or the other.

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Materials and glass

Fiberglass and steel are the common choices. Fiberglass holds up to humidity and does not dent easily; steel is strong and often costs less. Both come with impact-rated decorative glass, clear glass or no glass at all. French doors and doors with sidelights or a transom use laminated glass just like impact windows. Decorative glass can be chosen for privacy without giving up the rating, as long as that insert appears on the approval.

Security and everyday use

Impact doors typically use multi-point locks that engage the frame at the top, middle and bottom, which also makes them harder to force. They are heavier than ordinary doors, so the frame and hinges have to be set plumb and anchored into solid block or framing. If the old door frame sits on rotted wood or a crumbling sill, we show you and price the repair before the new unit goes in.

Call (954) 375-7681 to schedule a free estimate.