The Benefits of Hurricane Impact Doors: Strength, Safety, and Peace of Mind

When it comes to protecting buildings from extreme weather conditions, hurricane impact doors are one of the most effective solutions. Designed to withstand high winds, flying debris, and forced entry, these doors are a must-have for properties in storm-prone regions.

Why Hurricane Impact Doors Are Essential for the Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast is one of the most hurricane-prone regions in the United States, experiencing frequent storms that bring intense winds and heavy rainfall. The combination of strong storm surges, high-speed winds, and airborne debris makes hurricane impact doors a crucial investment for commercial buildings in this area. Standard doors may not withstand the force of a hurricane, leading to costly damages and safety hazards.

Hurricane impact doors provide a robust defense against extreme weather, ensuring that businesses remain operational and secure even during the most severe storms. Their ability to withstand high pressures and impact from flying debris can prevent extensive interior damage and reduce downtime after a storm.

The Future of Hurricane Impact Doors in Commercial Glass

As climate change continues to intensify weather patterns, the demand for hurricane-resistant building materials is growing. Future advancements in hurricane impact doors will likely focus on enhanced materials, improved energy efficiency, and integration with smart building systems. Some expected innovations include:

• Stronger laminated glass compositions that offer increased durability without adding excessive weight.

• Advanced weather-sealing technologies to improve energy efficiency and insulation.

• Smart glass options that can adjust transparency and tint based on external weather conditions.

• Modular door systems that provide better integration with existing storefront and curtainwall designs.

By investing in the latest hurricane impact door technologies, businesses can stay ahead of evolving building codes and safety regulations, ensuring long-term protection and efficiency.

What Are Hurricane Impact Doors?

Hurricane impact doors are specially engineered to endure the harsh conditions of hurricanes and tropical storms. They are tested against large missile impacts and air pressure fluctuations, making them essential for commercial properties, office buildings, and retail stores in areas with stringent building codes.

Key Benefits of Hurricane Impact Doors

1. Unmatched Storm Protection

One of the primary reasons to install hurricane impact doors is their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. These doors are designed for Wind Zone 3 and are tested against large missile impacts per ASTM and TAS standards.

• Impact resistance: These doors undergo testing using missile impact simulations (C, D, and E level tests), ensuring they can handle flying debris at high speeds.

• Wind pressure durability: Designed to withstand pressures of up to 70 pounds per square foot (psf) per TAS 202 and ASTM E330, providing a strong barrier against hurricanes and high winds.

  
  

2. Enhanced Safety & Security

Beyond storm protection, hurricane impact doors significantly improve building security. Their forced entry resistance (AAMA 1304 compliant) ensures that they are tough to break through, reducing the risk of theft and vandalism.

Additionally, laminated glass options prevent the glass from shattering upon impact, keeping intruders and projectiles from penetrating the building.

3. High-Performance Glass Options

The strength of hurricane impact doors largely comes from their specialized glass construction. These doors offer multiple glass options, including:

• 9/16” and 11/16” laminated glass

• 1-1/16” and 1-3/16” laminated-insulating glass

  
  

These multi-layered glass panels include interlayers made from SentryGlas or Saflex, materials specifically designed to hold the glass together upon impact, preventing dangerous shards from scattering.

4. Customizable Design & Versatility

Hurricane impact doors don’t just provide protection—they also offer flexibility in design to match different architectural styles and functional needs. Some available customization options include:

• Stile options: Choose between medium stile (4”) and wide stile (5”) for different aesthetics and durability preferences.

• Door configurations: Available as single or double doors, with sizes up to 9 feet tall for larger entryways.

• Midrail options: From 4” to 10”, allowing for added support and a customized look.

• Threshold choices: ADA-accessible thresholds ensure compliance with accessibility standards while maintaining a tight weather seal.

• Multiple hinging options, including mortised butt hinges, offset pivot hinges, and continuous gear hinges, to suit different applications.

  
  

5. Energy Efficiency & Weather Resistance

Hurricane impact doors not only protect against physical damage but also help in reducing energy costs by providing better insulation and climate control.

• Sealed construction minimizes air infiltration, keeping indoor temperatures stable.

• Glazing options such as dry, structural silicone, and VHB tape glazing provide extra insulation and durability.

• Bulb weather seal gaskets help prevent leaks and drafts, meeting building code air infiltration requirements.

6. Seamless Integration with Storefront & Curtainwall Systems

For commercial buildings, integration with storefront and curtainwall systems is crucial for maintaining a cohesive, secure, and visually appealing design.

Hurricane impact doors can be seamlessly paired with storefront and curtainwall systems to ensure a consistent and impact-resistant exterior, protecting the entire building envelope from storm damage.

Why Invest in Hurricane Impact Doors?

For commercial and retail property owners in hurricane-prone areas, hurricane impact doors are a necessary investment. Not only do they offer exceptional protection against storms, but they also provide long-term durability, security, and energy efficiency.

Key Reasons to Choose Hurricane Impact Doors:

✔ Tested for extreme weather conditions – Impact-resistant and rated for Wind Zone 3 ✔ Provides forced entry resistance – Enhances building security ✔ Multiple glass options – Laminated and laminated-insulating glass for added strength and efficiency ✔ Customizable – Various stile, midrail, and glazing options available ✔ ADA-compliant designs – Ensuring accessibility for all building occupants ✔ Seamless system integration – Works with storefront and curtainwall systems

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re building a new property or retrofitting an existing structure, investing in hurricane impact doors is one of the best ways to ensure long-term safety, durability, and compliance with building codes.

With increasing hurricane threats, having the right protection in place is more critical than ever. By investing in high-quality hurricane impact doors, businesses can safeguard their assets, protect their employees, and ensure long-term building resilience.