The Role of Impact Doors in Hurricane-Proofing Your Home

With coastal areas increasing in population, the need for some effective hurricane-proofing strategies has never been more critical. Of the methods in use, impact doors have proved very instrumental in ensuring that homes remain safe from these disastrous storms. The following is a comprehensive blog post detailing the importance of impact doors, how they work, their benefits, and why it’s a smart investment for any homeowner living in hurricane-prone areas..

Understanding Impact Doors

Impact entry doors are designed to fight strong wind, flying objects, and pressure differences hurricanes bring along with them. They are fabricated from hardy materials, such as laminate glass and strong frames with a stout locking system. Impact doors act as a barrier that helps prevent wind, rain, and other flying material from reaching the interior of the home, significantly reducing damage and improving the structural integrity of the building as a whole.

The major significance that laminated glass plays is as part of impact doors. In detail, unlike regular glass, this type has multiple layers of glass all bonded together with an interlayer, usually clear and tough, arriving at polyvinyl butyral (PVB). When broken, the glass fragments are held intact by this interlayer, reducing the chances of injury from the flying glass to a very low extent. It is the strength of these reinforced frames, usually fabricated with aluminum, steel, or fiberglass, together with an appropriate locking mechanism, that holds the doors against the impact of debris and the force of winds in hurricanes, thereby preventing any kind of breach that might compromise the safety of the home.

Photo by Supersmario via iStock

How Impact Doors Work

Impact doors function by combining several layers of protection:

1. Laminated Glass: The core material for impact doors is laminated glass, consisting of two or more layers of glass bonded together by a strong, clear interlayer. This interlayer holds the glass in position, even if it is shattered, which will prevent dangerous, flying shards of glass.
2. Reinforced Frames: The frames of impact doors are made from materials like aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. These materials are chosen for their strength and resistance to corrosion. Reinforced frames ensure that the door remains securely in place, even under extreme pressure.
3. Robust Locking Mechanisms:The doors have been fitted with heavy-duty locks and hinges made of the most premium quality on the market in order to resist real force. Such systems further protect the doors from opening by the blow of strong winds or being forced by flying objects.
4. Pressure-Balancing Design:The doors have been fitted with heavy-duty locks and hinges made of the most premium quality on the market in order to resist real force. Such systems further protect the doors from opening by the blow of strong winds or being forced by flying objects.

Laminated glass is important in impact doors since it holds broken glass and prevents entry of debris. This also prevents injuries from reaching the occupants. The reinforced frames help keep up the door’s strength to impacts from high wind and flying debris. Heavy locking mechanisms ensure that the doors are tightly closed. Pressure-balancing design avoids pressure buildup inside your house, thus reducing blown-out windows and doors.

Benefits of Impact Doors

1. Enhanced Safety: A major advantage of impact doors is the added safety factor they provide by preventing the entrance of flying debris and withstand high winds. This reduces most injuries to the members of the house during a hurricane.
2. Property Protection: The impact doors prevent the inner parts of the house from intrusion, water, wind, and flying debris. This could save a house owner thousands of dollars in repairs and preserve personal valuables.
3. Improved Home Security:Impact doors improve the security of your home apart from protection against hurricanes. Since they are strongly built, forcing an entrance into your home would be difficult for any intruder.
4. Energy Efficiency: Impact doors are designed to be energy efficient because of the insulated frame and glass that help in regulating the indoor temperature so as to prevent extreme temperatures, hence diminishing the use of heating and cooling devices. This, therefore, cuts down on energy bills and carbon footprint.
5. Increased Property Value: Impact doors make any house more saleable to buyers because of increased safety and security they offer. It might increase the value of property in a home, making it a better investment.

Impact doors keep one safe from flying debris and maintain their structural integrity for water protection, increased house security, and higher energy efficiency, hence making an impact door a good investment that increases property value.

Why Invest in Impact Doors?

For those who live in places that are most vulnerable to hurricanes, impact doors could be among the most significant investments they would like to have towards property protection and loved ones. Impact doors will prove to be well worth your investment for the following reasons:

1. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have installed the best protection for your house against hurricanes gives you peace of mind. On that note, be assured of your home and family’s safety during storm seasons.
2. Insurance Benefits: Most insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes that have impact doors installed. The discount could be applied at the front end thereby reducing the actual installation cost.
3. Durability and Longevity: Impact doors are durable. Quality construction will ensure they can withstand many hurricane seasons before their replacement is necessary. Thus, they are more cost-effective over the long term.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Impact doors come in different styles and finishes to enhance modern architectural designs of a house. You need not sacrifice aesthetics for safety.
5. Compliance with Building Codes: In practically all areas that are prone to hurricanes, building codes require appropriate impact windows and doors. By installing impact doors, you ensure compliance with such building codes and avoid possible fines or penalties.

Photo by Photo shooting  via iStock 

Impact doors offer peace of mind with regards to hurricane season, protecting your home and keeping high insurance premiums at bay. They are strong, elegant, and in most instances, easier to maintain than regular doors. Moreover, they help to serve building codes to provide absolute safety and compliance.

What to Expect While Installing Impact Doors

Impact doors are critical, and you will require a good contractor with experience in hurricane-proofing. Here is how the installation process looks like:

1. Assessment and Measurement: The first step in impact door installation is the analysis of your house’s needs. It involves a professional measuring the openings of your doors and providing the best recommendations according to your needs for impact doors.
2. Customization: Impact doors are designed according to the style and size of your house. You may pick the material, color, and finish to your liking.
3. Professional Installation: This is necessary to ensure that impact doors serve the desired purpose. Experienced contractors will ensure the fitting of the doors is perfect and the frames and locking mechanisms of the doors are installed perfectly.
4. Inspection and Testing: The installed doors will be inspected and tested to ensure impact resistance and pressure balance are up to standard.
5. Maintenance Tips: Your contractor will give you useful tips on how to maintain your impact doors. Ensure proper maintenance, which includes lubricating the hinges and checking seals, is performed periodically to enhance your impact doors by lengthening their life and improving their performance.

Photo by piovesempre via iStock 

In the assessment and measurement phase, a professional looks over your home to determine the most vulnerable points of your home and what type of impact doors would work for those places. This customization assures that you get the most protection possible according to your individual needs. By allowing you an Impact Door that is going to provide protection, it also enables you to choose doors that will perfectly match the design of your home.

FAQs

1. Are impact doors only necessary for homes in hurricane-prone areas?
   • While impact doors are crucial for homes in hurricane-prone regions, they can also benefit homes in areas prone to severe storms, high winds, or even for enhancing general home security. Their robust construction makes them a valuable addition to any home that faces extreme weather conditions. For example, regions that experience frequent thunderstorms, tornadoes, or even areas with high crime rates can benefit from the added security that impact doors provide. Their ability to withstand significant force makes them an excellent choice for a variety of environments.

2. How do impact doors compare to traditional doors in terms of cost?
   • Impact doors are typically more expensive than traditional doors due to their specialized construction and materials. However, the long-term benefits, such as increased safety, reduced repair costs, lower insurance premiums, and enhanced home security, can offset the initial cost, making them a worthwhile investment. Additionally, many homeowners find that the peace of mind and protection provided by impact doors are well worth the initial expense. Over time, the durability of impact doors means fewer replacements and repairs, leading to cost savings in the long run.

3. Can impact doors be installed in existing homes, or are they only for new constructions?
   • Impact doors can be installed in both new constructions and existing homes. Retrofitting an existing home with impact doors can significantly enhance its safety and value, providing peace of mind and protection against severe weather events. The installation process may require some modifications to the existing door frames, but professional contractors are skilled at making these adjustments seamlessly. This means that homeowners do not need to undertake major renovations to benefit from the added protection of impact doors.

4. Do impact doors require special maintenance?
   • Impact doors require minimal maintenance. Regularly check for any signs of wear and tear on the frames, locks, and hinges. Lubricate the hinges periodically to ensure smooth operation, and clean the glass with non-abrasive cleaners to maintain clarity and appearance. It’s also important to inspect the seals around the door to ensure they remain intact and effective. Following these simple maintenance steps can help prolong the life of your impact doors and ensure they continue to provide optimal protection.

5. How do impact doors enhance home security beyond hurricane protection?
   • Impact doors are designed to withstand significant force, making them highly resistant to break-ins and burglaries. Their robust construction, including reinforced frames and high-quality locking mechanisms, makes it extremely difficult for intruders to force their way into your home. This added layer of security can be particularly beneficial in areas with higher crime rates. By installing impact doors, homeowners can enhance their overall security, protecting not only against natural disasters but also against potential threats from intruders.