Designed for people living in hurricane-prone areas, impact doors are often required by building codes. They defend against flying debris and might aid in keeping your house and family safe from intruders.
These durable front doors are built with reinforced door skins and a specialized core. They also undergo rigorous testing, including small-missile debris and cycle tests.
Wind Load Ratings
Whether you live in a Wind-Borne Debris (WBD) or High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) area, an impact-rated door is a requirement for your home. Instead of conventional doors, these storm-proof materials may keep your house insulated and weatherproof.
This is due to their tight seals that keep out hot air during the summer and cold air during the winter. In turn, homeowners see lower energy bills and the bonus of keeping their homes at a more even temperature.
They also help to deter break-ins because they make entering a home more difficult for burglars. This creates an impact-rated door, a valuable investment that adds security and value to a property. In addition, when this kind of equipment is installed, many insurance providers provide a homeowner’s insurance discount.
Security Ratings
Most burglaries happen through doors and windows, so impact doors are an effective deterrent against unwanted intruders. They also resist the penetration of objects such as tree branches and debris that high winds or severe storms could toss.
Because of the insulating materials, impact doors are energy efficient and help reduce your home’s cooling costs. The double layers prevent hot air from escaping during the summer and cold air from seeping into your home in the winter.
They also keep harmful UV rays from entering your home, which protects occupants and prevents furniture, floors, and other interior items from fading over time. These energy savings can even offset the cost of your impact doors. Additionally, they effectively reduce external noise, which is especially important for homes in busy areas. The thick glass and sturdy construction help to create a barrier that cuts out exterior noise, providing you with a relaxing space at home.
Materials
The thick glass in impact doors and the sturdy frames are designed to withstand the force of flying debris during a hurricane. They are a far better option than storm screens that require sanding and resealing to stay effective.
They also deter intruders and offer a great deal of home security. They can be fitted with various features, including high-security locks and reinforced frames.
Aluminum is a popular material for impact doors. It’s flexible enough to be molded into different shapes and more affordable than other options. Plus, it has a natural shine that can be enhanced by powder coating or anodizing.
Aside from protecting you and your family against severe weather, impact doors can add beauty to your home. You can choose from various styles to complement your home’s design. For instance, French impact doors with large glass panes can be a lovely addition to any home style. And bifold impact doors are an excellent choice for maximizing your living space and letting in more light.
Styles
Impact doors are ideal for homeowners who want to boost curb appeal without compromising safety and security. Whether it’s a single fiberglass front door or two that swing out, these durable doors offer energy efficiency, security, natural light, and many customization options.
Unlike standard doors, impact-resistant windows and doors resist damage from powerful winds, pounding rain, high-velocity debris, and more. And thanks to the specialized laminated glass and sturdy frames, they’re also a formidable deterrent against burglars and break-in attempts.
In addition, impact-resistant doors are better insulators than standard ones. They keep the heat out in summer and in winter, reducing HVAC usage and helping you save on your energy costs. This translates to a quick return on your investment. If you want to sell your home in the future, this is a fantastic feature to attract potential purchasers.
