Your Guide to Windstorm Resistant & Hurricane-Rated Doors
Living in hurricane-prone regions requires highly engineered and reliable exterior doors that can withstand the forces of nature. Depending on where in the U.S. you are, there are various factors to consider before making that final purchase. Simply seeking out a hurricane door may seem straightforward, but that term can sometimes be misleading.
Regarding windstorm resistance, there are three critical factors to consider. We’ll examine impact resistance against windborne debris, air pressure changes, and water infiltration. Selecting building products that have undergone rigorous testing is crucial to ensure peace of mind.
Our Impact-Rated doors are prime considerations in areas where hurricanes and windstorms are part of the regular forecast. That includes schools, sports complexes, public buildings, and much more.
We have subjected our doors to the most stringent standards, including the Florida Building Code (FBC) designation for high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ) and the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) requirements for hurricane-rated products. Florida and Texas help set the standard for peace of mind in other areas affected by hurricanes.
Impact Resistance
One of the primary concerns during a hurricane is the potential damage caused by windborne debris. Our commercial doors have been specifically tested to evaluate their ability to withstand impacts from flying objects. By incorporating high-quality materials and innovative construction techniques, we have engineered our doors to provide exceptional impact resistance, ensuring your property’s and loved ones’ safety.
Air Pressure Changes
During severe weather events, such as hurricanes, rapid air pressure changes can exert tremendous force on your doors. Special-Lite doors have undergone rigorous testing to evaluate their performance in maintaining structural integrity under extreme air pressure conditions. Failures occur when the building envelope is breached. That can result from a broken window, skylight, entry, or garage door. Internal pressurization builds up, and the end results in the entire system’s failure. With our Impact-Rated Doors, you can be confident that they will withstand the powerful forces generated by hurricanes. They minimize the risk of structural damage and air infiltration.
Water Infiltration
In addition to impact resistance and air pressure changes, water infiltration is another crucial consideration. Special-Lite Doors and Frames® are designed to provide superior water resistance, preventing water from entering your property and safeguarding against potential water damage.
Comprehensive Testing and Compliance
At Special-Lite, we understand the importance of specific testing for different door configurations. Therefore, we have rigorously tested nearly every model of our doors to ensure compliance with the FBC for high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ) and the TDI requirements for hurricane-rated products. Our comprehensive testing covers various door sizes, hardware options, and glazing configurations. That allows us to offer a wide range of windstorm-resistant and hurricane-rated doors.
Available Door Models and Testing Variations
We offer a diverse range of Impact-Rated (windstorm-resistant and hurricane-rated) Doors to suit your needs. Our product lineup includes:
Hybrid FRP Doors: Combining the strength of aluminum with the durability of fiberglass-reinforced polyester (FRP), these doors offer outstanding performance and aesthetics.
Aluminum Doors: Crafted from lightweight yet robust aluminum, our aluminum doors provide excellent strength and durability, making them ideal for windstorm-prone regions.
Fiberglass Doors: Engineered with high-quality fiberglass, our commercial fiberglass doors offer exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to harsh weather conditions.
To ensure our doors meet the highest standards, we have conducted extensive testing to ensure our doors can withstand the varying demands of different applications and installation requirements. Another benefit of this level of testing is that those who choose Special-Lite Doors and Frames have more options. We offer various commercial door and configuration options to suit your needs. You even have options depending on what your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) requires.
Where to Go for More
Our product pages provide detailed information about each door model, including their specific testing certifications, features, and benefits. With this valuable information at your fingertips, you can make an informed decision and select the perfect door to protect your property during hurricanes and windstorms.
Investing in windstorm-resistant and hurricane-rated doors is vital for businesses in hurricane-prone regions. We have subjected our doors to rigorous testing at Special-Lite, ensuring they meet the highest impact resistance standards, air pressure changes, and water infiltration. Our diverse range of door models, including FRP hybrid doors, aluminum doors, and fiberglass doors, are built for a variety of preferences and requirements.
Explore our Products pages to find the perfect solution for you. Or better yet, let us help connect you with your Local Rep., who can help you choose the best solution for your location and answer any questions you have. In the meantime, you can also download our Hurricane-Rated Doors Sales Sheet.