When hurricane season rolls around, everyone worries about wind speeds, storm surges, and flying debris. Naturally, protecting your South Florida, home from the weather is a top priority. But impact-resistant doors for homes are also excellent at stopping home intruders. East Coast Windows & Doors recognizes how impact doors and home security go hand-in-hand. Learn why these doors are such smart investments for your family’s safety below.
What Are Impact Doors?
Impact doors are built with heavy-duty materials designed to withstand massive forces. The secret ingredients are the glass – if the door has a window – and its reinforced frame. Impact glass comprises two sheets of glass pressed together with a strong plastic layer in between. This is often called a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer. If something hits the glass hard, the glass might crack, but it won’t shatter into a million pieces on the floor. The plastic layer holds the broken pieces together in the frame. This design is what makes storm protection impact doors effective against hurricanes and criminals alike.
Types of Impact Doors
Some people worry that installing a “security door” will make their house look like a bank vault or a prison, but that’s not the case. Modern impact doors are beautiful and come in many styles to match the look of your home. Among the common types we install are:
Sliding Glass Doors
These are popular in South Florida for leading out to patios or pools. Old-fashioned sliding doors are often the weakest point in a house because they can be lifted off their tracks or easily smashed. However, impact sliding doors have reinforced tracks to prevent lifting and shatter-resistant glass that’s incredibly difficult to break.
French Doors
French doors add a touch of elegance to any home. In the past, they were seen as a security risk because of the large glass panes and the weak point where the two doors meet in the middle. Today, impact French doors are built with multi-point locking systems and strong hinges that make them just as secure as a solid wall.
Entry Doors
Your front door is the face of your home. You can choose from fiberglass, wood, or steel impact entry doors. These can include decorative glass inserts that let light in while keeping intruders out.
The Impact Door Installation Process
A door is only as strong as its frame and the screws holding it in place, making professional installation critical. East Coast Windows & Doors follows a strict installation process to ensure your hurricane impact doors’ benefits are fully realized.
- Measurement – We’ll measure your door opening down to a fraction of an inch. A tight fit is essential for strength.
- Removal – Our team will carefully remove your old door and frame, inspecting the surrounding wall for any signs of rot or damage.
- Preparation – We prepare the opening to ensure it’s level and square. If a door is crooked, the locks won’t engage properly, weakening security.
- Installation – We install the new impact door using heavy-duty, long screws that go deep into the structural studs of your home. This anchors the door firmly.
- Sealing – We’ll apply high-quality sealant around the edges to prevent water leaks and air drafts.
Comprehensive Benefits of Impact Doors
While storm protection is the primary reason people buy these products, the daily benefits are what they ultimately love the most. Here are the top security features of impact doors and other perks:
Forced Entry Prevention
This is the biggest security advantage. Most burglars are looking for an easy target. They want to kick in a door or smash a window, grab valuables, and leave quickly. Impact doors make this nearly impossible.
- Kick-Proof – The reinforced frames and heavy-duty hinges make it extremely difficult to kick the door down.
- Smash-Proof – Impact glass won’t give way even if a burglar tries to smash it with a crowbar or a brick. Instead, it will create a loud noise and require extra time and effort to penetrate the plastic interlayer. The sounds and lost time will likely force any burglar to give up and move on to an easier house.
Noise Reduction
The same thick glass and tight seals that stop storms also stop noise. If you live near a busy street, a highway, or loud neighbors, impact doors can make your home much quieter.
UV Protection
Over time, UV rays can fade your expensive furniture, carpets, and artwork. The plastic layer inside impact glass blocks 99% of these harmful rays, acting as a sunscreen for your living room.
Insurance Discounts
Insurance companies know that the home security features of impact doors lower the risk of damage and theft. Many providers in Florida offer discounts on homeowner’s insurance premiums if you can prove you have impact-rated openings.
Energy Efficiency
Because these doors seal so tightly and are made of thick materials, they excel at keeping cool air in and hot air out. This means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, which can lower your monthly energy bills.
We Also Offer Impact Windows to Further Enhance Home Security
Securing your doors is a massive step forward, but you shouldn’t stop there. A thief who can’t get through the door might try a window next. To have a truly secure home, you need to address every potential entry point.
Just like our doors, our windows feature shatter-resistant glass and reinforced frames. When you combine impact doors with impact windows, you create a seamless shield around your entire house.
Why You Should Choose East Coast Windows & Doors
East Coast Windows & Doors takes pride in serving the South Florida community. Our team understands the local building codes and the unique threats posed by Florida weather and crime. Homeowners trust us because of our:
- Experience – We have years of experience installing impact doors and windows.
- Quality – Our team only uses products from top-rated manufacturers.
- Customer Service – We’ll clean up after ourselves and ensure your satisfaction with our work every time.
Contact Us in South Florida, Today
If you’re ready to explore impact-resistant doors for homes in South Florida, there’s no better team to call than East Coast Windows & Doors. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
