Living in South Florida, impact doors (ones with linear bearings) are an absolute necessity to protect yourself, your family, and your home from potentially devastating hurricanes and tropical storms. With so many brands of hurricane doors, Miami providers, and options, how do you know what to look for specifically? Here is a list of some essential features to consider to make sure you’re investing in a dependable impact door in Miami, just be sure to take care of the extra accessories, such as commercial door hardware.
Frame Material and Quality
Many impact doors contain thick fiberglass or aluminum facings, paired with wood and composite reinforcements. They differ from traditional door designs by including specially designed and supported hinges and frames. Fiberglass doors often mimic a luxurious wooden look, but engineers create them to withstand the force of flying objects. Also, fiberglass doesn’t warp or rot like real wood. Aluminum impact doors incorporate weather stripping and interlocking rails. That keeps wind and water outside, while simultaneously ensuring that air conditioning and heat remains inside.
For the patio and other rooms, there are weatherproof French patio and sliding doors with large glass panes capable of withstanding the elements. These models often contain a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which acts as an adhesive between the two panels of glass.
Compliance and Testing
Impact doors need to undergo extreme tests to verify their durability, such as slam tests, projectile resistance checks, and more. They also must have a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance to guarantee they comply with Florida building codes.
Customizable Features
Of course, you’ll want your impact door to coordinate with the rest of your property and not stick out like a sore thumb. When selecting impact doors, you should consider what customizable features and designs are available, such as colors and decorative glass, as well as attractive jambs and hinges. This customization will provide you with safety without sacrificing curb appeal.
Energy Efficiency
One of the great things about many impact doors in Miami is their energy efficiency. They help reduce your energy bill by acting as a barrier against wasted energy, keeping unwanted heat outside your home.
Security
Hurricane doors also provide security benefits, protecting you not only from the weather but also from break-ins and forced entry. While standard glass breaks easily, impact doors have glass that is resistant to shattering. That makes it difficult for a burglar to penetrate the glass.
Impact Door Advantages in Miami
In the end, impact doors in Miami are the best available option to protect your home from substantial damage caused by strong winds and rain. They are customizable to match the look you want your property to have and to meet your lifestyle, not to mention the copious other benefits.
If you need assistance selecting the perfect impact door for your home, give ASP Windows and Doors a call. One of our professional designers will help you find the door that best meets your expectations. Whether its impact doors for your house or business, we’re more than happy to help. Call us today at 786-870-4735 for a free quote.