Hurricane Proof Doors

hurricane impact entry doors with palm design

Check the risk category II windspeed for your address

Hurricane Proof Doors with Glass

Hurricane proof doors with glass panel inserts are specifically designed for the coastal Florida markets. Any coastal area can benefit from the added protection of impact rated glass door inserts in the exterior fiberglass doors.

We sell Plastpro exterior fiberglass doors with all no rot fiberglass frames. We can coordinate the right door with your contractor or installer to make sure you are ordering the correct prehung door for your project. We will deliver it with the glass installed IF you are within our delivery area or we can arrange pickup with you.

Hurricane rated impact glass has become the answer to building codes that have changed around 2015. The boundaries for wind borne debris zones have changed to include Tampa and half of Hillsborough county. Regulators have moved “coastal” zones inward to mid Hillsborough county. Now some areas west of I-275 is included into the high wind areas. High wind areas are rated at 140 mph or more. This site will present your windspeed. This can only be verified by entering your address into the “address” box and click the “get windspeed” button. Instantly you will know if your address is considered a high wind zone. The requirements for new construction and door replacement does vary.

Standard residential homes fall into the windspeed rating for RISK CATEGORY II. For new construction in 140 mph or more windzone, you need to have high wind protection. This is solved with approved rated shutters or Hurricane Impact glass in your doors and windows. Please refer to your building department requirements.

For remodelers, if you are replacing less than 1/3 of your exterior glass openings, then you do not need to comply with hurricane rated glass. This too should be confirmed with the building department in case requirements change. Want to determine if you need Hurricane glass door inserts look on this page for more information.

The benefits of Hurricane Rated Glass Doors

Hurricane proof glass door inserts are not penetrable.

The following video shows the missile test that shows that windborne debris will not penetrate the glass door. This is the main concept behind impact glass. The additional benefits are that the glass protects the home from forced entry. IE: burgulars! If the laminated glass prevents the missile from penetration, then the burglar will not enter either. The door should also be built as an outswing door and the frame should be built from Plastpro composite fiberglass door frame material. This is the best protection you can buy.

Check your windspeed

See If Your Home Needs Hurricane Protection

Follow this link and the instructions on the page to see what zone you are in. Half of Hillsborough county, Fl is included in the high wind zone. Just because you can’t hear the ocean from your home doesn’t mean you aren’t included.

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Testing Hurricane Proof Doors with Impact Glass

Watch how the lumber launched at the glass door insert does not penetrate the glass. Of course the installation of the prehung door is critical to the security that the door and impact glass offers. All prehung doors with hurricane impact inserts has Florida Approval Codes and Installation instructions that must be met to pass inspection.

The permit process will require the FL # and installation instructions at the time of application. You will have to have all paperwork available at the time of inspection. All permits must be “closed” before expiration. If not, if selling the property, it will create more work to get the permits closed. Save yourself a headache! Don’t let permits expire!

Hurricane Proof Doors with Etched Glass

Hurricane impact glass has obvious differences once you know what to look for. First tap the glass with your knuckles, it has a deep thud. You can tell it is thicker and stronger. Look at the frame, it is different from standard glass door insert frames. These frames from ODL and Western Reflections are metal and from RSL are thicker and stronger. Both companies have different frames but both has passed the rigorous impact testing. ODL and Western are extruded aluminum frames. RSL are extruded heavy polycarbonite.

Looking at the examples below online it is not possible to see the difference. You will see the definite difference when you see it in person. The etched glass can be done on any of the impact rated glass in either clear or textured options. See our chart for glass options for size and texture availabilities.

Hurricane impact etched glass door insert with egret

Glass Choices for Hurricane Impact Inserts

This Glass Texture Chart and page will show you samples of the different textures available in standard tempered and hurricane inserts. Not all textures are available in all sizes so look at the symbols that identify each size and texture.

Choose ANY Design!

We will size our designs to fit whatever width or height door glass you need. We also customize our designs to fit the clients wishes. So whatever you want, we’ll do!

Check out the links on the design ideas page for anything similar to what you would like.

Hurricane Impact Glass Door Inserts

Our standard Plastpro doors are hurricane rated for all counties in Florida. Miami Dade county requires a special Plastpro door with additional strength included on the interior of the door. Combined with the impact approved inserts, this prehung door with glass will provide protection for coastal homes needed. Remember that for all counties of Florida we can provide hurricane proof doors for the exterior front, side, and back entry.

Use either clear or textured glass impact glass with any etched glass design. Create a custom etched design if you would like! Our glass etching artist makes new designs frequently. Other ways that offer hurricane protection for glass doors can be seen here. Just remember, Impact rated laminated glass for hurricane protection is absolutely the best protection available.

If you would like to see a unique hurricane impact etched glass doors design on double doors check out this very unique design.