When living in areas prone to hurricanes and severe storms, the need for sturdy, reliable doors and windows is paramount. Sliding doors, while offering convenience and aesthetics, can be vulnerable to extreme weather unless they are specifically designed to withstand high winds and flying debris. Hurricane proof sliding doors provide a vital layer of protection for your home, safeguarding your property and your family during the harshest storms. In this guide, we’ll explore the best hurricane proof sliding doors available on the market, focusing on their features, benefits, and how to choose the right option for your home.
1. What Makes a Sliding Door Hurricane Proof?
A Best hurricane proof sliding doors is specifically engineered to withstand the extreme conditions caused by hurricanes, including wind speeds of up to 200 mph and impact from debris. These doors are made from highly durable materials such as reinforced glass and robust frames, designed to maintain their integrity during a storm.
Here are the main components that define a hurricane proof sliding door:
- Impact-Resistant Glass: This glass is typically laminated and shatterproof, meaning even if it breaks, it remains intact within the frame, preventing debris and wind from entering your home.
- Sturdy Frames: Frames are often made from heavy-duty aluminum, vinyl, or steel, reinforced to prevent bending or warping under pressure.
- Strong Seals: Proper sealing ensures that water and wind cannot penetrate through the gaps in the doors, protecting your interior from potential damage.
- Wind Load Capacity: These doors are tested for high wind loads, ensuring they can withstand the force of extreme winds without detaching from the structure.
2. Top Hurricane Proof Sliding Door Brands
When it comes to selecting the best hurricane proof sliding doors, choosing a trusted and reputable brand is essential. Here are some of the leading manufacturers known for their high-quality storm-resistant doors:
a) PGT Industries
PGT is one of the most well-known names in the hurricane protection industry. Their WinGuard® series of impact-resistant sliding doors are designed to withstand the toughest storm conditions while offering a sleek and modern design. These doors feature laminated glass and heavy-duty aluminum frames, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal. PGT WinGuard doors are also energy-efficient, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs while providing year-round protection.
b) Andersen Windows & Doors
Andersen is another industry leader, known for producing top-quality windows and doors. Their Stormwatch® series offers sliding doors that combine impact-resistant glass with corrosion-resistant hardware, making them an excellent choice for coastal homes. Andersen’s doors are customizable, allowing you to choose from a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes to match your home’s style.
c) Origin USA
Origin specializes in premium aluminum sliding doors that are highly resistant to hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. Their Hurricane Sliding Door system is crafted with precision engineering, featuring toughened glass and robust aluminum frames. These doors are not only designed for safety but also offer smooth operation and slim sightlines for a modern, sophisticated look.
d) Milgard Windows & Doors
Milgard offers the Tuscany® series, a line of impact-resistant sliding doors specifically designed for hurricane-prone regions. These doors are made with durable vinyl frames and laminated glass that meets the strictest building codes. Milgard’s hurricane proof doors are also known for their energy efficiency and noise reduction properties.
3. Benefits of Hurricane Proof Sliding Doors
Investing in hurricane proof sliding doors provides several advantages beyond storm protection. These doors are designed to enhance the overall safety, comfort, and energy efficiency of your home. Below are some key benefits:
a) Superior Storm Protection
The primary benefit of hurricane proof sliding doors is their ability to protect your home from high winds and flying debris. By resisting impacts and staying intact during extreme conditions, these doors help prevent structural damage and keep your home safe.
b) Increased Home Security
The impact-resistant glass and reinforced frames used in hurricane proof doors also provide excellent security against break-ins. The strength of these materials makes it incredibly difficult for intruders to break through, adding an extra layer of safety to your home.
c) Energy Efficiency
Hurricane proof doors are typically designed with energy-efficient features such as low-E coatings and insulated frames. These features help to reduce heat transfer, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which can lower your energy bills.
d) Noise Reduction
The thick, laminated glass used in these doors helps to block out external noise, making your home more peaceful and quiet. This is particularly beneficial for homes in busy or noisy neighborhoods.
e) UV Protection
Many hurricane proof sliding doors come with UV-resistant coatings that protect your home’s interior from the sun’s harmful rays. This helps prevent fading of furniture, carpets, and artwork, while also providing additional insulation.
4. How to Choose the Right Hurricane Proof Sliding Door
Choosing the best hurricane proof sliding door for your home involves several important considerations, from style to performance. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
a) Material
Hurricane proof sliding doors are available in different materials, including aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each material has its own advantages:
- Aluminum: Strong and lightweight, aluminum doors are resistant to corrosion and are ideal for coastal areas.
- Vinyl: Known for its energy efficiency, vinyl is a durable, low-maintenance option that offers good insulation.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are highly durable and resistant to extreme weather, but they can be more expensive than other materials.
b) Glass Type
Look for doors with laminated impact-resistant glass, which consists of two layers of glass with a strong plastic interlayer. This type of glass is less likely to shatter and is essential for hurricane protection.
c) Design and Aesthetics
Hurricane proof sliding doors come in a variety of styles, finishes, and configurations. Consider the overall design of your home when choosing a door. Options include:
- Two-panel doors: A simple design where one panel slides behind the other.
- Multi-panel doors: These offer a larger opening, which is ideal for homes with expansive patios or balconies.
d) Energy Efficiency
Ensure that the doors you select are energy efficient, with features like insulated frames, low-E glass, and weatherstripping. These components help maintain indoor temperature and reduce energy consumption.
e) Compliance with Building Codes
Ensure that your hurricane proof sliding doors meet local building codes and are certified for impact resistance. In the U.S., the Miami-Dade or Florida Building Code standards are widely regarded as benchmarks for hurricane resistance.
5. Cost Considerations
Hurricane proof sliding doors are generally more expensive than standard doors due to their reinforced materials and special construction. However, the long-term benefits in terms of storm protection, energy savings, and increased home value make them a worthwhile investment. On average, the cost of a hurricane proof sliding door ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the size, materials, and brand.
6. Conclusion: Protect Your Home with the Best Hurricane Proof Sliding Doors
Choosing the best hurricane proof sliding doors for your home is a crucial step in protecting your property from the devastating effects of severe storms. With options that combine strength, style, and energy efficiency, hurricane proof doors offer maximum protection without sacrificing aesthetics. By investing in high-quality, impact-resistant sliding doors, you ensure that your home is well-equipped to weather any storm while enjoying the added benefits of enhanced security, energy savings, and noise reduction.
Prioritize safety and long-term value by selecting durable, certified sliding doors that meet the highest standards of hurricane resistance.
