How To Hurricane-Proof Your Doors and Entryways Before the Next Big Storm

Are you prepared for hurricane season? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Atlantic hurricane season typically produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. By hurricane-proofing your doors and entryways before the weather gets bad, you can improve your first line of defense and prevent debris from entering your home.

Quick Tips To Protect Your Doors From Hurricane Damage

Upgrading your home with impact-resistant doors that can survive severe winds and debris is a wise move that should be high on your priority list, but there are a few other things you can also do to reduce damage during hurricane season:

• • Install deadbolts. Secure your doors with heavy-duty locks and deadbolts to prevent them from being blown open by a powerful blast of wind.

• • Apply weatherstripping. Seal gaps around the interior of your doors with weatherstripping to keep rain out on windy days.

• • Trim trees and bushes. Keep your landscaping well-maintained to lessen the likelihood of debris damaging your property during intense storms.

• • Add structural reinforcements. Install steel bars, bolts, metal brackets, or bars across the interior of your doors to strengthen them.

How To Protect Different Types of Doors and Entryways

There are plenty of strategies to bolster your doors before hurricane season hits, but some of them work better for different types of entryways than others. Before you run to the hardware store for plywood and deadbolts, find out what tried-and-true methods are recommended for your specific doorways:

Front Door Hurricane Protection

Your front door should serve as a sturdy barrier between your belongings and the outside world. However, during storms, front doors are particularly vulnerable to high winds and flying debris. To prevent damage, add heavy-duty deadbolts, locks, and reinforced metal plates. These actions will reinforce the door’s structural integrity and provide an additional layer of protection.

Glass Door Hurricane Protection

Standard glass doors break easily, and during a storm, this can be very dangerous as sharp shards blow around in the wind. Consider replacing your doors with double-pane, impact-resistant glass. This multi-layered method offers additional protection and insulation. If updating your doors isn’t an option right now, consider installing hurricane shutters over your glass doors and windows to keep debris out. Choose a mechanically operated option for convenience and reinforce your door frames and hinges.

Sliding Door Hurricane Protection

Sliding glass doors require a bit of extra preparation. Start by installing a double-bolt locking system or smart locks to secure both sides. Smart locks give you added control by allowing you to activate protection even when you’re not home. However, a double-bolt locking system offers additional structural support by integrating bolts at the top and the bottom of the door to prevent it from being blown open by heavy winds.

French Door Hurricane Protection

If you have French doors or windows, hurricane shutters might be a good investment. This can help protect the glass from flying debris, meaning you don’t have to also have shards of glass trampling through your home. Many homes in hurricane-prone locations opt to install permanent shutters for simplicity. However, if you want to be able to remove the shutters to show off your beautiful windows when the weather is nice, you can opt for corrugated storm panels. Just keep in mind you will have to reinstall them before each storm.

Garage Door Hurricane Protection

While protecting your garage door during a hurricane might not be the first thing that comes to mind, it should be. This area of your home holds the potential for the most damage. Garage doors can fail and break under the force of strong winds, leaving a wide space for debris to enter your house. The good news is that you can take several steps to address these concerns. Begin by reinforcing posts with a detachable bracing system and adding additional bolts to the top and bottom of the door.

You can also swap out the basic deadbolt for a stronger, longer-throw version and replace any hinge screws. Install wind-resistant garage door seals to prevent water from entering. It’s also a wise move to have multiple locking systems in place so you have a backup in case one of them fails. Lastly, look for a wind compliance label on your garage door. If it doesn’t, it might be time to invest in a new garage door altogether. Look for options crafted with reinforced materials like aluminum, fiberglass, and steel for maximum resilience.

What Materials Provide the Best Hurricane Protection?

Of course, installing hurricane-proof doors is one of the best decisions you can make to protect your home before the weather turns sour. If you’re planning to replace your doors this year, look for options that are certified by the Florida Building Code (FBC), Miami-Dade County standards, or ASTM International standards. Some of the strongest materials available are:

• • Mahogany

• • Stainless steel

• • Aluminum

• • Impact-resistant fiberglass

• • Wrought iron

Invest In Your Home’s Safety With Hurricane-Proof Doors

Your doors are the first line of defense between your home and the raging storms outside. The time to act is now. The most durable hurricane-proof doors usually require professional installation, so research local window and door companies in your area. While the initial investment may seem hefty at first, safeguarding your home and assets against the next big weather event could save you a lot of money, trouble, and heartache in the future.