Hurricane Resistant Doors
Pressure & Impact Rated Applications
The United States averages 19 hurricanes per decade, 34% of which are classified as major (category 3, 4, or 5). In 1992, Hurricane Andrew killed 65 people and caused $26 billion in damage. That was the impetus for city, county and state authorities to develop new hurricane-resistant building codes.
Hurricane rated doors dramatically reduce the risk of harm to building occupants. They also allow for conformance to local and state code requirements. Hurricane doors can also provide additional benefits, such as improved energy performance, noise reduction, and fire ratings.
These specialty door assemblies are tested with the positive and negative pressures that occur during hurricanes. They are then rated with a “design pressure,” which is different than wind speed. For example, a wind speed of 170 mph produces a design pressure of +49/-53 psf. This value will vary depending on the height above ground, the opening’s location in the building, and other factors.
Specifications for Hurricane Doors
When specifying hurricane rated doors, it’s important to:
Have a structural engineer provide a design pressure for each opening
Select listed opening assemblies with equal or greater design pressure values
Ensure the functional needs of the openings are met (i.e. fire rated with panic exit hardware, glazing, etc.)
Many SDI Certified manufacturers produce doors that can resist winds from 110 to 170 miles per hour and are in accordance with the strict requirements of ANSI A250.13, the Florida Building Code (FBC) and the South Florida Building Code (SFBC).
Church with hurricane shelter
Resources
SDI has developed a variety of resources for architects, specifiers and distributors on hurricane rated doors below.
ANSI / SDI A250.13
Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes
Presentation
Covers STC, Wood Grain Finish, Hurricane and Tornado Resistance, and more
SDI 136
Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products
Manufacturers
Click a manufacturer’s logo below to visit their website and learn more about their hurricane resistant doors.
