Hurricane Resistant Doors
Protection That Goes Beyond the Storm
Hurricane-resistant steel doors are engineered to withstand extreme wind pressures, flying debris, and harsh coastal weather conditions, making them an essential safeguard for buildings in hurricane-prone regions. Built with reinforced materials and heavy-duty frames, these doors provide long-lasting protection and peace of mind during severe storms.
Beyond storm protection, hurricane-resistant steel doors deliver year-round benefits, including improved energy efficiency thanks to tighter seals that help regulate indoor temperatures. Their robust construction enhances security, offering superior resistance against forced entry. Additionally, these doors help reduce noise, making them ideal for high-traffic or coastal areas where sound control adds comfort to safety.
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. 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
Hurricane-resistant doors are required in many coastal areas to meet strict building safety standards. The Florida Building Code mandates their use statewide, with Miami-Dade County enforcing even stricter requirements in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) to withstand the most extreme wind and impact forces.
Additionally, Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast states have building codes that require hurricane-rated products in designated windborne debris regions. These regulations help architects, builders, and property owners quickly determine when hurricane-resistant doors are necessary to protect lives, property, and ensure code compliance.
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).
Resources
SDI has developed a variety of resources for architects, specifiers and distributors on hurricane rated doors below.
ANSI 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.
