Impact Entry Doors

As another hurricane season coming to an end, many Floridians breathe a sigh of relief.  With recent late season hurricane activity fresh in their minds, many Florida residents are looking into their options to protect their homes from future storms.  November’s cooler, dryer weather makes this time of the year ideal to retrofit homes with impact windows and doors.  While retrofitting an entire home with impact windows and doors provides security and convenience, it can also be costly.  A cost-efficient alternative is to start with replacing your front door.

Much like traditional doors, hurricane impact doors come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials.  Homeowners interested in replacing their entry door with an impact door should take into consideration the amount of maintenance and cost associated with the material they choose.

Fiberglass:

Fiberglass impact doors are the most cost-efficient option available.  They are available in either a smooth or textured finish and can be painted or stained to match a home’s décor.  Fiberglass doors require minimal maintenance, however, they will need to be painted regularly to maintain the desired look.  One drawback is fiberglass doors have limitations on their size and configurations.

Aluminum:

Aluminum impact doors are available in more sizes and configurations than their fiberglass counterparts but tend to be more expensive.  When selecting an aluminum impact door it is important that a homeowner is aware that aluminum impact doors cannot be painted.  A powder coat paint is applied and baked on at the factory.  One finished, an aluminum impact door does not need to be repainted.  Maintenance is also minimal, although homeowners near the coast may need to engage in more frequent cleanings.

Impact Glass:

Both fiberglass and aluminum offer designs with impact resistant glass inserts, allowing homeowners natural light.  Homeowners can choose from small glass windows all the way to full-length inserts.  Impact glass is made from two sheets of glass bonded together with a protective interlayer.  Tint and designs allow homeowners to choose their preferred level of privacy.