Choosing The Right Hurricane Garage Door For Your Home’s Aesthetics

In South Florida, the threat of hurricanes is ever-present. This poses a significant risk to your home and property. Hurricane-rated garage doors offer a crucial line of defense, protecting your home from damaging winds and debris these powerful storms generate.

Choosing the right hurricane garage door goes beyond just protection; it’s also an opportunity to enhance your home’s aesthetic and curb appeal with a wide range of materials, styles, and features available.

These days, selecting a hurricane garage door that integrates with your home’s architecture has never been easier. Storm-proof garage doors can keep your home safe and complement its overall design.

Choosing Garage Doors In A High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ)

It’s a well-known fact that South Florida experiences damaging storms. The challenge for homeowners and contractors alike is that, because of the dangers they pose, there are strict compliance codes to follow. Broward County is in Florida’s HVHZ, therefore, all new garage doors on properties must meet wind-borne debris protection standards, which includes being tested for the large missile impact rating.

We supply and install a wide range of products from different manufacturers that cover a host of cost and aesthetic options.

Garage Doors That Are Worth Their Salt

Another major consideration in an area like Boca Raton is the proximity to the sea. Salty sea air is one of the largest corrosion factors for coastal areas. The problem with salty sea air is that it acts as a catalyst for the formation of corrosive and unsightly oxides when in contact with metals. The oxidation that results can quickly overcome the stylish finish of your hurricane garage doors and leave them looking tatty.

Some inferior products make use of poor-quality finishes that save on cost in the very short term. Cheap paints and veneers are also quick to succumb to the humid and salty air. One of the cheaper ways that manufacturers reduce costs is to electro-galvanize the garage doors. This is not nearly as good as using a hot-dip galvanized process.

STS Impact Windows & Doors sources from manufacturers who offer high-class construction and finishing on their products. You won’t be disappointed with the options available.

Call In the Reinforcements

A storm-resistant garage door is one of the best lines of defense that you can get for your home. The reasoning is simple: garage doors present one of the largest openings in your home. What this means is that the wind pressure exerted on garage doors can be damaging. The door itself must be reinforced with extra steel roods to give rigidity to the frame.

Another area that is exposed to risk is the tracks that the doors are seated in. The tracks are manufactured from thicker gauge steel to provide maximum strength against the forces of nature. Hurricane garage doors are also made with additional layers of steel or aluminum (depending on your choice of product) to add to the tensile strength of the door face.

Last but not least, we ensure that weatherstripping and waterproofing are done to the highest possible standards of quality. If the aforementioned items are neglected, they could be a chink in the armor of your home.

Invest Up-Front & Save Ongoing Costs

One of the most overlooked points about quality hurricane-rated garage doors is that they lower your insurance costs. Yes, you read that right! When you invest in a hurricane-proof garage door, the likelihood of your home being vulnerable in that area is decreased. Because of this extra level of risk mitigation, insurers are often willing to provide you with decreased premiums. It’s also worth mentioning that making your home safe from hurricanes will do wonders for your peace of mind.

Florida Building Code Requirements

For homes in Broward, Plam Beach & Martin County, the Florida Building Code (FBC) specifies that garage doors must have a minimum WindZone® rating of 50. A rating of 50 means they can withstand winds of up to 130 mph. The code also specifies that garage doors must be installed with hurricane-approved hardware such as straps and brackets. This ensures that the doors are secured to the framing of the house.

To stay compliant with the FBC, it‘s important to hire a qualified contractor who is familiar with the latest requirements. You should also obtain a permit from the Palm Beach, Broward, or Martin County Building Department before installing a new garage door.

Don’t Compromise on Aesthetic

Many people feel that being code-compliant with hurricane garage doors means they need to compromise on the aesthetic of their home. Fortunately, this is not the case. Because the reinforcement happens on a structural basis, the curb appeal is not sacrificed at all. You can choose from a wide variety of finishes that are not only appealing to look at but also very functional in key areas such as waterproofing.

Whether you are interested in a bright color paint, an anodized aluminum finish, or a wooden finish, there are many decorative possibilities. The facia part of the door is what you’ll see, but the structure is what is reinforced. As long as there’s a strong foundation supporting your garage door, you’re well protected.

Experienced Hurricane Garage Door Installers In Boca Raton

At STS Impact Windows & Doors, we know what it means to serve. Founded by a South Florida local who is also a disabled veteran, we’ve been installing storm-resistant windows and doors for over 25 years. We’re also a family-owned business, so we treat each customer with the respect that they deserve.

If you’re looking for a stylish garage door that also needs to be hurricane-ready, give us a call at 561-600-1018. We’re always ready to make your home safe and beautiful.