Month: March 2025

What to Look for in Hurricane Proof Doors for Florida Homes

In Florida, hurricanes are more than just seasonal events—they’re a way of life. With powerful winds, flying debris, and intense pressure changes, your home needs strong, reliable barriers to protect your family and property. That’s where hurricane proof doors come in.

But not all impact doors are created equal. From materials and design to proper installation, choosing the right hurricane-rated doors for your Florida home can make all the difference when the next storm hits.

Why Hurricane Proof Doors Are Essential in Florida

Florida is no stranger to severe weather, and every storm season brings the risk of damage to homes and businesses. While windows often get the most attention, your doors are a major vulnerability. Standard exterior doors can be blown in, shattered, or ripped from their frames—allowing wind and water to pour into your home.

Hurricane proof doors, also known as impact doors, are engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of a hurricane, offering reinforced strength, water resistance, and dependable performance.

Material Matters: Choosing the Right Door

The durability of your door starts with its core materials. Common options for hurricane proof doors include:

• Fiberglass: Lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion, ideal for coastal homes.
• Aluminum: Rigid and low-maintenance with strong weather resistance.
• Steel: Offers exceptional strength and security but may require more maintenance in salty air.
• Laminated glass inserts: Reinforced with impact-resistant interlayers to keep glass from shattering on impact.

East Coast Windows offers a variety of door styles and finishes that combine both form and function—protecting your home without sacrificing style.

What Makes a Door Truly “Hurricane Proof”?

It’s not just about heavy materials—it’s about testing and certification. Look for…

• Design Pressure (DP) Ratings that match or exceed your local wind code requirements
• Miami-Dade or Florida Building Code approval
• Large Missile Impact Testing certifications
• Reinforced framing systems and multi-point locking hardware

Every hurricane proof door from East Coast Windows meets or exceeds these critical standards, ensuring you’re not only code-compliant but truly protected.

The Importance of Professional Installation

Even the strongest door won’t protect your home if it’s improperly installed. Gaps, poor anchoring, and misalignment can all compromise the effectiveness of your door during a storm. That’s why installation should always be handled by certified professionals with experience in Florida’s unique coastal environment.

At East Coast Windows, our team ensures every door is fitted securely, sealed correctly, and installed with structural integrity that lasts.

Meeting Local Code & Elevation Requirements

South Florida has some of the strictest building codes in the nation—and for good reason. Our team stays up to date with current code changes, ensuring every installation is up to standard for your specific property elevation and location.

Style + Safety: You Don’t Have to Choose

Gone are the days of bulky, unattractive storm doors. Today’s hurricane proof doors are designed with curb appeal in mind. Choose from sleek modern styles, traditional paneling, glass inserts, sidelights, and more—without sacrificing safety or performance.

Our showroom in Broward County offers a hands-on look at your customization options, and our team is happy to walk you through the best solutions for your space.

Why East Coast Windows Is Florida’s Trusted Name in Impact Doors

Since 1996, East Coast Windows has specialized in high-quality hurricane proof doors and impact-rated solutions for homes across South Florida. With over 10,000 square feet of showroom and warehouse space, a dedicated team of certified installers, and a reputation built on referrals, we’re more than just a door company—we’re your partner in long-term protection.

Ready to Protect Your Home?

Don’t wait for the next storm to take action. Whether you’re upgrading an older home or outfitting new construction, East Coast Windows is here to help with expert guidance, trusted products, and unmatched service.

Contact us today to explore our hurricane proof door options or stop by our Broward County showroom for a closer look.

Investing in impact windows is a significant decision for Florida homeowners, especially with the state’s frequent hurricanes and severe weather. Many wonder if these windows offer benefits beyond storm protection or assume all impact windows are the same. Concerns about cost, effectiveness, and necessity are common, but the right impact windows provide more than just safety—they enhance security, energy efficiency, and home value. Understanding the truth behind common misconceptions can help homeowners see why PGT Impact Windows are a smart, long-term investment.

Myth #1: Impact Windows Are Just for Hurricanes
It’s true—impact windows are engineered to withstand extreme storms, protecting your home from flying debris and hurricane-force winds. But their benefits go far beyond storm season.

• Enhanced Security – Unlike traditional windows, impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand break-ins, providing an extra layer of defense against intruders.
  
• Noise Reduction – Live near a busy street or in a high-traffic area? PGT Impact Windows significantly reduce outside noise, creating a quieter, more peaceful home.
  
• Energy Efficiency – PGT’s advanced glass technology helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. This translates to lower energy bills year-round.

While hurricane protection is essential, the added security, comfort, and savings make impact windows a year-round investment.

Myth #2: All Impact Windows Are the Same
Not all impact windows are created equal, and choosing the right brand matters. As an authorized dealer of PGT Impact Windows, East Coast Windows & Doors knows firsthand what makes them superior:

• Customizable Options – Whether you prefer classic single-hung windows, sleek casement windows, or expansive sliding glass doors, PGT offers a variety of styles to match your home’s aesthetics.
  
• Durability That Lasts – PGT windows undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest industry standards for impact resistance and long-term durability.
  
• Florida-Based Manufacturing – PGT Impact Windows are made right here in Florida, specifically designed to handle the state’s unique climate challenges, from hurricanes to intense UV exposure.

Investing in high-quality impact windows ensures long-term performance and protection—something not all brands can guarantee.

Myth #3: Impact Windows Are Too Expensive
While impact windows are an upfront investment, they pay for themselves over time through savings and added home value.

• Lower Insurance Premiums – Many Florida insurance providers offer discounts on homeowners’ insurance for properties with impact-resistant windows.
  
• Energy Savings – PGT Impact Windows are designed with insulated glass and energy-efficient coatings, helping to reduce cooling costs in Florida’s hot climate.
  
• Increased Property Value – Homes with impact windows have higher resale value, making them a smart long-term investment.

When you factor in storm protection, energy efficiency, and home security, these impact windows offer real financial benefits beyond just their initial cost.

Final Verdict: Are PGT Impact Windows Worth It?

At East Coast Windows & Doors, we believe PGT Impact Windows are one of the best investments a Florida homeowner can make. They don’t just protect against hurricanes—they offer security, energy efficiency, and long-term savings that enhance your home’s value and comfort.

If you’re considering impact windows, it’s time to invest in quality that lasts.

Contact us today for a free estimate and see how these impact windows can transform your home.