The Essential Guide to Hurricane-Proofing Your Sliding Doors in Florida

The Essential Guide to Hurricane-Proofing Your Sliding Doors in Florida

​If you live in Florida, then you know that hurricanes are a very real threat. And while there are many things you can do to hurricane-proof your home, one of the most important is to make sure your sliding doors are up to the task.

There are a few things you need to do to hurricane-proof your sliding doors. First, you need to make sure they are properly installed. This means working with a professional to ensure that the door is correctly anchored to the frame and that the glass is properly sealed.

Second, you need to make sure the door is properly maintained. This means regularly checking the door for any damage and making repairs as needed. This includes things like fixing loose screws, repairing damaged tracks, and replacing worn out rollers.

Third, you need to make sure the door is properly used. This means using it as intended and not forcing it open or closed. It also means not leaving it open during a storm. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your sliding doors will be able to withstand the worst that a hurricane can throw at them.

What Makes Sliding Doors Vulnerable to Hurricanes?

​If your home is in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, you need to take extra steps to protect your property. One type of door that’s particularly vulnerable to high winds is the sliding door. Here’s what you need to know about why sliding doors are vulnerable to hurricanes and what you can do to protect your home.

Sliding doors are often made of glass, which can shatter if it’s hit by flying debris or high winds. Even if the glass doesn’t break, the force of the wind can cause the door to come off its tracks. Once the door is off its tracks, it can be blown open, which can allow water and wind into your home.

To protect your home from a hurricane, start by making sure your sliding doors are in good condition. Check the rollers to make sure they’re not worn out and replace them if necessary. You should also check the tracks for any damage and repair or replace them as needed.

In addition to making sure your doors are in good condition, you can also install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant glass. Hurricane shutters will protect your doors from flying debris and high winds. Impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand the force of flying debris and high winds. If you install impact-resistant glass, make sure it’s rated for the hurricane-force winds in your area.

You can also reinforce your doors by installing hurricane straps. Hurricane straps are metal or nylon straps that go from the top of the door to the bottom, forming a cross. The straps help to keep the door in place and prevent it from being blown open.

Taking these steps will help to protect your home from a hurricane. Be sure to take action before a storm is headed your way to ensure your home is as safe as possible.

Assessing Your Doors Before Hurricane-Proofing

​As a homeowner, it's important to take extra precautions before a hurricane or tropical storm hits. This includes preparing your doors to withstand high winds and heavy rain. Here are a few things to look for when assessing your doors:

Doors that are not hurricane-proof can be a weak spot in your home's structure. Make sure all doors are securely fastened and can withstand high winds.

Inspect the door frame and hinges to make sure they are in good condition. If there are any cracks or damage, repair or replace them before hurricane season.

If your doors have glass, make sure the glass is impact-resistant. If not, consider replacing it with hurricane-proof glass.

sliding door glass replacement Check the door tracks and rollers to make sure they are in good working condition. Clean out any dirt or debris that could prevent the door from opening or closing properly.

sliding door roller repair Make sure the door seal is intact and in good condition. This will help keep out water and debris during a storm.

sliding door track repair

By taking the time to assess your doors before hurricane season, you can help keep your home safe and secure.

Securing Your Sliding Doors for a Hurricane

​As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, now is the time to start thinking about how to protect your home from severe weather. One of the most vulnerable areas of your home during a hurricane is the sliding glass doors. The high winds and flying debris can easily break the glass and cause serious damage to your home. There are a few things you can do to secure your sliding doors for a hurricane.

First, make sure the doors are locked. You may want to add a secondary locking system, such as a bolt or a bar, to the inside of the door. This will help to keep the door from being blown open by the wind.

Secondly, reinforce the glass. Hurricane-resistant glass is available that is much stronger than standard glass. This type of glass can help to prevent the door from breaking and causing damage to your home.

Third, consider installing shutters over the doors. Shutters will provide an additional layer of protection from the wind and flying debris. They can be mounted on the inside or outside of the door and can be opened and closed as needed.

Fourth, if you have a garage, park your car in front of the door. This will help to block the wind and flying debris from hitting the door.

Finally, have a plan in place for after the hurricane. If the door does break, have a board or something else handy to cover the opening. This will help to prevent water and wind from entering your home and causing further damage.

By following these tips, you can help to secure your sliding doors for a hurricane. By protecting your doors, you can help to protect your home and keep your family safe.

What Do You Need to Know About Installing Hurricane-Proof Sliding Doors?

​If you're thinking about installing hurricane-proof sliding doors in your home, there are a few things you should know. First, these doors are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris, so they're a great option if you live in an area that's prone to hurricanes or other severe weather events. Second, because they're so durable, they can be a bit more expensive than traditional doors. But, if you're concerned about the safety of your home and family, they're definitely worth the investment.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when installing hurricane-proof sliding doors:

1. Make sure the doors are properly rated for the wind speed in your area. The doors should be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 140 mph.

2. Pay attention to the installation instructions. These doors are heavy and need to be installed correctly to work properly.

3. Make sure the tracks are clean and free of debris before installi9ng the doors. This will help ensure that the doors open and close smoothly.

4. Use weatherstripping to seal the gaps around the door. This will help keep out wind and water.

5. Check the doors regularly to make sure they're still in good condition. If you see any damage, have the doors repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Installing hurricane-proof sliding doors can give you peace of mind during severe weather events. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your doors are installed correctly and will provide the protection you need.

How to Maintain Your Hurricane-Proof Sliding Doors

​Sliding doors are a great way to add security and style to your home. But if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, you need to make sure that your doors are up to the task of protecting your home. Here are some tips on how to maintain your hurricane-proof sliding doors:

1. Keep them clean. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to keep your doors clean in order to keep them in good condition. Hurricane-force winds can blow debris around, and if your doors are dirty, that debris can cause damage.

2. Inspect them regularly. It’s a good idea to inspect your doors regularly, especially if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes. Look for any cracks or damage that could allow wind or water to enter your home.

3. Repair any damage immediately. If you find any damage, no matter how small, it’s important to repair it immediately. Left unaddressed, even small damage can become a big problem during a hurricane.

4. Make sure they’re properly installed. Hurricane-proof sliding doors are only as good as their installation. Make sure that your doors are installed by a professional who knows what they’re doing.

5. Stay up to date on hurricane information. If a hurricane is headed your way, make sure that you know what you need to do to protect your home. This may include evacuating or taking other precautions.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your hurricane-proof sliding doors are ready to do their job when the next storm hits.