Hurricane  Impact Door Testing & Ratings: Everything You Need to Know

What Are Impact Doors and Why Are They Essential?

Impact doors are specially designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, particularly hurricanes. 

Unlike regular doors, they are reinforced with materials such as laminated glass and durable frames that resist breakage and structural failure.

In South Florida, hurricane codes are strict for a good reason. The state is in a high-risk hurricane zone, so building codes mandate the use of impact-rated doors and windows to protect properties and lives.

South Florida’s Stringent Testing Standards

South Florida has some of the strictest testing standards for impact doors in the U.S., governed by the Florida Building Code (FBC) and Miami-Dade County Product Approval System.

1. Wind Pressure Testing

Impact doors must endure high wind pressures, sometimes exceeding 175 mph, depending on the area. This is tested using pressure chambers that simulate hurricane conditions.

2. Missile Impact Testing

The missile test ensures the door can withstand flying debris. A 9-pound 2x4 is launched at speeds of 34 mph or higher to replicate hurricane debris impacts. If the door resists breakage, it passes.

3. Cyclic Pressure Testing

After the missile test, the door undergoes cyclic pressure testing to ensure it can handle the fluctuating air pressures associated with hurricane winds.

Understanding Impact Door Ratings Like a Pro

Alright, if you're shopping for impact doors in South Florida, you NEED to understand door ratings. Otherwise, you’re just throwing money at a door that might not hold up when it matters most.

There are two major rating systems you should care about: Design Pressure (DP) Ratings and the Performance Grade (PG) System.

If you don’t know these, you could end up with a door that’s just a fancy decoration instead of real protection.

DP Ratings: Can Your Door Handle the Pressure?

Think of Design Pressure (DP) Ratings like a stress test for your door. It measures how much wind, water, and air pressure the door can take before it fails.

Here’s what you need to know:

• DP30 → Handles winds up to 110 mph (good for a Category 3 storm)
• DP50 → Withstands 150 mph winds (Category 5 hurricane-level)
• DP60+ → Built for the absolute worst storms

If you live in South Florida, you should be looking at DP50 or higher—period. Anything less is just asking for trouble. And no, “hurricane-resistant” doesn’t automatically mean it has a high DP rating. Always check the numbers!

Pro Tip: Doors Galour installs high-DP-rated impact doors that meet Florida’s toughest codes. Get yours today!

Performance Grade (PG): The Full Package



Now, DP ratings are great, but they only tell part of the story. Enter the Performance Grade (PG) System—the real gold standard for impact doors.

PG ratings include:

• Wind Resistance (like DP ratings but stricter)
• Water Resistance (prevents leaks during storms)
• Air Infiltration (blocks air drafts = lower energy bills)
• Forced Entry Resistance (keeps intruders out)

Let’s break it down:

• PG50 → Strong enough for high-wind zones, solid water resistance
• PG65 → Extra durability, better for homes in coastal areas
• PG80+ → Maximum protection for extreme hurricane zones

Think of PG ratings like an "all-in-one" score for durability and security. A DP50 door with a low PG rating? Probably not the best choice. But a PG65+ door? Now you're talking serious protection.

Want the best of both worlds? Doors Galour installs high-DP, high-PG impact doors designed for real South Florida storms. Call today for a free quote!

Benefits of Investing in Impact Doors

1. Peace of Mind: Sleep soundly knowing your home is protected from hurricanes.
2. Energy Efficiency: Many impact doors have insulation benefits, reducing energy costs.
3. Noise Reduction: Thick, laminated glass significantly minimizes outside noise.
4. Insurance Discounts: Some insurers offer lower premiums for homes with impact-rated products.
5. UV Protection: Many impact doors block harmful UV rays, protecting your interiors from sun damage.

How to Choose the Best Impact Doors

1. Verify Certifications
   Ensure the doors are certified by Miami-Dade or the Florida Building Code.
2. Material Matters
   Common materials include aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Fiberglass is durable and energy-efficient, while steel offers maximum strength.
3. Style and Design
   You don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for protection. Modern impact doors come in a variety of styles, from sleek French doors to traditional entry doors.
4. Hire a Professional Installer
   Even the best impact door won’t perform as intended if it’s poorly installed. Choose an experienced, licensed professional.

Key Statistics That Show Why Impact Doors Matter

• In 1992, Hurricane Andrew caused $27 billion in damages, largely due to structural failures in homes without proper hurricane protection.
• Homes with impact-rated doors and windows can reduce storm-related damage by up to 40%, according to FEMA.
• South Florida experiences an average of 12 hurricanes per decade, making reliable hurricane protection a must.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Upgrade

Impact doors are more than just an upgrade; they are an investment in safety, energy efficiency, and peace of mind. 

With rigorous testing and strict standards, South Florida leads the charge in hurricane protection, ensuring homes and businesses can weather even the fiercest storms.

If you're in the market for impact doors, remember to prioritize certifications, materials, and professional installation. 

By doing so, you’re not just meeting code requirements—you’re safeguarding your most valuable asset: your home.

Ready to protect your home with the best impact doors in South Florida?

Doors Galour has been the trusted name in impact door installation for over 40 years.

With more than 60,000 installations, we’re the experts you can trust to deliver energy-efficient, storm-ready, and stunning impact doors.

What We Offer:

• Custom Designs: Choose from a wide range of styles, finishes, and glass options.
• Impact-Rated Doors: Built to withstand South Florida’s toughest storms.
• Professional Installation: Certified installers who ensure a perfect fit every time.

Let Doors Galour help you design and install the perfect Impact doors for your home.

Get your free consultation today and take the first step toward a safer, more stylish, and energy-efficient future.

Your home deserves the best—don’t settle for less.

Frequently Asked Questions