If you’ve been shopping around for folding door systems, or even regular exterior doors and windows, then you’ve no doubt come across some companies offering hurricane-proof doors and windows. These are especially popular in coastal cities like Miami or islands like Puerto Rico or the Caribbean (that are constantly bombarded by hurricanes and heavy storms).

So, what exactly makes a hurricane-proof door so strong, and how are hurricane-proof doors and windows designed?

Hurricane-proofing a door or window system always starts with thick, impact-resistant, shatterproof glass. This will prevent the glass from being shattered by flying objects, hail, or heavy wind. Additionally, hurricane-proof door systems are also made with an ultra-durable frame and have high-quality hinges, rollers, and other vital components.

Over the past few months, we’ve gotten a number of questions from our readers about how hurricane-proofing works and what exactly separates a standard folding door system from hurricane-proof folding doors.

So, in today’s post, we’re going to take some time to break down exactly what makes these weatherproof folding doors so unique and what goes into manufacturing them. Let’s take a look!

Creating Hurricane-Proof Doors and Windows

In days past, there wasn’t much you could do about hurricanes. That’s why if you look at the old buildings in Miami or visit islands like Puerto Rico, that you’ll notice smaller windows. These locations would get buffeted by so many hurricanes and tropical storms throughout the year that there was really no point in using large panes of glass.

What’s the point in paying for large, expensive panes of glass that will just shatter next year, right?

However, today’s hurricane-proof doors and windows have changed everything. If you look at the South Beach Miami coastline today, you’ll see huge all-glass buildings and condos right on the beach. Most of these glass structures have survived through multiple hurricanes and are still standing.

This has all been made possible thanks to the development of hurricane-proof glass. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what sets these hurricane-proof door and window systems apart from regular doors and windows.

Shatter-Resistant Glass

Believe it or not, shatter-resistant glass has actually been around for quite some time. It was first discovered by accident during a 1903 lab experiment. A French scientist named Edouard Benedictus had a problem… he was always dropping his glass beakers and lab gear!

So, in order to prevent further loss, he decided to coat the outside of his lab gear with a layer of light, transparent plastic. The next time he dropped his beaker, it remained completely intact. Of course, the glass fractured, but the plastic held everything together so there was no broken glass.

Shortly after this discovery, the same method was used on gas masks during the Great War and also in car windshields and windows.

Now, fast-forward to 1992, right after the deadly Hurricane Andrew decimated South Florida’s coastline. After this unprecedented destruction, Miami-Dade County became the first in the United States to require hurricane-proof, shatter-resistant windows and doors by law.

So, in a nutshell, what separates hurricane-proof glass from standard glass windows is that:

• Hurricane-proof windows feature a transparent layer of plastic polymer that coats both sides of the glass.
• Hurricane-proof window panes are also designed to be extra-thick and are able to withstand heavy impacts or wind with minimal fracturing.

Sturdy, Well-Mounted Frame

When it comes to hurricane-proof folding door systems, the glass isn’t all that matters. In addition to high-quality glass, the frame that the door is mounted in needs to be solid and secure. Weatherproof folding door systems almost always feature a thick, metal-supported frame that won’t bend or snap under pressure.

These door systems may also feature extra screws designed to keep the frame perfectly intact, no matter how bad the wind may get. Another reason for extra-sturdy frames is to support the extra weight from the thick, impact-resistant glass windows.

High-Quality Rollers and Hinges

Hurricane-proof folding doors and windows need to have ultra-strong rollers and hinges as well. Seeing as these small moving components are how the glass door is mounted to the frame, they need to be able to take a severe beating in the event of a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.

This means that bearings, rollers, and folding door hinges are typically crafted from thick, galvanized stainless steel. These extra-durable components won’t bend, become warped, or snap under pressure, and will provide support for the glass doors and prevent them from becoming dislodged from the tracks or frame.

Waterproof Seal

Last but certainly not least, weatherproof folding doors and window systems typically feature a waterproof seal that’s designed to keep rainwater and flooding out of your home. This is generally achieved by a large outer lip that acts as a kind of “wall” to prevent standing rainwater from getting underneath the folding doors. This lip is typically 1.5 to 2 inches high and may feature rubber weatherproofing strips to create a water-resistant seal.

Yet another waterproofing method involves installing a drain system directly in front of the door. This means that no matter how bad the rain is, any water that makes its way up to the doorway will be drained and carried away.

How Can You Tell If A Folding Door System Is Hurricane-Proof?

If you’re wondering whether or not the folding doors installed in your home or office are hurricane-proof or not, the easiest way to tell is by checking for a watermark in the glass. Almost all hurricane-proof folding door systems have a small laser engraving or sticker in the upper or lower corner indicating the standards to which the door was designed.

Can Hurricane-Proof Glass Be Broken Into?

Another great reason to purchase hurricane-proof glass is that it’s hard to break into! You can certainly try to shatter the glass, but it will take a lot of work for a burglar to create an entrance. By this time, the alarm should have already sounded and the police will be on their way.

Final Thoughts

If you live in a coastal city (or anywhere that regularly experiences hurricanes and heavy winds), then you should definitely consider purchasing hurricane-proof folding doors. Some cities, such as Miami, even require hurricane-proof door systems and windows by law! While they may be a bit more expensive, they can protect you when it matters most and are guaranteed to stand the test of time.