As the rate of severe storms increases, Florida homeowners are searching for ways to protect their homes and families better. One popular approach is to install hurricane impact doors.
South Florida shoppers have no shortage of both products and installers to choose from. Is it better to hire an installer or purchase impact products from a big box store, like Home Depot or Lowes?
While self-purchasing may seem more cost-effective, homeowners must consider other factors before deciding. We'll help you understand the most important questions to consider to make the best decision for your home and family.
Learn More About Impact Doors:
- You Complete Guide to Understanding Impact Doors
- Why Do the Doors on Florida Homes Open Outward?
- How Much Do Impact Doors Cost?
The Rising Need for Quality Hurricane Impact Doors in South Florida
South Florida usually experiences some of the strongest hurricanes in the U.S. This is why the Florida Building Code requires all doors and windows of buildings within one mile of the coast where the wind speed is more than 110 mph to be impact-resistant.
Therefore, as the rate of severe storms continues increasing, Florida homeowners are searching for ways to protect their homes and families better. One popular approach is to install hurricane impact doors.
South Florida shoppers have plenty of both products and installers to choose from. But the burning question is: Is it better to hire specialized impact door providers or purchase impact products from a big box store, like Home Depot or Lowes?
While self-purchasing may seem more cost-effective, homeowners must consider other factors before deciding. We'll help you understand the most important questions to consider to make the best decision for your home and family.
The Big-Box Dilemma: Why Home Depot & Lowe's Might Not Be Your Best Bet
When protecting your home in hurricane-prone South Florida, there is always a dilemma about Home Depot vs. Lowe's. Opting for hurricane-impact doors from these big-box retailers might seem convenient.
You may be considering going to a familiar retailer to purchase impact doors. Both Home Depot and Lowe's offer said products, but we recommend bypassing the significant box store route for several reasons:
REASON #1: CUSTOMIZATION & PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS: THE ALCO ADVANTAGE
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to hurricane impact doors. South Florida homes come in various shapes and sizes, and their hurricane protection requirements can differ significantly. Home Depot and Lowe's have limited options.
Alco, a specialized provider, offers customized and personalized solutions tailored to your needs. Alco understands the importance of ensuring your doors are a perfect fit for your property, providing you with the highest level of protection.
REASON #2: EXPERT INSTALLATION: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENERALISTS AND SPECIALISTS
The installation process for hurricane impact doors is complex and requires high expertise. If the doors are not installed correctly, they will not provide the protection you need in a severe storm.
When you purchase doors from Home Depot or Lowe's, you may have to rely on generalist contractors who may not specialize in hurricane door installation. The 3rd party crews often hired by big box stores often need more training to install hurricane impact doors. This reality means that even if you were to purchase a product for installation from one of these stores, the chances are that these crews would not install it correctly.
When you choose specialized impact door providers, on the other hand, they employ experts who have extensive experience in installing these doors. Their expertise ensures your doors are installed correctly, maximizing their performance during a hurricane.
REASON #3: AFTER-SALES SERVICE & WARRANTY: PEACE OF MIND WITH ALCO
A hurricane impact door is a significant investment, as you will want it to last many years. Unfortunately, big box stores often partner with uncertified specialists who only sometimes guarantee their work.
While these uncertified specialists offer lower prices, the quality of work could be better, and there is no guarantee that the door will last long.
On the other hand, a certified specialist like Alco will guarantee their work to give you much-needed peace of mind. What happens after your hurricane impact doors are installed? Alco offers a distinct advantage with its after-sales service and warranty coverage.
In contrast, big-box stores may provide a different level of support. Alco stands behind its products and offers comprehensive warranties, protecting your investment.
REASON #4: LOCAL EXPERTISE: UNDERSTANDING SOUTH FLORIDA'S UNIQUE NEEDS
South Florida has unique weather patterns and building code requirements, which can impact the choice and installation of hurricane-impact doors.
Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's may offer convenience but often need specialized knowledge to cater to South Florida's unique hurricane protection needs. They may provide generic hurricane impact door options without considering the region's specific climate, building codes, and environmental challenges.
On the other hand, Alco is based in South Florida and has an in-depth understanding of the region's specific needs. When you choose Alco, you benefit from local expertise that considers the nuances of South Florida's climate and building regulations, ensuring your doors are up to code and ready to withstand the harsh weather.
REASON #5: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY: THE MATERIALS AND CRAFTSMANSHIP DEBATE
Inventory at big box stores often lacks the quality of options sold by specialized impact door providers. This difference is because big box stores generally sell mass-produced products with lower-quality materials to keep costs down. While big-box retailers offer a wide range of products, the quality and craftsmanship of hurricane-impact doors can vary.
Specialized impact door providers focus on delivering high-quality, durable doors built to withstand hurricane conditions. Their commitment to quality ensures that your investment pays off in the long run, providing the protection your home needs when it matters most.
The Alco Difference: A Closer Look at Our Offerings Vs. Big-Box Retailers
When securing your home against the formidable forces of South Florida's hurricanes, the difference between Alco and big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's becomes evident.
In addition to providing protection from hurricane-force winds and flying debris, here's what you enjoy when you choose Alco's superior impact doors:
1) OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY
Alco's superior impact doors provide reliable longevity in all weather conditions. They're also easy to operate and work when you need them most - such as in the case of a fire or other emergency.
You can rest assured that years later, every piece of an impact door will reliably work, unlike the breakdown that generally occurs with traditional doors.
2) HEALTHIER HOMES
Unlike big box options, Alco's impact doors do not gather moisture and cause condensation. Excess condensation can lead to the growth of mold, which can be harmful to your health.
Condensation is also one of the main reasons why traditional doors break down over time. Alco's impact products will keep your home healthier and last longer by preventing condensation.
Additionally, these products can relieve people with asthma by reducing pollen, dust, and other irritants.
3) STRONGER HOME SECURITY
In Florida, a burglary occurs about every 5 seconds. Most burglaries happen through windows and doors, so impact products greatly increase your home security.
Alco's impact products are much more difficult to break than traditional products. They're also fitted with more robust locking mechanisms that make them even more resistant to forced entry.
In addition, intruders can't remove impact doors from the outside, so even if a burglar does manage to break the glass, they won't be able to enter your home.
This enhanced security feature is an essential consideration for any Florida homeowner.
4) EXTERIOR NOISE REDUCTION
Alco's superior impact doors provide a significant reduction in exterior noise. This feature can be a massive benefit if you live in a high-traffic area or near an airport.
The thicker glass and tight seal of impact glass create a barrier that significantly reduces the amount of noise that enters your home.
You'll be able to enjoy peace in your own home, even if the outside world is anything but quiet.
5) UV RAY FILTERING
UV rays not only cause damage to your skin but also to your home's interior. Alco's impact doors filter harmful UV rays, protecting you and your home. This additional protection can help to prevent fading of furniture, flooring, and other household items.
6) LOWER UTILITY BILLS
Because impact doors provide such a tight seal, they also help to keep your home better insulated. This feature leads to lower utility bills as your home's HVAC system won't have to work hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
In the summer, you'll be better protected from the heat. In the winter, you'll be safeguarded from the cold. Either way, you'll save money on your energy bills.
7) A MORE COMFORTABLE HOME
Have you ever walked from one end of your home to another and felt the temperature change? This imbalance is a common occurrence in residences with traditional doors.
Rooms on the south and west sides of homes get the hottest sun and can end up hotter than other rooms. Alco's impact doors keep the entire residence at an even temperature, so you'll never have to worry about hot or cold spots again.
8) A MORE SIGNIFICANT RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT
If you plan on selling your home, Alco's superior impact doors can increase its value. Because they provide a wide range of benefits, buyers will pay more for a home with impact products.
This means you'll get a higher return on your investment when it comes time to sell.
For example, hurricane doors are made of impact-resistant glass to help deter break-ins. Additionally, they can provide some noise reduction and energy efficiency.
See our guide on the impact door benefits for your property.
Where to Go for High-Rated Hurricane Impact Door Installation
If you are considering purchasing hurricane-impact doors, we recommend avoiding big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. Instead, buy your doors from a specialty retailer that can ensure you get a high-quality product that is properly installed and certified.
We can't stress this enough - the best hurricane-impact doors depend on high-quality installation services for maximum home protection.
What does high-quality impact door installation look like?
- Installation crews carry certification from reputable glass installation organizations, such as the American Window and Door Institute.
- All company employees hold proper insurance to protect you from potential liability.
- Installers use superior accessories, such as high-quality screws and sealants, to install your new hurricane impact doors.
- After installation, the crew cleans the work area before leaving your home.
- You receive a warranty on the hurricane impact doors and the installation services.
Don't settle for anything less when choosing an impact products installer. We recommend obtaining quotes from three separate companies before making any final decisions.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home's Safety and Aesthetics
Alco Windows and Doors provides hurricane-impact doors and installation services to residents throughout South Florida. We sell a wide range of impact products from the top manufacturers in the business, so you can rest assured that you're getting a high-quality product.
Additionally, our certified hurricane door specialists have the experience and expertise to ensure you receive the highest-quality installation services. Here's what the Alco difference looks like:
- We use superior products during installation for better results, such as marine-grade sealants and tap-con screws when mounting new windows and doors.
- Our dedicated account managers ensure you receive frequent and reliable updates on your South Florida door installation project to keep you in the loop every step of the way.
- Our installation crews take the time to fill gaps in your home's concrete after removing old windows and doors. This step ensures your new products fit more securely and resist bending and warping.
- We are registered with the Better Business Bureau and hold state contractor licensing to operate in Florida.
- We hold full business insurance to protect our employees and your home and property during installation.
- We guarantee all of our installation work so you can have peace of mind knowing that your hurricane-impact doors will last for many years.
Since our beginnings in 2017, we've committed to strengthening South Florida communities. Our friends and neighbors deserve a better path to protecting homes and families.
This mission is why we continually focus on two goals: superior product quality and outstanding customer service.
We believe our communities can be safer and stronger when people confidently understand how best to protect their homes, families, and livelihoods.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
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