As the rate of severe storms continues to increase, Florida homeowners are searching for ways to better protect their homes and families. 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 making a final decision. 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?
What Are Hurricane Impact Doors?
Also called "impact doors," hurricane impact doors are designed to resist strong winds and flying debris from severe storms. Products typically consist of impact-resistant glass and a heavy-duty frame.
Hurricane impact doors come in a variety of options to suit any home. For instance, you may prefer French doors or sliding glass doors. Versatility also comes in the form of colors and materials.
Additional Benefits of Hurricane Impact Doors
In addition to providing protection from hurricane-force winds and flying debris, hurricane impact doors offer other benefits.
1) Operational Reliability
Impact doors provide reliable longevity in all types of 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 window will reliably work, unlike the breakdown that generally occurs with traditional doors.
2) Healthier Homes
Unlike cheaper options, 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. By preventing condensation, impact products will keep your home healthier and last much longer.
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, which is why impact products are a great way to increase your home security.
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
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 and quiet 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. 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 the other 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 in the house.
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're planning on selling your home in the future, impact doors can increase their value. Because they provide a wide range of benefits, buyers will pay more for a home with impact products.
This means that 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, so they can help deter break-ins. Additionally, they can provide some noise reduction and energy efficiency.
What to Consider Before Buying Impact Doors from Big Box Stores (Like Home Depot & Lowe's)
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:
1) Limited Product Quality
Inventory at big box stores often lacks the quality of options sold by specialty dealers. This difference is because big box stores generally sell mass-produced products with lower-quality materials to keep costs down.
2) Non-Specialized Installation Options
Second, the installation process for hurricane impact doors is complex and requires a high level of expertise. If the doors are not installed correctly, they will not provide the level of protection you need in a severe storm.
3) A Lack of Installation Guarantees
A hurricane impact door is a significant investment, as you will want it to last for many years. Unfortunately, big box stores often partner with uncertified specialists who don't always guarantee their work.
While these uncertified specialists offer lower prices, the quality of work is often lacking, and there is no guarantee that the door will last for the long term. On the other hand, a certified specialist will guarantee their work to give you much-needed peace of mind.
Unfortunately, the 3rd party crews often hired by big box stores often lack proper 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.
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.
Get an Installation Quote from Alco Windows and Doors Today
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 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 the state of Florida.
- We hold full business insurance to protect our employees and your home and property during installation.
- We offer a guarantee on all of our installation work, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your hurricane-impact doors will last for many years to come.
Since our beginnings in 2017, we’ve committed ourselves to making South Florida communities stronger. 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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