Are Sliding Patio Doors Hurricane Resistant?

For homeowners who live in storm-prone regions of the country, the challenge of protecting their sliding patio doors from powerful winds and airborne debris is a familiar one. After all, patio doors are essentially large windows that slide open and shut to allow people to move easily between indoor and outdoor living spaces. This means your sliding glass doors are just as vulnerable to breakage as your windows during a hurricane or tropical storm, and that can lead to devastating damage as intense winds and rain inundate your indoor spaces. Moreover, there are few good options for covering patio doors to protect them during a storm.

Can Patio Doors Resist Impacts?

Fortunately, advanced technology has made it possible for homeowners to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing their sliding patio doors are hurricane resistant. Like windows, patio doors can be manufactured with impact-resistant laminated glass and reinforced frames. This translates into year-round storm protection, which is a valuable benefit in regions where violent storms often pop up with little to no warning.

But how does laminated glass work? To understand the key role laminated glass plays, you first need to recognize why it’s important. During hurricanes and tropical storms, much of the property damage that occurs is due to broken windows or doors that allow extreme air pressure to enter the structure. When this happens, a roof that isn’t properly secured can be torn off, resulting in the complete loss of the structure. If a home has impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors, airborne debris that strikes glass will shatter it, but the laminate film will keep the pane intact and prevent the wind and air pressure from entering the home.   

Do Patio Doors Need To Be Boarded Up During Hurricanes?

Because of the crucial role performed by impact-resistant glass panes, patio doors that are hurricane-rated do not need to be boarded up when a storm is approaching. The impact-resistant glass serves the same purpose as the hurricane protection that would be installed over the window. However, if you’d prefer to not have to deal with replacing a shattered patio door or window, you could add an extra layer of protection before a storm.

Additional Benefits of Choosing Hurricane-Resistant Sliding Patio Doors

If you’re planning to add impact-resistant patio doors to your home, you’re making a smart move that will pay off with rewards besides beefed-up storm protection. If you’re careful to choose high-quality impact-resistant patio doors, they will:

• Dramatically reduce heat transfer through the glass, which can help lower your cooling and heating costs
• Deter would-be burglars from targeting your home, as they’ll find it nearly impossible to break the glass and gain entry
• Minimize the amount of outdoor noise that enters your home because impact-resistant glass provides an excellent sound buffer

A Trusted Choice For Impact-Resistant Patio Doors

At NewSouth Window Solutions, we offer impact-resistant sliding glass patio doors that will beautify your home inside and out while also providing excellent protection from storm damage. Made from reinforced uPVC vinyl frames and one-inch insulated glass units, our patio doors are available in a variety of configurations and colors, so you can choose an option that fits your needs and style preferences perfectly.

And, thanks to our factory-direct approach, we can offer our customers competitive prices and a lifetime transferable warranty that covers both our products and their installation.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to explore options for hurricane-resistant sliding patio doors, contact NewSouth Window Solutions today. Our service area includes communities in Florida and throughout the South.