As we enter the heart of hurricane season here in Naples, Florida, preparation is no longer optional—it’s essential. From June through November, tropical storms and hurricanes are a real threat to homeowners along the Southwest Florida coast. While many people focus on securing windows or reinforcing their roofs, entry doors are often overlooked despite being one of the most critical components of your home’s storm defense system.
At Guardian Hurricane Protection, we’ve seen firsthand how an improperly rated or poorly installed entry door can lead to devastating damage. From wind pressure buildup to water intrusion and structural failure, a vulnerable door can quickly compromise the safety of your home and family.
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Call Guardian Hurricane Protection today at 239-438-4732 or 239-237-1448 for a free consultation, or message us online and take the first step toward comprehensive storm protection.
Here are the 12 most important things you need to know about entry doors when preparing for hurricane season in Naples, FL.
1. Not All Entry Doors Are Hurricane Rated
Just because a door looks solid doesn’t mean it’s built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Standard residential doors are not designed to endure high pressures, heavy rain, or flying debris. Only hurricane-rated entry doors, which meet Florida Building Code (FBC) or Miami-Dade County standards, provide verified storm protection.
These doors are tested for:
- Impact resistance (simulated debris like 2x4s)
- Wind pressure resistance (positive and negative pressures)
- Water infiltration
- Forced entry
If your door isn’t clearly labeled with a Florida Product Approval Number or a Notice of Acceptance (NOA), it likely does not meet impact-resistance criteria.
2. Impact-Resistant Doors Offer More Than Just Strength
Impact doors are engineered with high-performance materials like fiberglass-reinforced skins, steel cores, and laminated impact glass. This construction helps them withstand wind speeds up to 180 mph, deflect debris, and prevent internal pressurization, which can cause your roof to lift off.
Laminated glass, often found in these doors, includes multiple layers bonded with a polymer interlayer. Even if the outer layer cracks, the interlayer keeps the glass from shattering.
3. Your Door Is Only as Strong as Its Frame
4. Multi-Point Locking Systems Offer Superior Protection
A single deadbolt may hold up under normal conditions, but during a hurricane, it’s not enough. Multi-point locking systems secure the door at multiple spots (top, middle, and bottom), making it harder for wind pressure to warp or pry the door open. This is a standard feature on most hurricane-rated doors we install.
5. Fiberglass and Steel Doors Are Ideal for Coastal Storm Zones
Wood doors can warp, swell, or rot in the hot, humid Florida climate. In contrast, fiberglass doors and steel entry doors are designed to handle extreme weather conditions. Fiberglass mimics the appearance of wood but offers greater durability, insulation, and moisture resistance. Steel doors are unmatched for strength and often used in high-security or commercial applications.
Many of our impact doors feature fiberglass exteriors with steel cores.
6. Decorative Glass? Make Sure It’s Hurricane-Rated
A door with glass inserts can still be hurricane-rated—but only if the glass meets impact-resistance standards. Guardian offers doors with laminated impact glass available in various styles, including etched, frosted, rain, or clear designs. These decorative options give homeowners the beauty they want with the storm protection they need.
Impact glass also blocks 99% of UV rays, helping protect interiors from fading.
7. Professional Installation Is Crucial
You can purchase the best hurricane-rated door on the market, but if it’s installed incorrectly, it won’t perform under pressure. At Guardian Hurricane Protection, our trained installers ensure every door:
- Is leveled and plumb
- Has frame anchors secured into structural framing
- Uses proper sealants and thresholds
- Meets all building code requirements
Why It Matters: Improper installation can void your door’s warranty—and your insurance coverage.
8. Seals, Weatherstripping & Thresholds Matter More Than You Think
Even minor gaps around your entry door can allow water and wind intrusion during a hurricane. High-quality weatherstripping, sweep seals, and thresholds ensure your door is water-tight and wind-resistant. These elements often wear out with time and need replacement or adjustment before each hurricane season.
Maintenance Tip: Check for light showing through the frame—if you see any, reseal immediately.
9. Corrosion-Resistant Hardware is a Must
Saltwater exposure from the Gulf Coast accelerates corrosion on metal components. That’s why we recommend and install stainless steel or powder-coated hardware that resists rust, tarnish, and wear—even in coastal conditions.
Choose from finishes like satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black—without sacrificing durability.
10. Energy Efficiency Comes Standard with Impact Doors
Impact doors aren’t just stronger—they’re also better insulated. Many models feature insulated cores, dual-pane glass, and energy-saving seals that block heat and cold. In a climate like Naples, this can lead to lower cooling costs and more consistent indoor temperatures.
11. You Don’t Have to Sacrifice Style for Storm Protection
Gone are the days of clunky or industrial-looking hurricane doors. Today’s designs are sleek, modern, and customizable. Whether you prefer Mediterranean, modern farmhouse, coastal contemporary, or traditional, Guardian offers styles and colors that match your architecture and boost curb appeal.
Customization Options Include:
- Panel configurations
- Sidelights and transoms
- Textured wood grain finishes
- Paint and stain options
12. Schedule Regular Inspections & Upgrade When Needed
If your door is over a decade old, it may not meet current hurricane codes. Or worse, it may have hidden damage like warping, hinge fatigue, or water intrusion. Guardian Hurricane Protection offers free assessments to evaluate your door’s condition and provide upgrade recommendations.
Don’t Wait Until a Storm Is Headed Your Way
Your entry door plays a critical role in shielding your home and family from hurricane damage. Whether you’re updating an older door, building a new home, or simply want peace of mind, Guardian Hurricane Protection is your trusted partner in Naples and Southwest Florida.
We offer:
- Hurricane-rated fiberglass and steel doors
- Miami-Dade approved systems
- Custom designs and finishes
- Professional installation
- Free estimates and inspections
Southwest Florida's Most Trusted Window & Door Installer
The threat of a hurricane isn’t just theoretical—it’s real, and it’s growing each year. Your front entry door plays a critical role in your home’s overall storm protection. By ensuring your door is impact-rated, professionally installed, properly sealed, and structurally sound, you can rest easier knowing your home and loved ones are better protected.
Call Guardian Hurricane Protection today at 239-438-4732 or 239-237-1448 or message us online to get a free quote and schedule your entry door installation.
