The garage door industry has changed quite a bit over the past 60 years. With the implementation of the Florida Building Code, all garage doors in Florida need to be installed with hurricane protection in mind. We go above and beyond these requirements by installing impact rated doors which exceed the building code. We do this because most if not all insurance companies require impact doors in order to issue you hurricane credits — saving you money in the long run.
Since we live in Florida, we should all take some time to think about hurricane awareness. The Florida Building Code has required hurricane garage doors since 2001. Every three years the code is reviewed and changed. The following list shows the mile per hour ratings required by code:
2001-2004 102 MPH
2004-2007 110 MPH
2007-2010 123 MPH
2010-2013 145 MPH
2014-2016 145 MPH
2017-2019 145 MPH
2020-2022 ????????
By looking at this chart you can see that your garage door does not meet current code if it was installed before 2010. Simply backing your car up to your garage door, especially if it is a one-piece swing out door, is not going to protect your house from hurricane force winds. Especially if those winds are sucking out instead of blowing in.
In addition to the wind speed, you should also be aware that there are two separate levels of hurricane protection. There are hurricane doors, which must meet the wind pressures required by code, and there are impact rated garage doors, which meet these same requirements plus they are tested to withstand small missile impacts, i.e. tree limbs. Insurance companies will only give clients rate reductions if they have impact rated doors. Standard hurricane doors do not qualify.
Keep this information in mind when you are preparing for a hurricane or if you are deciding to replace your garage door.
