Hurricane Resistant Doors

Pressure & Impact Rated Applications

The United States averages 17 hurricanes per decade, 34% of which are classified as major (category 3, 4, or 5). In 1992, Hurricane Andrew killed 65 people and caused $26 billion in damage. That was the impetus for city, county and state authorities to develop new hurricane-resistant building codes.

Hurricane rated doors dramatically reduce the risk of harm to building occupants. They also allow for conformance to local and state code requirements.

These specialty door assemblies are tested with the positive and negative pressures that occur during hurricanes. They are then rated with a “design pressure,” which is different than wind speed. For example, a wind speed of 170 mph produces a design pressure of +49/-53 psf. This value will vary depending on the height above ground, the opening’s location in the building, and other factors.

Specifications for Hurricane Doors

When specifying hurricane rated doors, it’s important to:

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    Have a structural engineer provide a design pressure for each opening

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    Select listed opening assemblies with equal or greater design pressure values

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    Ensure the functional needs of the openings are met (i.e. fire rated with panic exit hardware, glazing, etc.)

    Many SDI Certified manufacturers produce doors that can resist winds from 110 to 170 miles per hour and are in accordance with the strict requirements of ANSI A250.13, the Florida Building Code (FBC) and the South Florida Building Code (SFBC).

    Church with Hurricane Shelter

    Church with hurricane shelter

    Resources

    SDI has developed a variety of resources for architects, specifiers and distributors on hurricane rated doors below.

    ANSI / SDI A250.13

    Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for Swinging Door Assemblies for Protection of Building Envelopes

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    Presentation

    Covers STC, Wood Grain Finish, Hurricane and Tornado Resistance, and more

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    SDI 136

    Guideline for Specifying Windstorm Products

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    Video

    Specifying Hurricane Rated Steel Doors

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    Manufacturers

    Click a manufacturer’s logo below to visit their website and learn more about their hurricane resistant doors.