“What types of doors are used in hurricane prone areas?”
On the surface, this seems like a simple question, but, in actuality, the answer is complex. This is because hurricanes and other tropical storms exert multiple dynamic forces on the built environment, which makes having a single, standardized test to determine hurricane resistance impossible. Instead, the building industry has developed a series of tests that provide data on the many dangers these weather events represent.
Exterior folding doors that pass these tests are eligible for Florida Product Approvals. This certification ensures a product or system can be used throughout the state of Florida, including High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) like Miami-Dade County, which has some of the most stringent code requirements in the country.
While these approvals can offer peace of mind and streamline specification, understanding the types of testing criteria that goes into determining hurricane resistance can help building professionals select the right door for their next project.
Know the types: impact ratings for exterior folding doors
In general, impact ratings provide data on the amount of force a product or system can withstand before failure. These ratings are important in determining the appropriateness of a system within a project. They can also be crucial for enhanced security. For instance, forced-entry rated exterior folding doors can withstand impact without breaking to delay skilled or semi-skilled intruders.
When building in hurricane prone areas, designers are encouraged to find exterior folding doors that can defend occupants from large missile impact. This ensures a door system can stand strong against flying debris during high winds. Testing standards like TAS 201-94 provide usable data for determining a product’s large missile impact resistance and can help guide specifiers in choosing products with appropriate performance capabilities.
What other system data is important for building in hurricane prone areas?
While impact ratings are crucial for selecting the right door for a project in a HVHZ or any other area that experiences extreme weather, it is not the only data specifiers should consider. Hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes all exhibit dynamic wind loads that can strain and destroy all parts of the built environment, doors included. Hurricane-resistant openings that meet testing criteria for wind load and cyclic wind pressure can withstand the damaging effects of high winds. TAS 203-94 and TAS 202-94 are two standards that provide building professionals with the information they need to determine if a system can resist static and cyclic air pressure.
In addition, exterior folding doors that can mitigate water infiltration from wind-blown rain can also help protect occupants and property from damaging effects of hurricanes. Euro-Wall’s Vista Fold™ product line can accommodate measures to meet ASTM E331-00, which tests door and window systems resistance to water penetration. This helps ensure that occupants are not only protected from high wind and flying debris but also from rain.
Exterior folding doors that offer resilience and adaptability
When building in hurricane prone areas, it is crucial that any door system provides the performance capabilities necessary to keep occupants safe during extreme weather conditions. That said, it is also important for hurricane-resistant exterior doors to meet a wide range of project goals, including aesthetics and ease of operation.
When it comes to making a bold architectural statement, Vista Fold™ delivers. Offering some of the largest and strongest folding door panels on the market today—with heights up to 168 inches and widths up to 52 inches—Vista Fold is built to perform in expansive, high-impact openings.
As either a thermally broken or non-thermal system, Vista Fold features slim-profile frames and narrow interlock sightlines that beautifully connect indoor and outdoor spaces without sacrificing structural integrity. The result? Clean, modern aesthetics paired with powerful performance.
Looking for more design freedom? With nearly unlimited layout options, the multi-directional Vista Fold configuration can be tailored to a space—making it perfect for custom homes, restaurants, hospitality venues, or any project that demands both flexibility and flair. This multi-directional folding door system is made from linked panels that can fold and slide in either direction to allow double-egress, multiple opening options or a single wide opening—all with the strength to withstand impact from flying debris, high pressure winds and more.
Designed and Built in America to withstand America’s most extreme weather
Euro-Wall is based in and manufactures opening solutions from North Port, Florida. Being in the heart of a hurricane prone area, Euro-Wall understands not only the dangers posed by extreme tropical storms but also what strength and durability is needed to withstand these weather events.
Euro-Wall’s full suite of exterior folding doors, pivot doors, sliding doors and window systems offer building professionals resilient openings that meet a wide range of design aesthetics to deliver performance and style in one sleek, modern package.
Find the nearest authorized Euro-Wall dealer today to discover how these systems can meet your project goals.