Whether your current front door has been damaged or you just want to replace it, you may want to consider going with an impact door. The outside of these doors are made with fiberglass and they are filled with polyurethane instead of metal and regular insulation. They are much stronger than standard entry doors. In addition, if you would like to have decorative windows in the door, the glass is also extra strong. The windows are made of impact-resistant glass comprised of two pieces of glass bonded together to be able to withstand impacts. Impact doors must undergo testing to ensure they can withstand strong impacts and protect your home. Finally, an impact door uses extra-strong hinges to keep them in place. While these doors are designed to protect your home during hurricanes, there are many other benefits to having one installed.
General Impact Protection
Tree branches and porch furniture can be easily flung around by high winds. When they are tossed against your door, it causes damage. The impact may not be enough to break the door entirely, but any damage to a door makes it weaker. A weak front door offers very little protection to your family and possessions.
Home Invasion Protection
If a hurricane is not going to break down your door, it is highly unlikely that an intruder is going to be able to break it. Everything about impact doors prohibits people from breaking into your home. People attempting to break in are not even going to be able to damage the door, they will have to seek another way to get inside.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Having protection against wind, hurricanes, and burglars will lower your homeowner's insurance premiums. Insurance companies know that claims for theft or damage due to a broken door are highly unlikely when you have impact doors installed.
Noise Reduction
The polyurethane inside impact-rated doors is also very proficient at noise reduction. You will be able to sit in your home and not hear all the loud cars driving down the street. Loud wind, barking dogs, and blaring music will all be a thing of the past.
Aesthetics
Being made of stronger materials, it is possible to create intricate designs in the door and any windows on impact doors. In addition, the designs will look good longer than standard door designs. Finally, the weather will not cause wear and tear on impact doors, keeping them in better shape than standard doors.
Lower Heating and Cooling Bills
Impact doors are much better at being insulated than standard doors. Better insulation means the air inside stays inside and the air outside stays out. This, in turn, means you won't have to spend as much money trying to keep the air temperature in your home stable. Your heating and cooling bills will be lower, too.
Higher Home Value
Impact doors protect your home from wind, debris, and burglars. They are pleasant to look at and will stay that way longer. If you decide to sell your home, these doors add to the curb appeal of the house. All of these things add to the value of your property. Should you decide to sell, you will be able to get more for your home.
If you don't live in an area with high winds or hurricanes impact doors are still a good investment. If you do live in an area where the elements are of concern, impact doors are almost a necessity. In fact, your insurance company or county codes may require you have them. It might be a good idea to check with them if you are replacing your door.
For more information about impact doors, contact a local service.