Your Door Is a Large Opening in the Building
In high-wind areas, selecting a garage or commercial door isn't simply about appearance.
The door may need to meet specific structural requirements based on the building location, opening size and applicable building code.
This is especially important in hurricane-prone coastal areas.
Terms such aswind-rated, impact-rated, design pressure and hurricane-rated are often used when discussing doors, but they don't all mean exactly the same thing.
What Is a Wind-Rated Door?
Wind-rated doors are designed and tested to resist specified wind pressures.
Wind doesn't simply push against a building from one direction. During severe weather, exterior openings can experience both positive and negative pressures.
The required rating depends on factors that can include building location, structure type, exposure and door dimensions.
That's why selecting a door based solely on a general wind-speed claim can be misleading.
The door needs to be appropriate for the specific project.
Wind Rating and Impact Rating Aren't the Same Thing
This distinction is important.
Wind-load resistance relates to the pressure placed on the door.
Impact resistance relates to the ability of an approved door assembly to withstand specified debris-impact testing.
Depending on the project location and local building requirements, one or both may apply.
Why Door Size Matters
A larger door presents a larger surface area to the wind.
For that reason, a door model that meets certain requirements at one size shouldn't automatically be assumed to meet those same requirements at every possible width and height.
The exact door configuration and approved installation details matter.
The Door Is an Assembly
A garage door isn't just the visible steel panel or curtain.
The complete system may include:
Door sections or curtain
Guides or tracks
Brackets
Springs
Fasteners
Reinforcement
Anchors
Supporting structure
The required performance depends on the complete approved assembly being installed correctly.
Florida and Coastal Projects Require Extra Attention
High-wind coastal areas can have particularly strict building requirements.
Florida projects, for example, may require documentation demonstrating that a door meets the applicable requirements for its location.
Requirements can also differ between jurisdictions.
Always confirm the current requirements with the local building department or project design professional before ordering.
Don't Wait Until Permitting to Ask
A common mistake is choosing a door based on appearance and dimensions and only later discovering that the project requires a specific wind or impact rating.
Discuss the project location when requesting your door quote.
That gives the supplier an opportunity to identify whether additional specifications or documentation may be necessary.
Get the Right Door for Your Location
Duro Doors supplies residential and commercial steel door systems for projects throughout the United States and other markets.
Our team can help you identify door options based on the opening size, building type and project requirements.
Call Duro Doors at 800-872-5740 with your door dimensions, installation location and intended application to get started.