Most homeowners know to prioritize windows and roofs when it comes to hurricane preparation. Doors matter, too. During extreme storms, doors can be the source of significant water intrusion.
Small openings around exterior doors can allow moisture to get inside during powerful wind-driven rain events and storm pressure.
Hurricanes bring about conditions in Florida that force water into unexpected areas of the home. The intense storms subject doors to sideways rain, changing pressures, and flooding. Doors don’t always stand up to extreme conditions without some type of failure.
Water definitely can come in through your door during a hurricane. Older doors, damaged doors, or doors without the proper seals can easily allow water inside when impacted by hurricane rain and storm pressures. Let’s talk about how and why this happens.
Why Hurricane Winds and Rain Stress Doors
Rain isn’t the only factor that creates problems for doors during hurricanes. Storm winds, flying debris, moisture, and storm surge all impact how well exterior doors hold up.
Wind-driven rain is particularly problematic. Rain typically comes down straight during normal storms. Hurricane winds can force rain horizontally against your home for extended periods of time.
This puts pressure on door frames, door thresholds, door seals, and lock systems. Once water gets behind these weak points, it can begin to seep into the interior of your home.
Old doors with weaker hardware are most susceptible to failure. Over time, weatherstripping and door seals break down.
Warped door frames, shifting door installation, and worn thresholds might not be noticeable during a summer rainstorm. However, once hurricane wind pressures and rain are added to the equation, these trouble areas can allow water inside your home.
Ways Water Comes In Through Doors
There are multiple ways that water can get into your home through exterior doors. Sometimes obvious; other times not so much.
Typical causes of water intrusion through doors include:
- Old or worn weatherstripping
- Gaps around the door frame
- Threshold not properly sealed
- Door not installed correctly
- Door warping or frame shifting
- Pressure from wind-driven rain
Clogged sliding glass door tracks can also cause water to pool up and come inside during heavy rains.
Door installations can be problematic, too. Flashing, seals, or improper door framing can lead to water coming in around the door instead of through it.
That’s why professional installation is so critical in Florida.
Storm Surge vs Rain Intrusion
Hurricane rain and storm surge are two different beasts. Water can come inside during heavy rains with neither severe storm surge nor high tide flooding involved.
Storm surge, on the other hand, poses a serious threat to doors. Storm surge can refer to rising ocean water or floodwater accumulating against the home. In these scenarios, typical exterior doors won’t hold up for long against hurricane force storm surge.
Impact doors are tested to resist wind and rain penetration. But that doesn’t mean floodwater won’t eventually cause issues.
Old Doors Pose Bigger Risk of Water Intrusion
Many Florida homes have older doors installed before hurricane codes were created or updated. Old doors are more likely to have weaker seals and lack the reinforcement of newer models.
Normal wear and tear also cause older doors to break down over time. Humidity, salt air, and general use can wear down door frames, damage seals, and loosen hardware.
Look for these signs that your doors may allow water intrusion:
- You can feel air coming in around the edges
- You can see light coming through gaps
- Water stains on or around the door threshold
- Won’t lock securely
- Door is soft when you push on it
If your doors allow water in during a sunny day thunderstorm, hurricanes will spell trouble.
Door Vulnerabilities Many Homeowners Ignore
Many homeowners don’t realize how susceptible their exterior doors are until water comes through during a hurricane. Hurricane season is always right around the corner in Florida.
Impact Doors Mitigate Water Intrusion
Impact doors are designed to do more than prevent debris from breaking through windows. Impact doors are constructed to better withstand hurricane-force winds and rain.
Impact doors usually feature stronger frames, better hardware, more robust weather sealing, and fewer gaps during installation. All of these features help prevent water intrusion during storms.
Impact doors are meant to keep wind and rain out – not just prevent glass breakage. Hurricane-rated doors undergo rigorous testing to simulate hurricane-force winds and water penetration.
Sliding Glass Doors and Water Intrusion
Sliding glass doors require special attention due to their large surface area and sliding track. Sliding glass doors are extremely common in Florida. But older models are much more susceptible to hurricane damage.
If sliding glass door tracks become clogged with debris or drainage systems aren’t functioning properly, heavy rain and wind may force water into the space beneath the door.
Newer impact sliding glass doors are manufactured differently than older models. New sliding doors have better drainage channels, improved reinforcement around the frame, and more effective sealing systems.
However, maintenance is still required for impact sliding glass doors. Dirt and debris can accumulate in door tracks over time, causing drainage channels to clog. Regular cleaning of sliding door tracks is recommended.
Don’t Forget About Door Installation
High-quality hurricane doors are only as good as their installation. Improper installation can create weak spots around the door frame.
Poor flashing, weak door anchors, insufficient sealant, and gaps in the installation can allow water to enter during hurricanes. Water typically finds its way through the smallest vulnerabilities.
Professional installers know how to properly seal and reinforce exterior doors to withstand Florida weather. Flashing, thresholds, and other waterproofing installation details are essential to keeping water outside where it belongs.
Professional installation is key, even if you purchase the door yourself.
Before Hurricane Season: Preventative Maintenance
Before hurricane season starts, take a look at your exterior doors. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to correct small problems than to deal with costly water damage later.
Check your weatherstripping, inspect your thresholds, clear out your sliding glass door tracks, and look for signs of water damage or soft door frames.
If your doors are older, upgrading to impact-resistant models could make a big difference in performance and peace of mind.
Upgrading your exterior doors is one way to help prevent water intrusion. Impact windows can help with that, too.
Window and door upgrades can help prevent water damage and also improve wind resistance, energy efficiency, and home security.
Hurricanes Put Your Whole Home At Risk
Water doesn’t have to come in through your door to cause thousands of dollars of damage. Water that infiltrates your home can damage floors, drywall, insulation, and trim work, and encourage mold growth.
The trouble usually begins with just a small amount of water. Before you know it, water damage repair takes over your life.
Installing strong doors that can withstand hurricane-force winds and rain helps protect your entire home. Not just the doorway.
Upgrade Old Doors with Absolute Window LLC
At Absolute Window LLC, we want to help you find the best impact doors for your Florida home. Not only can impact doors help prevent water intrusion, but they also enhance energy efficiency, security, and protection against hurricane winds.
Contact Absolute Window LLC today or visit our showroom to see our selection of impact doors for yourself.
