Windstorm vs Impact Rated Doors: What’s the Difference?
Posted by Jaime P. on Nov 4th 2025
Time to settle this one once and for all.
When it comes to protecting your home from hurricanes and strong winds, not all doors are built the same.
If you live in coastal regions like Florida, the Carolinas, or Texas, you’ve probably heard the phrase Windstorm vs Impact Rated Doors — but what’s the real difference between the two?
In this blog, we’ll break down how each performs, how they’re tested, and which one is right for your home.
What Is a Windstorm Rated Door?
A windstorm-rated door is engineered to withstand powerful wind pressures during hurricanes or tropical storms.
Each door is tested and assigned a Design Pressure (DP) rating — a measure of how much wind force it can resist before structural failure.
Example:
A DP-50 rating means the door can handle winds of around 160 mph, strong enough for major hurricanes.
How They’re Tested:
In a controlled lab environment, pressure is applied to simulate hurricane-force winds. To pass, the door must remain intact without bending, cracking, or separating from its frame.
Best For:
Homes in high-wind areas that experience strong gusts but not frequent flying debris.
What Is an Impact Rated Door?
An impact-rated door goes beyond wind pressure resistance — it’s designed to withstand both high winds and flying debris during severe storms.
How They’re Tested:
Impact-rated doors undergo “missile impact testing,” where projectiles like 2×4 boards or steel balls are fired at high speed to simulate storm debris.
Even after impact, the door must remain structurally sound to continue protecting your home.
Best For:
Coastal and hurricane-prone regions where debris damage is common, such as Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Why Impact and Windstorm Ratings Matter in Coastal States
After devastating storms like Hurricanes Andrew, Irma, and Ian, states along the South and East Coasts — including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and coastal Virginia — adopted stricter building codes to protect homes from hurricane-force winds and debris.
In South Florida, the Florida Keys, and coastal cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, impact-rated doors are often required by law for new builds and major remodels.
These products must meet the Florida Building Code (FBC) and Miami-Dade County standards, which are recognized nationwide as some of the toughest hurricane-protection requirements.
Tip: Check your local building department or use the Florida Building Code Product Approval Database to see if your home falls within a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ).
Learn more: GlassCraft.com/Impact-Windstorm-Ratings
⚙️ Which Door Type Do You Need?
| Region | Recommended Door Type |
|---|---|
| Inland Areas | Windstorm Rated |
| Coastal / Hurricane Zones | Impact Rated |
| Not Sure? | Check your local codes or ask your builder |
FAQs About Windstorm vs Impact Rated Doors
Q: Do I need an impact-rated door if I already have hurricane shutters?
A: Not always — but having both provides the best protection and can even lower insurance costs.
Q: Can fiberglass doors be impact-rated?
A: Yes. Many GlassCraft fiberglass doors are certified to meet both windstorm and impact testing standards, combining durability and style.
Q: How do I know if my door is certified?
A: Look for a manufacturer’s label or request documentation. GlassCraft provides certification for all impact and windstorm-rated doors that meet coastal building code requirements.
Q: What does “DP rating” mean?
A: DP, or Design Pressure, indicates how much wind force a door can withstand before structural failure. A higher DP rating means stronger resistance to wind and pressure.
Q: Are impact-rated doors worth the cost?
A: Yes. Impact-rated doors provide long-term value through safety, insurance savings, and reduced storm damage risk.
✅ The Bottom Line: Why Proper Door Selection Matters Year-Round
Choosing between Windstorm vs Impact Rated Doors isn’t just about hurricane season — it’s about long-term home protection. Impact-rated doors help maintain your home’s structural integrity and prevent costly water or wind damage, even during less severe storms. Meanwhile, windstorm-rated doors offer reliable defense for inland areas that still experience strong gusts and storm surges.
Whether you live along the Gulf Coast, the Carolinas, or inland Texas, investing in a properly rated door enhances both safety and home value all year long.
Explore impact and windstorm-rated doors at GlassCraft.com