Do patio and sliding doors need the same rating as the front door?
Any exterior door in a wind-borne debris region needs an approved product with the right design pressure and, in the high-velocity hurricane zone, a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance. Ratings differ by door type and size, so a slider is judged on its own approval. It is not covered by a front door approval.
Can an impact door have a low threshold?
Yes, within limits. Rated doors use a sill built to the approval, and the exterior side has to shed water, so a completely flat threshold is not always possible. Low-profile sills exist that meet accessibility needs and the water test. Tell us at the survey if step height or a wheelchair matters, and we will check the options.
Are the lock and hinges part of the rating?
Yes. The tested assembly includes the hinges, the locking points and the strike plates. A multipoint lock holds the door at several places along its height. Swapping in different hardware after installation can void the approval, so choose the lock set before ordering and keep to what the approval lists.
Does a covered porch mean I can use a lighter door?
Not on its own. A covered porch changes how much rain reaches the door, but the wind load rating is set by the building and the location, and the building department decides what applies. Some covered areas are treated differently, so the permit review is the place to confirm it, not guesswork.
Should I order the door before the permit comes back?
Usually the permit and the order move together. The product approval has to be attached to the permit application, so the door is chosen first. Some manufacturers will build before the permit clears, but if a plan reviewer asks for changes, a door that is already built may need to be reworked. We sequence it to limit that risk.
Will an impact door feel heavier to use?
Yes, somewhat. Laminated glass and a reinforced frame add weight, so hinges and closers are larger than on a basic door. In daily use a well-hung door swings easily. If you have small children or reduced strength, ask about the weight of the leaf, the closer setting, and a lever handle that is easier to use.
What happens to the stucco and trim around the door?
Removal of an old frame usually damages the stucco at the edges, so a patch is part of the job. We match texture as closely as practical and prime the repair, but a full repaint of the wall is the only way to hide it completely. Interior trim is replaced where it was disturbed.
Can I have blinds between the glass?
Some manufacturers offer rated doors with blinds sealed inside an insulated glass unit, which keeps them clean and out of the way. They add cost and lead time, and not every approved door offers them. Ask at the selection stage, because the glass type is fixed once the order is placed.
