While living in the great state of Kentucky doesn’t put us in the line of fire for hurricanes, we have many clients who are, and earlier today I was reading that weather experts are expecting the 2016 hurricane season to be especially active.
Just like fire-rated doors, there are certain things you can do that will inadvertently cause your hurricane-rated doors to lose their hurricane rating. So, before the next big storm blows up, read on so you know just what to avoid.
How to Keep Your Hurricane-Rated Doors in Shape
Paint and Labels Don’t Mix
If you have hurricane-rated doors, you know that they come with a label specifying that they are, in fact, hurricane-rated doors. This means that it’s gone through the ringer on tests and trials and it can withstand hurricane force winds. This is definitely something you want if you live in an area where this can happen. However, if you decide your door needs a new coat of paint and slap it on haphazardly without paying attention to the label you could easily negate all of those test results.
If any of the label is painted over, the hurricane rating is no longer effective.
Replacing Hardware? Think Again.
Recently, the Florida Building Code was updated and with that update came a very important change. No longer are hurricane rated doors tested by each piece individually. The entire door package is tested as an assembly and then given its rating. While to some it might not seem like a big deal, but it actually changes the game.
You used to be able to replace hardware on hurricane-rated doors as long as the hardware you were replacing it with was hurricane-rated itself. Now, however, that’s a big no-no. If any hardware is replaced on new hurricane-rated doors, it automatically causes the door to lose its hurricane rating.
If it’s one of the older hurricane-rated doors that was grandfathered into the new code, you may be able to replace the hardware, but you’ll definitely need to verify that with the Florida Building Code. I can’t give a definitive answer on that because it varies by door.
Say No to Door Modification
This sort of ties in to the point about replacing hardware but it’s still different so pay attention.
You can’t modify your door in any way or you risk losing the hurricane rating. This means:
- You can’t modify the doorframe
- You can’t change the handing of the door
- You can’t bore a hole through it for whatever reason
- You can’t add a window
Just say no. All of that will cause your door to lose its hurricane rating.
Hurricane-rated doors can be tricky so if you have any questions at all, check with the Florida Building Code before you make a change. You can also give us a call anytime and we’ll be happy to help!