Should you install impact sliding glass doors or protect your existing ones with new hurricane shutters? The decision is ultimately up to you. But in this article we discuss both options and provide considerations and pros and cons of each.
Want to see all your storm protection options? Check out our range of hurricane products.
What’s Better? Impact Sliding Glass Doors vs. Hurricane Shutters?
As we mentioned above, the decision is ultimately yours. It is not so much about which is a better product or which one we recommend. The choice really does come down to your preferences, budget, etc. Below is a summary of which product is better based on your potential needs.
Impact sliding glass doors are a great option. And they may be the right option for you if you:
- have a higher budget
- want easy, 24/7 storm protection without needing to install or deploy shutters
- like the idea of protecting your home without changing its appearance
Hurricane shutters are a good option. They may be right for you if you:
- need to protect your sliders with a lower budget
- want some added functionality, such as shade or security protection (with some types of storm shutters)
- are looking for a specific style, or don’t mind the look of shutters on your home
Below we dive into each product more in-depth to help you make an informed decision.
Impact Sliders
Impact Sliding Glass Doors are sliding glass doors typically installed leading out to your patio or porch. These sliders look like regular sliding doors, but they are constructed with impact glass and impact resistant materials. This makes them hurricane-rated. This means they can withstand the impacts of hurricane force winds and flying objects without shattering into a million pieces.
You do not need to install anything over them for a hurricane. They are impact resistant so they are your hurricane protection.
When are impact sliding doors a good choice?
Hurricane impact sliding glass doors are a great option because of their convenience and appearance. Here are some reasons they may be a better option than hurricane shutters for your situation.
They are your best choice if you want or need 24/7 storm protection without having to install or deploy anything. This is critical if you are not always at your property or do not have the ability to install or deploy shutters. They are always ready to protect. So you can be assured that both your sliding doors and your home will be protected.
They also protect your home without changing the look of it. If the appearance of your home is important to you this should be a key consideration. They look like nice sliding glass doors. There are no bolts, housings, or anything.
How Impact Sliding Doors Compare to Storm Shutters
Pros vs shutters:
- Sliding impact doors look like new, normal sliding doors (they don’t detract from or change the look of your home)
- They offer 24/7 hurricane protection and require zero installation or removal before and after a storm
- Allow natural light in the home even if the power is out
Cons vs shutters:
- Sliding impact doors are more costly then some hurricane shutters both for initial installation cost and repair costs
- If something hits your impact glass hard enough, they may get damaged and will most likely need to be repaired or replaced. The repair time and cost can be high depending on the level of damage.
Hurricane Shutters
The other alternative to protect your glass sliders is to install Hurricane shutters over them.
Hurricane-proof shutters are made of impact resistant materials and designed to protect the glass openings of your home during a hurricane. Many shutters are rated to withstand up to a category 5 storm and suitable for use in HVHZ zones. Make sure to check with your hurricane shutter company to verify the specs of their products.
Hurricane Shutters For Sliding Doors
There are many different styles of hurricane shutters. Each type varies in terms of their looks, ease-of-use and cost.
Some shutters, such as storm panels are temporary and need to be installed and uninstalled for each storm. Other types of shutters are permanently attached to your home and just need to be deployed (closed) before a storm.
Not all shutters are suitable for sliding glass doors. This is because of the size of the door opening. The different styles of storm shutters that can be used to protect sliding glass doors include:
When are Hurricane Shutters a good choice?
Shutters are a good choice if you want a lower cost vs installing impact glass sliding doors. Most styles of shutters will be more economical than installing new impact sliding doors. However, some may be comparable. In turn, it is helpful to understand the cost of hurricane shutters.
They are also a good choice if you want added functionality that some shutter types offer, such as shade or security.
Pros of hurricane shutters vs impact glass:
- They are usually cheaper vs impact sliding doors (dependent on shutter type)
- Can be easier and/or less costly to repair or replace if damaged
- Some types of shutters offer additional functionality, such as security protection, shade / light control, and privacy in addition to storm protection
Cons of shutters vs impact sliding glass doors
- Unlike impact glass they do not offer 24/7 protection. They do need to be installed/uninstalled or deployed/opened before and after a storm, which may be difficult and time consuming
- May change or degrade the look of your home depending on which shutter type you select
- Some types require storage (such as storm panels or hurricane fabric panels)
Common questions about impact sliding doors vs hurricane shutters
The short answer is yes. If you live in an area with a high risk of severe storms, such as Southwest or South Florida then it is our opinion that you need an adequate form of storm protection. These areas are prone to hurricanes, and unprotected homes are at greater risk of damage or worse.
You do not need hurricane shutters on top of your impact sliding doors. The impact glass will protect your home and family from hurricane winds and flying debris. However, you may still choose to install hurricane shutters over your impact glass if you prefer. This will help to protect your investment and reduce the need to repair or replace damaged impact glass.
Conclusion
Protecting your sliding glass doors is important if you live in an area prone to hurricanes and severe weather. But should you install impact sliding glass doors or protect your existing sliders with hurricane shutters? The choice ultimately comes down to your preferences and budget. Sliding impact doors are a good choice if you prefer 24/7 protection without changing the look of your home. Hurricane shutter are a good choice if you have a lower budget or want added functionality that some shutters offer.
If you are looking for storm protection, including impact sliding doors and hurricane shutters in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or anywhere in Southwest Florida and have questions we are happy to help. Eurex Shutters is the oldest hurricane shutter company in Southwest Florida. And we have over 25,000 satisfied customers for a reason.
We can help you determine the best fit for your home and family.
