The best impact door is the one that meets your county’s storm code, matches how you use the opening, and looks right on your home. A front entry, a sliding patio door, and a French door each solve a different problem, so the best pick depends on the opening. This guide walks through the main types of impact doors, what to look for, and which fits which part of a South Florida home.
Why impact doors matter as much as windows
Doors are large openings, and in a storm they take a beating from wind and debris. A failed door lets pressure rush inside, which is one of the ways roofs and walls give way. Impact doors use the same laminated glass and reinforced frames as impact windows, so they hold up to the same forces. They also add security and energy savings every day, and they count toward your wind mitigation insurance credit. See how that works in our guide on impact windows and insurance discounts.
Types of impact doors
| Door type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding glass | Patios and wide openings to a lanai or yard | Maximum glass and view, slim frames, big impact rating |
| French | Elegant patio or courtyard access | Classic look, swings in or out, pairs well with sidelights |
| Entry (front door) | Main entrances that need security and curb appeal | Fiberglass or steel skins, glass options, strong locks |
| Bi-fold / multi-slide | Open-concept homes that want a wall of glass | Dramatic indoor-outdoor feel, higher cost, wide spans |
What to look for in a good impact door
The right rating for your county
In Miami-Dade and Broward, the door needs Notice of Acceptance approval and the design pressure rating for its location on the house. A door on an exposed corner faces higher loads than one tucked under a covered entry. Your installer matches the rating to the opening.
Frame material and hardware
Aluminum frames are strong and slim, which suits big sliders. Fiberglass and steel entry doors resist dents and hold their finish. Look for corrosion-resistant hardware and multi-point locks, since salt air is hard on cheap metal.
Glass package
Laminated impact glass is the baseline. Add a low-E coating to cut heat, and consider a heavier interlayer if the door faces a loud street. We explain the glass itself in our post on impact glass vs. laminated glass.
Our take: For most homes, an impact sliding door on the patio and a fiberglass impact entry door at the front cover the two openings that matter most. Add French or multi-slide doors where the look and the layout call for it.
How much do impact doors cost?
Price depends on size, type, and glass. An impact entry door usually runs less than a wide slider, while multi-slide and bi-fold systems sit at the top of the range because of their size and hardware. As with windows, the quote should be itemized and include the product line, permit, and installation. For the broader pricing picture, see our cost guide, and remember that financing spreads the cost into monthly payments.
Doors and windows work best together
To earn the full insurance credit, every opening on the home has to be protected, doors included. Replacing your windows but leaving an old sliding door can hold you back from the top credit and leaves a weak point in a storm. Doing windows and doors together closes that gap. Browse the full lineup on our impact doors and impact windows pages.
Find the right impact doors for your home
We will measure your openings, recommend the best door for each one, and hand you an itemized quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of impact door for a patio?
An impact sliding glass door is the usual best pick for patios because it gives the most glass and view with a slim, strong frame. French and multi-slide doors are good options where the look and layout call for them.
Are impact doors worth it in South Florida?
Yes. They protect a large opening that fails first in a storm, add daily security and energy savings, and count toward your wind mitigation insurance credit.
Do impact doors qualify for an insurance discount?
Yes, as part of full opening protection. To earn the top wind mitigation credit, every opening including doors must be impact rated or protected.
Which is stronger, a fiberglass or steel impact entry door?
Both can meet impact codes. Fiberglass resists dents and salt-air corrosion and holds its finish well, while steel offers a solid feel. The right choice depends on look, budget, and exposure.
How much do impact doors cost?
It varies by type and size. Entry doors usually cost less than wide sliders, and multi-slide or bi-fold systems sit at the top of the range. Ask for an itemized quote that includes the product, permit, and install.