When you're looking to protect your home from the threat of hurricanes and other severe storms, one  of the best investments you can make is to install impact doors on all of your exterior doors. Before you make the purchase, though, here are a few things that you should consider and discuss with your installation contractor.

The Material

Impact doors come in many varieties, including steel, fiberglass-centered, and aluminum. Ask your contractor what the best material is for your home based on the protection that you need and the look that you want. He or she can help you find the right material to provide the features you're looking for.

The Position Of The Door

The direction your door faces is an important consideration. After all, whatever the door is exposed to is going to contribute to the wear and tear that it suffers. If you live on an oceanfront property, you'll want a door that's not vulnerable to salt, water, and similar hazards. Avoid wooden impact doors and non-sealed materials in these cases.

The Rating Of The Door

Make sure that any impact door you choose is actually certified as meeting the industry's protection standards. This is particularly important if you live in a hurricane zone, because you'll need the extra protection. In addition, you may be able to save on your homeowner's insurance if you can show your agent that the door is properly rated for the security that you need.

The Installation

There are several things to consider about your new door's installation. First and foremost, find out if the installation itself is covered as part of the package price. That way you know what you're spending in total before you buy.

When it is installed, there are a couple of things to look at. Make sure that the area around the door is properly insulated and sealed, and that the door is secure. Check the condition of the seals around the door knob, and make sure it's tight against the jamb. All of these things contribute to the level of protection you'll get from the door, so the more proactive you are, the safer you will be.

As you can see, there are many things to consider when you're installing impact doors on your home. Talk with a local retailer and installer, such as The Glass Professionals Inc, to select the proper doors for your home. That way, you can be sure that your property is protected when all of the exterior doors can withstand the threat of severe weather.