Quick answer
Non-impact doors are rated only for wind pressure; impact doors also survive debris strikes. Miami-Dade and Broward generally require impact protection. Choose with hurricane-rated garage doors.
Two doors can share a pressure rating but differ entirely in impact resistance.
Impact testing
A timber missile is fired at the door, then it is pressure-cycled.
Where required
HVHZ counties require impact protection; elsewhere it depends — HVHZ guide.
Cost
Impact doors cost more — cost guide.
Windows
Impact glass needed — windows guide.
Where Summit can help
Our technicians handle this every week across South and Southwest Florida. Local pages with scheduling and county details:
- garage door repair Deerfield Beach
- garage door repair Royal Palm Beach
- garage door repair Palmetto Bay
- garage door repair Marco Island
- garage door repair Punta Gorda
- garage door repair Homestead FL
Questions people also ask
Is impact worth it outside HVHZ?
Often, near the coast.
Do impact doors look different?
Not from outside.
Do insurers care?
Yes.