Summer isn’t just about sunshine and barbecues it also brings the potential for extreme weather. High winds, torrential rain, hail, and even unexpected debris from storms can put your home’s exterior at risk, especially your doors. Whether it’s a front entry door, sliding patio door, or storm door, proper protection can prevent costly damage, improve safety, and help maintain your home’s energy efficiency during unpredictable conditions.
Here are some smart, practical steps you can take to protect your doors during severe summer weather.
1. Inspect Doors Regularly
Start by checking your doors for any existing damage. Look for:
- Cracks in the frame or door itself
- Rusted or loose hinges
- Worn-out weatherstripping
- Soft or rotting wood at the bottom
Even minor issues can weaken your door’s ability to withstand wind or water pressure, so address repairs early and don’t wait until a storm is on the forecast.
2. Upgrade to Storm-Resistant Materials
If your doors are older or made from basic wood or hollow-core materials, consider upgrading to impact-rated or storm-resistant doors. Fiberglass and steel doors offer superior strength and weather resistance, and many are specifically designed to handle high wind speeds and flying debris.
3. Reinforce with Hardware
You don’t always need to replace the door itself to boost protection. Reinforcing your existing door with the items below to make a big difference in how well your door holds up in severe weather and adds an extra layer of home security year-round.
- Heavy-duty deadbolts
- Three-point locking systems
- Slide bolts or hurricane clips on double doors
4. Use Storm Doors or Shutters
A storm door acts as a protective buffer for your entry door, shielding it from rain, wind, and UV damage. For glass sliding doors or French doors, storm-rated shutters or temporary panels can prevent breakage during high-impact weather and help maintain your home’s insulation.
5. Seal Out Water
Proper sealing is just as important as structural strength. Make sure your doors have intact weatherstripping and threshold seals to prevent wind-driven rain from leaking inside. If water intrusion occurs, it can lead to warping, mold, and even interior damage.
Stay Proactive and Prepared
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how prepared your home is. Taking steps to reinforce, seal, and inspect your doors before storm season ramps up can save you money, stress, and unnecessary repairs when summer weather turns severe.