Designing Stable Wood Doors That Withstand High Winds

May 17, 2025

In regions where hurricanes and coastal storms are common, your garage door must be more than beautiful, it must be resilient. Garage doors, due to their size and exposure, are often one of the most vulnerable points when a storm hits. How can you design wood garage doors that stand strong in the face of hurricane-force winds?

At CAMBEK, we specialize in answering that question. Our hurricane-rated garage doors are custom-designed and precision-engineered to withstand extreme conditions , all without compromising the timeless appeal and craftsmanship that define custom woodwork. If you’re designing in a coastal or storm-prone region, here’s what you need to know about specifying stable custom wood garage doors that meet stringent performance requirements and reflect the quality your projects deserve.

The Problem with Conventional Garage Doors in Storm-Prone Areas

In high-wind regions—particularly coastal Florida, the Gulf Coast, and hurricane-prone areas of the Southeast—garage doors are often one of the first points of structural failure during a major storm.

Standard garage doors are not built to resist high winds, especially when constructed from lightweight materials or unsupported wood panels. The result is structural compromise, water intrusion, and costly damage after a door fails or caves under heavy winds.

Because of this, building codes in these areas are strict. The Florida Building Code (FBC) and International Building Code (IBC), among others, require doors to pass specific impact and pressure tests before they can be approved for installation.

Understanding Wind Load and Hurricane Ratings

When specifying hurricane-rated garage or entry doors, there are several standards and criteria to consider:

Wind Load Resistance

Doors must be engineered to resist both positive and negative wind pressures, which are determined based on local wind speed maps and building exposure. This includes:

Design Pressure (DP): The amount of pressure a door must withstand, measured in pounds per square foot (psf).
ASTM E330: A standard test method for structural performance under uniform static air pressure.

Impact Resistance

Especially in Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), doors must be able to withstand windborne debris impacts. The relevant standard here is:

ASTM E1886/E1996: Simulates flying debris during a hurricane by launching a 9-pound 2×4 at 34 mph into the door surface.

Code Compliance

For hurricane-rated projects, ensure the product is:

Florida Product Approved (FL#) with current approval documentation
Listed with Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) or Miami-Dade County NOA, depending on location
Engineered to meet ASCE 7 wind design standards for your structure’s specific exposure and risk category

The CAMBEK Approach: Strength Through Craft

Unlike standard storm doors that prioritize function over form, CAMBEK’s hurricane-rated garage and entry doors are designed to integrate seamlessly with the architectural identity of the home and perform under the most demanding environmental conditions.

Here’s how we ensure every hurricane-rated door we build stands up to both scrutiny and storms:

Reinforced Engineering, Hidden in the Design

Every hurricane-rated CAMBEK door is engineered with a concealed structural steel frame, laminated impact-rated cores, and heavy-duty hardware systems. These reinforcements are built into the door (not bolted on as afterthoughts) preserving the clean lines and historic character of the woodwork.

We use:

Impact-resistant laminated cores
Galvanized or stainless-steel reinforcement brackets
High-torque hinges and multi-point locking systems
Wind-rated track systems and struts on garage doors

These internal elements work together to provide the strength needed to meet or exceed hurricane codes, all while allowing our craftspeople to design with creative freedom on the exterior.

Premium Materials that Resist Warping and Rot

The performance of any wood door in humid, coastal environments depends heavily on material selection. At CAMBEK, we work with premium hardwoods and engineered wood substrates chosen for dimensional stability, weather resistance, and long-term durability.

Every door we build is also meticulously sealed, primed, and finished to protect against moisture intrusion. This is critical for preventing warping, swelling, and joint failure in wet conditions. When properly installed and maintained, our doors are built to last decades, not just storm seasons.

Custom Design that Doesn’t Compromise

Whether your project calls for a historically inspired carriage-style garage door, a minimalist flush panel design, or a grand arched entryway, CAMBEK can bring it to life. We work closely with architects and designers to translate your vision into a fully engineered solution that meets both aesthetic and structural performance goals.

Even under the constraints of hurricane-rated construction, we offer:

True divided lite window configurations with impact-rated glazing
Decorative overlays, inlays, and custom millwork
Arched tops, custom profiles, and historical detailing

Working with CAMBEK on Hurricane-Rated Projects

When you choose CAMBEK for your high-wind zone project, you get a collaborative partner who understands your design priorities and the regulatory requirements that govern your work. You don’t have to choose between performance and artistry. Every hurricane-rated door we build is a testament to what’s possible when fine craftsmanship and advanced engineering work in harmony.

Let us help you bring your vision to life. Contact our team today to start your next project, request a quote, or consult on design and code requirements for hurricane-rated custom doors.