Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, but the real danger window is narrower than that: more than 85% of Atlantic tropical cyclones historically form in August, September, and October, according to NOAA. For Destin homeowners, that means the next few months are the time to make sure doors and windows can actually hold up — not the week a storm is already in the Gulf.
“Hurricane-ready” means more than just impact glass. Doors, garage openings, and even the hardware holding everything in place all play a role in how your home performs in high wind. Here’s what to check.
Windows: The Foundation of Storm Protection
We covered this in detail in our impact windows guide, but the short version: if your home falls within Florida’s wind-borne debris region — which covers much of coastal Destin — code requires that glazed openings be either impact-rated or protected with an approved covering. If you’ve already made the upgrade, this is a good time to double check that seals, hardware, and locking mechanisms are in good working order before storm season peaks. If you haven’t, late summer is worth planning around, since installation timelines can stretch as storms approach and demand increases.
Doors: The Overlooked Weak Point
Windows tend to get the attention, but exterior doors — especially glass-paneled entry doors, sliding glass doors, and French doors — are just as exposed to wind-borne debris and pressure changes during a storm. Under the Florida Building Code, glazed exterior doors in the wind-borne debris region are held to the same opening-protection standard as windows: they need to be impact-rated or covered with an approved shutter system.
A few areas worth checking or upgrading before peak season:
- Sliding glass and French doors. Large glass surfaces are especially vulnerable to wind-borne debris if they aren’t impact-rated. If you have older sliders, ask whether they meet current code for your zone.
- Garage doors. Standard garage doors are one of the most common failure points in a hurricane — once wind gets inside a garage, it can put dangerous pressure on the whole roof structure. Wind-rated garage doors or bracing kits address this.
- Entry door hardware. Even an impact-rated door needs solid hinges, a quality deadbolt, and multi-point locking to perform as designed under storm pressure. Loose hardware is a common inspection finding.
- Weatherstripping and thresholds. Worn seals let in wind-driven rain even on doors that are otherwise sound, which can lead to water damage well before wind causes structural issues.
Why This Matters for Insurance, Too
As we covered in our impact windows post, Florida requires insurers to offer premium discounts for verified wind-mitigation features under Section 627.0629, Florida Statutes, and opening protection is typically an all-or-nothing category — meaning every glazed opening on the home, including doors, needs to be protected to get full credit. If your windows are already impact-rated but your entry or sliding doors aren’t, that gap could be costing you part of a discount you’d otherwise qualify for.
A Simple Pre-Season Checklist
- Confirm which of your home’s windows and doors are impact-rated versus which rely on shutters
- Test that all shutters, if you use them, are complete, undamaged, and easy to deploy
- Check door and window hardware for looseness, rust, or worn weatherstripping
- Ask your insurance agent whether a wind mitigation inspection is up to date, especially if you’ve made upgrades since your last one
- Address any known gaps well before the historical peak window in mid-August through mid-October
Frequently Asked Questions
When is hurricane season in Destin, FL?
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30. Historically, the season’s activity is heavily concentrated in August, September, and October, so that stretch is the most important window to have your home prepared.
Do garage doors need to be hurricane-rated in Destin?
In many cases, yes. Garage doors are a common weak point in high wind, since a failure can allow wind to enter the structure and put pressure on the roof. Whether a wind-rated garage door is required depends on your specific property’s wind zone, which your local building department can confirm.
Are sliding glass doors as vulnerable as windows in a hurricane?
Yes. Sliding glass and French doors are large glazed openings and are held to the same opening-protection standards as windows under the Florida Building Code in wind-borne debris regions.
How do I know if my doors and windows are actually hurricane-ready?
The most reliable way is a professional assessment of your home’s specific openings, since impact ratings, hardware condition, and code requirements vary by product and by property. Keith Window Company offers free estimates for Destin homeowners who want to know exactly where they stand.
Get Ready Before Peak Season
Whether you need a full impact door and window upgrade or just want a professional opinion on what’s already in place, our Destin team can help you get ahead of the season instead of scrambling before a storm. Request your free estimate or call us at (850) 790-7648. Browse our door options and window options to get started.