A hurricane-rated storefront door assembly is a complete system of tested and certified components designed to withstand wind loads and windborne debris impacts required by the Florida Building Code. The assembly includes a reinforced aluminum storefront door, a reinforced aluminum frame system, impact-resistant glazing, hardware rated for wind load conditions, and all necessary anchoring components. CDF Distributors supplies hurricane-rated storefront assemblies through De La Fontaine, holding Florida Product Approvals FL21194 and FL46851. These assemblies are tested to TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203 protocols and are approved for use in both High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) and non-HVHZ areas of Florida, with design pressure ratings up to ±70 PSF depending on configuration.
CDF Distributors ships hurricane-rated storefront door assemblies from its Nashville, Tennessee headquarters. You can configure a hurricane-rated assembly online using CDF’s ProBuilder tool at cdfdistributors.com. For assistance selecting the correct assembly for your Florida project, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com.
Hurricane-Rated Storefront Assembly Components
The following table lists the standard components included in a hurricane-rated storefront door assembly. Each component is engineered and tested as part of the complete system. Substituting untested components voids the Florida Product Approval and the assembly’s hurricane rating.
Door | Reinforced aluminum storefront door; thermally broken or non-thermally broken profiles depending on project requirements; engineered for design pressure ratings up to ±70 PSF |
Frame | Reinforced aluminum storefront framing system; engineered anchorage to building structure; profile depth and reinforcement matched to design pressure requirements |
Glazing | Impact-resistant laminated glass tested to TAS 201 (large missile) and TAS 203 (cyclic pressure); glass type and thickness determined by design pressure and missile zone requirements |
Hardware | Door hardware (closers, locks, pivots, or hinges) rated and tested as part of the assembly; hardware must maintain door engagement under design wind loads |
Anchoring | Engineered anchor system connecting frame to building structure; anchor type, spacing, and embedment depth specified per the product approval for each design pressure rating |
Weatherstripping | Perimeter seals designed to maintain weather resistance under wind-driven rain conditions; compatible with the frame profile and design pressure rating |
Threshold | Engineered threshold system providing weather resistance at the door bottom; tested as part of the assembly for air and water infiltration under design pressure |
Why Each Component Is Selected
Hurricane-rated storefront assemblies differ from standard storefront systems in every component. Standard storefront framing, glazing, and hardware are not engineered for wind loads or debris impact. Each component in a hurricane-rated assembly is selected, tested, and approved as part of a complete system.
Reinforced Aluminum Door and Frame
Standard storefront aluminum profiles are designed for typical wind loads and do not meet the structural requirements of the Florida Building Code for hurricane-prone regions. Hurricane-rated storefront doors and frames use reinforced aluminum profiles with greater wall thickness, deeper sections, or internal steel reinforcement to resist the design pressure loads specified by the building code. The profile dimensions and reinforcement details are defined in the Florida Product Approval and cannot be substituted.
Impact-Resistant Glazing
Impact-resistant glazing in hurricane-rated storefront assemblies is laminated glass designed to resist penetration by windborne debris. The glass is tested to TAS 201 (large missile impact: a 9-pound 2x4 lumber section propelled at 34 mph for HVHZ or 50 mph for the enhanced protocol) and TAS 203 (cyclic pressure loading simulating sustained hurricane wind conditions after impact). The interlayer in the laminated glass holds the glass in the frame even when cracked, preventing wind and rain from entering the building envelope. Glass type, thickness, and interlayer specification are defined in the product approval.
Hardware Rated for Wind Loads
Door hardware in a hurricane-rated assembly must maintain the door in the closed and latched position under design wind loads. Standard commercial door hardware is not tested for sustained wind pressure and suction loads. Hurricane-rated assemblies use hardware that has been tested as part of the complete assembly, ensuring the door remains engaged with the frame under the rated design pressure. This includes closers, multi-point locks where required, pivots or hinges, and panic hardware where applicable.
Engineered Anchoring
The connection between the storefront frame and the building structure must transfer wind loads from the door and frame assembly into the building’s structural system. The anchor type, size, spacing, and embedment depth are specified in the Florida Product Approval documentation for each design pressure rating. Field modifications to the anchoring system can void the product approval.
Fire Ratings and Florida Building Code Compliance
Hurricane-rated storefront door assemblies primarily address wind load and impact resistance. Fire rating requirements are separate and depend on the location of the opening within the building. Where both hurricane rating and fire rating are required in the same opening, the assembly must carry both certifications. The following table summarizes the five standard fire rating levels and their applicability to storefront door openings.
20-Minute | Corridor separations in some commercial occupancies; the most common fire rating where storefront doors separate interior corridors |
45-Minute | Certain 1-hour wall separations where the code permits a 45-minute opening protective; varies by occupancy and sprinkler status |
60-Minute (1-Hour) | Occupancy separations; exit corridors; the most common fire rating for storefront doors in fire-rated wall assemblies |
90-Minute | Stairwell enclosures; 2-hour rated walls; the maximum rating available with certain frame configurations |
3-Hour (180-Minute) | Fire walls; occupancy separation walls with 3-hour or 4-hour ratings; requires specific door and frame construction; uncommon for storefront applications but may apply to certain building separations |
Not all hurricane-rated storefront assemblies carry fire ratings. When a fire rating is required, confirm that the specific assembly configuration (door, frame, glazing, and hardware combination) holds both the Florida Product Approval for hurricane resistance and the fire rating label for the required duration.
Florida Product Approvals and Testing
CDF supplies hurricane-rated storefront assemblies through De La Fontaine under Florida Product Approvals FL21194 and FL46851. These approvals confirm that the assemblies have been tested and meet the requirements of the Florida Building Code for the design pressures and impact resistance levels documented in the approval.
The following test protocols apply to hurricane-rated storefront assemblies:
- TAS 201 (Large Missile Impact): Tests the assembly’s resistance to penetration by a 9-pound 2x4 lumber section propelled at the specified velocity. This simulates windborne debris impact during a hurricane. HVHZ and non-HVHZ areas have different impact velocity requirements.
- TAS 202 (Uniform Static Air Pressure): Tests the assembly’s structural capacity under uniform static pressure, simulating sustained wind loads. The test confirms the assembly can resist the rated design pressure without failure.
- TAS 203 (Cyclic Pressure Loading): Tests the assembly’s ability to maintain its integrity under cyclic (alternating positive and negative) pressure loading after impact. This simulates the sustained pressure fluctuations during a hurricane after debris has struck the assembly.
Notice of Acceptance (NOA) Documentation
Projects in Miami-Dade and Broward counties (HVHZ areas) require a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from the Miami-Dade County Product Control Division. The NOA documents the specific configurations, design pressures, and installation requirements approved for use in the HVHZ. CDF provides NOA documentation for applicable assemblies. Projects outside the HVHZ but within Florida require Florida Product Approval documentation, which CDF also provides.
Configuration Considerations for Hurricane-Rated Storefront
HVHZ vs. Non-HVHZ Requirements
Florida designates Miami-Dade and Broward counties as High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). HVHZ requirements are more stringent than non-HVHZ requirements. HVHZ assemblies must be tested and approved under the Miami-Dade County product approval process and carry a Notice of Acceptance (NOA). Non-HVHZ areas of Florida require assemblies tested and approved under the Florida Product Approval process. The design pressure requirements, impact test velocities, and documentation differ between HVHZ and non-HVHZ applications. Confirm the project location and applicable requirements before configuring the assembly.
Design Pressure Ratings
Design pressure ratings for hurricane-rated storefront assemblies range up to ±70 PSF depending on the configuration. The required design pressure is determined by the building’s location (wind speed zone), height, exposure category, and the position of the opening within the building envelope (corner zones experience higher pressures than field-of-wall areas). The structural engineer of record specifies the required design pressure for each opening. The assembly configuration (frame depth, reinforcement, glazing type, and anchoring) must meet or exceed the specified design pressure.
Impact-Resistant Glazing Selection
The glazing in a hurricane-rated storefront assembly must be tested as part of the complete system. Glazing type and thickness are determined by the design pressure rating and the missile zone classification. HVHZ areas require large missile impact testing at specific velocities. Non-HVHZ areas may permit different glazing configurations depending on the wind speed zone. The glazing specification is defined in the Florida Product Approval or NOA documentation and cannot be substituted without re-testing.
How Hurricane-Rated Storefront Differs from Standard Storefront
Standard storefront systems are designed for typical wind loads and do not include impact-resistant glazing, reinforced framing, or hardware tested for sustained wind pressure. The differences between hurricane-rated and standard storefront affect every component in the assembly.
Framing | Standard: Typical aluminum profiles for moderate wind loads. Hurricane-rated: Reinforced profiles with greater depth, wall thickness, or internal steel reinforcement for design pressures up to ±70 PSF. |
Glazing | Standard: Monolithic or insulating glass for thermal performance. Hurricane-rated: Laminated impact-resistant glass tested to TAS 201 and TAS 203 for debris impact and cyclic pressure. |
Hardware | Standard: Commercial-grade hardware for daily operation. Hurricane-rated: Hardware tested as part of the assembly to maintain door engagement under design wind loads. |
Anchoring | Standard: Typical anchoring for gravity and moderate wind loads. Hurricane-rated: Engineered anchor system specified in the product approval for each design pressure rating. |
Certification | Standard: No hurricane certification required. Hurricane-rated: Florida Product Approval and/or NOA with specific design pressure ratings and approved configurations. |
Configure Your Hurricane-Rated Storefront Assembly
CDF’s ProBuilder tool allows architects, contractors, and building owners to configure hurricane-rated storefront door assemblies online. During configuration, ProBuilder presents approved components and configurations that meet the Florida Product Approval requirements. ProBuilder provides instant pricing and includes documentation references for the applicable product approvals.
For assistance configuring a hurricane-rated storefront assembly for your Florida project, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF’s sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Florida Product Approvals does CDF hold for hurricane-rated storefront?
CDF supplies hurricane-rated storefront assemblies through De La Fontaine under Florida Product Approvals FL21194 and FL46851. These approvals cover assemblies tested to TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203 protocols for use in both HVHZ and non-HVHZ areas of Florida.
What is the difference between HVHZ and non-HVHZ requirements?
HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zone) applies to Miami-Dade and Broward counties and requires assemblies tested and approved under the Miami-Dade County product approval process with a Notice of Acceptance (NOA). Non-HVHZ areas of Florida require Florida Product Approval documentation. HVHZ requirements include specific impact test velocities and design pressure thresholds that differ from non-HVHZ requirements.
What design pressure ratings are available?
Hurricane-rated storefront assemblies from CDF are available with design pressure ratings up to ±70 PSF, depending on the configuration. The required design pressure is determined by the building’s location, height, exposure category, and the position of the opening within the building envelope. The structural engineer of record specifies the required design pressure for each opening.
What is TAS 201 large missile impact testing?
TAS 201 tests the assembly’s resistance to penetration by a 9-pound 2x4 lumber section propelled at the specified velocity. This simulates windborne debris striking the door or glazing during a hurricane. After impact, the assembly is subjected to cyclic pressure loading (TAS 203) to confirm it maintains its integrity under continued wind loads.
Can a hurricane-rated storefront door also be fire-rated?
Where both hurricane rating and fire rating are required in the same opening, the assembly must carry both certifications. Not all hurricane-rated configurations are available with fire ratings. The five standard fire rating levels for door assemblies are 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 3-hour (180-minute). Confirm the availability of dual-rated assemblies with CDF for your specific design pressure and fire rating requirements.
What documentation does CDF provide for hurricane-rated assemblies?
CDF provides Florida Product Approval documentation (FL21194 and FL46851) for non-HVHZ projects and Notice of Acceptance (NOA) documentation for HVHZ projects in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Documentation includes the approved configurations, design pressure ratings, glazing specifications, and installation requirements for each assembly.
Can I substitute glazing or hardware in a hurricane-rated assembly?
No. Every component in a hurricane-rated storefront assembly is tested and approved as part of the complete system. Substituting untested glazing, hardware, framing, or anchoring components voids the Florida Product Approval and the assembly’s hurricane rating. All components must match the configurations documented in the product approval or NOA.
Does CDF ship complete hurricane-rated storefront assemblies?
CDF Distributors ships complete hurricane-rated storefront door assemblies from its Nashville, Tennessee headquarters. Each assembly includes the door, frame, glazing, hardware, anchoring components, and weatherstripping as specified in the product approval. Configure your assembly online using ProBuilder at cdfdistributors.com, or call (855) 769-9895 for assistance.
About This Guide
This package configuration guide reflects CDF Distributors’ hurricane-rated storefront assembly specifications as documented in Florida Product Approvals FL21194 and FL46851 through De La Fontaine. The component descriptions, design pressure information, testing protocols, and code references are based on the Florida Building Code and the applicable product approval documentation. All design pressure, impact resistance, fire rating, and code compliance requirements should be verified against the project specifications, the structural engineer’s design, and the AHJ requirements before ordering.
For questions about hurricane-rated storefront assemblies or to configure an assembly for your Florida project, contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder.
