WBD Front Doors or HVHZ Front Doors – What Homeowners in Tampa Bay Should Know
WBD = Wind-Borne Debris
HVHZ = High Velocity Hurricane Zone
The majority of Florida, especially Tampa Bay and other coastal areas, are required to use impact-rated windows and doors when they replace their existing fenestration. When it comes to doors, there two two kinds of impact doors: WBD Front Doors or HVHZ Front Doors. For impact doors in the Tampa Bay area, WBD is sufficient for Florida Building Codes (FBC). HVHZ doors, on the other hand, are only required in the Broward and Dade Counties of Southern Florida.
What’s the Difference Between WBD-Rated Doors and HVHZ-Rated Doors?
So, which kind of doors do you need? WBD front doors or HVHZ front doors? In the greater Tampa Bay area, a WBD-rated door will meet the minimum requirements of the FBC. But then, why would you opt to use HVHZ-rated doors instead? What’s the difference between the two?
The biggest difference is the level of wind pressure and impact the two types of doors are built and tested to withstand. Both sets of doors need to pass the Small and Large Missile Impact D Testing standard, but HVHZ doors are tested against higher-intensity impacts and wind pressure.
This is because Miami Dade County and Broward County are designated as High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) areas prone to higher-speed winds and storms more frequently than other parts of Florida. So, doors installed there need to be built extra tough to withstand those forces. As a result, HVHZ-rated doors tend to be stronger than ones built to the minimum WBD region specifications.
However, this extra-strength construction also results in a higher cost of manufacture, which drives up the price for HVHZ doors compared to WBD doors. For most people living in the greater Tampa Bay area, WBD doors are enough to satisfy their needs. Upgrading to HVHZ doors is an optional upgrade for those who want the greater peace of mind that having extra impact resistance can provide.
WBD and HVHZ Map of Florida
WBD doors, when they use glass panels, come with impact glass. All of our prices on the entry door cost chart are specifically for WBD impact doors. If you want the added HVHZ protection, it is considered an upgrade and will increase the cost by roughly $200 per panel for standard 6′ 8″ doors and $300 per panel for 8′ doors*.
*Amount of cost increase subject to change based on manufacturer’s prices for the specific door model in question. Please consult an installation expert for up-to-date pricing information.
Have you received a quote from another company and are unsure whether they quoted you for WBD Front Doors or HVHZ Front Doors? Let us take a look at your written estimate. We can go over the details with you to make sure you are getting what you need for your area. We want to be sure you are educated and treated fairly.
Our project consultants are here to answer any questions and to help you get exactly what you want for your replacement front entry door. We have many exterior door options in both WBD Impact and HVHZ Impact for you to choose from.
Click here for the 2025 BHI catalog
Why Choose Karoly?
In addition to providing a Price Match guarantee that ensures that you’re getting the best deal for your impact-rated windows and doors, Karoly Windows & Doors backs every installation with a Platinum Standard Lifetime Guarantee. Under this guarantee, the installation labor for your windows and doors is covered for 25 years.
If there’s a problem with the installation, we’ll come out to your home to fix it! The materials of your new windows and doors are also covered for 50 years. This way, you can rest easy knowing that your windows and doors are covered against defect in installation or materials for a lifetime.
Contact Karoly Windows & Doors to set up your FREE in-home consultation with our owner and contractor, Karoly.
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