Wind Load Garage Doors

During an extreme wind event, storm-driven debris can dent, deform or even penetrate residential and commercial doors. These products play a crucial role in protecting your home or business, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone or high-wind region. It's important to have a hurricane-rated garage door that can withstand flying debris driven by high-velocity hurricane winds to help minimize potential storm damage to your home. A wind-rated door can withstand flying debris driven by high-velocity hurricane winds to help minimize potential storm damage to your home. High wind events can cause un-reinforced garage doors to buckle, forcing the door out of the track causing catastrophic door failure which may cause an uncontrolled buildup of internal pressure that could result in damage to the roof and even the supporting wall panels. To be prepared for wind speeds that exceed 111 mph (Category 3 hurricane and above), you would need a wind load-rated or impact-resistant door to avoid catastrophic damage. It's important to check your local codes to find out the wind rating required in your area.

Wind Load 101 FAQ | Commercial Wind Load FAQ | Wind Load Resources

What Does Wind Load Rated Mean?

A wind load-rated garage door or commercial door from Wayne Dalton is a complete wind-resistive system for use in high-wind and hurricane-prone areas. A wind load-rated garage door is one where specifically designed reinforced hardware has been added to the door for increased strength and stability. This door system is then rigorously tested and approved in accordance with National, State, and local building-code standards.

Why Do I Need Wind Load Reinforcements?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identified the loss of garage doors as one of the major factors contributing to hurricane storm damage in homes and about 80% of residential hurricane wind damage starts with wind entry through the garage door according to Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. The structural integrity of a building can be compromised if the wind forces cause the residential or commercial door to buckle during a hurricane or severe storm. With the appropriate configuration of heavy-duty reinforcements, Wayne Dalton’s wind load-rated doors can stand up to high wind pressures produced during extreme weather events, protecting your building and assets.

What Makes a Wind Load Rated Door?

Wayne Dalton WindSafe^® doors feature upgraded hardware to make them capable of withstanding strong windstorms. Depending on the wind load option selected, the upgraded hardware includes:

Residential Door Component

Horizontal Reinforcement: HS 0-3, C-Channels, Tube Struts
Vertical Reinforcement: Posts
Stronger Track: Heavier gauge and more jamb brackets
Heavier Gauge Hardware: Double-end stiles, stronger rollers

As a guideline, doors up to 10’ wide are strutted and doors over 10’
wide are either strutted or posted depending on the PS

Commercial Door Components – Including residential*

Increased wind lock frequency to disperse slat tension;
Heavy-gauge slats to resist curtain bending
Complete anchoring systems with 4x safety factor included
Available options for double-walled insulated slats
Tested to 150% Design Pressure to validate performance for most extreme weather conditions
- Impact tested to Level D – maximum facility protection for all wind zones.;

Wayne Dalton doors labeled with the Impact™ logo have been approved for impact resistance to resist windborne debris caused by high winds during extreme weather. These tests include being able to stop the direct impact of a 9 lb. 2x4 board at 50 feet per second.

Impact Resistant Windows – An Added Feature

Windows made of clear, impact-resistant glass are compatible with a variety of decorative trim styles to complement all home designs and building aesthetics. Wayne Dalton impact resistant windows meet the Florida Building Code to withstand 350 foot-pounds of impact energy to make a door suitable for windborne debris regions (OR coastal regions prone to high winds.)

Protection Against Wind and Weather

Wayne Dalton created an exclusive line of innovative wind load-rated residential and commercial doors, fashioned to withstand nature’s power. These wind load options provide superior craftsmanship, durability, performance and additional protection against:

Hurricanes
High-Wind Damages
Internal and External Pressure Changes
Wind-Borne Debris

Wind Load Code Compliance

As a building component, residential and commercial doors may be required by local building codes to withstand certain positive and negative design pressures. The building department having authority in your area is the final determiner of the wind load requirements for your wind load-rated door. Homeowners and business owners should contact their local building professional, engineer or architect to understand their local code requirements and to identify the specific needs of their structure. In addition, local building codes may require a permit for the installation of the replacement of residential or commercial doors. A homeowners insurance policy may also have certain requirements.

Design Pressures by Model

Select Wayne Dalton door systems to meet or exceed the following building codes or approval agency standards: International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), Florida Building Code (FBC), Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), Miami-Dade County approved. Our Impact doors have been approved for impact resistance and have been tested to stop the direct impact of a 9 lb. 2x4 board at 50 feet per second.

Material/Door Type	Collection	Models	FBC	TDI	Miami Dade	Impact Rated	Design Pressure Range	Wind Speeds
Steel	Carriage House Steel	9405	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	'+15/-18 to +41/-46	130 to 200
Steel	Carriage House Style	6600	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	'+12/-14 to +64/-72	120 to 200
Steel	Classic Style	8300 \| 8500	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	'+12/-14 to +64/-72	120 to 200
Steel	Classic Steel	9100 \| 9605	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	'+26/30 to +43/-49	180 to 200
Steel	Classic Steel	8000 \| 8200	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	'+12/13 to +46/-52	120 to 200
Steel	Classic Steel	8024 \| 8224	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	'+46/-52	200
Vinyl	Specialty Vinyl	8700	Yes	No	No	No	'+22-26 to +41/-46	160 to 200

^{Residential Door Wind Speeds are Based on ASCE 7-16, Exposure B, and provided for general estimate purposes only - per DASMA Technical Data Sheet #155v}
^{Guide is provided for reference purposes only. In all cases the local building authority is the sole and final determiner of the structural and safety requirements, and suitability of the garage door}
^{All doors tested for uniform static air pressure per ANSI/DASMA 108 or TAS 202 to test pressure of 1.5 x design pressure}
^{Impact testing in accordance with impact and cyclic wind pressure per ANSI/DASMA 115 or TAS 201/203}
^{FBC - Florida Building Code, TDI - Texas Department of Insurance, Miami Dade - Miami-Dade County Regulatory Economic Resources}

Material/Door Type	Collection	Models	FBC	TDI	Miami Dade	Impact Rated	HVHZ Rated	Formal Approvals	Design Pressure Range	Wind Speeds
Aluminum Doors		451	No	No	No	No	No	No	'+20/-20 to +31/-31	120 to 155
Aluminum Doors		452	No	No	No	No	No	No	'+20/-20 to +31/-31	120 to 155
Aluminum Doors		453 NPD	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	'+18/-18 to +48/-54	120 to 200
Fire Doors		700 \| 700C	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	'+/-31 to +/-55	N/A**
Insulated Steel	Thermospan^® Series	200-20	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	'+11/-12 to +28/-32	100 to 150
Insulated Steel	Thermospan® Series	200	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	'+11/-12 to +28/-32	100 to 150
Insulated Steel	Thermospan® Series	150	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	'+11/-12 to +28/-32	100 to 150
Insulated Steel	Thermospan® Series	5150 \| 5200	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	'+12/-14 to +64/-72	105 to 200
Insulated Steel	Thermospan® Series	530	No	No	No	No	No	No	'+12.8/-12.8 to +38.9/-38.9	110 to 195
Non-Insulated Steel	C-Series	C-20	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	'+11/-13 to +50/-56	100 to 200
Non-Insulated Steel	C-Series	C-24	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	'+11/-13 to +50/-56	100 to 200
Non-Insulated Steel	C-Series	C-2400	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	'+11/-13 to +50/-56	100 to 200
Roll Up Sheet Doors	D-Series	DS75 \| DS100 \| DS350	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	'+/-28 to +/-44	N/A**
Roll Up Sheet Doors		770ss \| 790cw	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	'+/-20 to +/-41	N/A**
Service Doors		800 \| 800C	Yes	No	Yes	Yes - D*	Yes	Yes	'+/-31 to +/-55	N/A**
Rolling Service	Thermotite^™	800ADV/ 800C ADV	No	No	No	Yes - D*	No	No	+20/-20 psf is standard	N/A**
Rolling Service		800C	No	No	No	No	No	No	+20/-20 psf is standard	N/A**
Rolling Service		900\|926	No	No	No	No	No	No	+20/-20 psf is standard	N/A**
Rolling Service		800HC \| 800C HC	No	No	No	Yes - D*	No	No	+20/-20 psf is standard	N/A**
High Speed Doors	Interior Fabric	880	No	No	No	No	No	No	Up to ±3.0 psf	N/A**
High Speed Doors	Interior Fabric	881	No	No	No	No	No	No	Up to ±7.5 psf	N/A**
High Speed Doors	Interior/Exterior Fabric	882	No	No	No	No	No	No	Up to ±4.0 psf	N/A**
High Speed Doors	Exterior Fabric	883	No	No	No	No	No	No	Up to ±19.5 psf	N/A**
High Speed Doors	Exterior Fabric	884	No	No	No	No	No	No	Up to ±22.0 psf	N/A**
High Speed Doors	Rubber	885	No	No	No	No	No	No	Up to ±27.0 psf	N/A**
High Speed Doors	Freezer Fabric	887	No	No	No	No	No	No	Up to ±2 psf	N/A**
High Speed Doors	Metal (solid slats)	888	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Up to ±100 psf	N/A**
High Speed Doors	Metal (solid slats)	888/ 889	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	Up to ±50 psf	N/A**

^{Commerical Door Wind Speeds are Based on ASCE 7-16, Exposure C, and provided for general estimate purposes only - per DASMA Technical Data Sheet #155v}
^{Guide is provided for reference purposes only. In all cases the local building authority is the sole and final determiner of the structural and safety requirements, and suitability of the garage door}
^{All doors tested for uniform static air pressure per ANSI/DASMA 108 or TAS 202 to test pressure of 1.5 x design pressure}
^{Impact testing in accordance with impact and cyclic wind pressure per ANSI/DASMA 115 or TAS 201/203}
^{FBC - Florida Building Code, TDI - Texas Department of Insurance, Miami Dade - Miami-Dade County Regulatory Economic Resources}
^{*These doors are rated for a static design pressure of +65/-65 psf and 80 ft/sec large missile impact speed (equivalent to ASTM E1996 Level D for Essential Facilities), up to a maximum opening width of 22’0” and a maximum opening height of 30’0”.}
^{"**Wind speed is only one factor that contributes to a wind pressure calculation among many including average roof height, roof pitch, door size, proximity to corner of the building, surrounding terrain, surrounding buildings and vortex shedding structures, importance factor, etc... For this reason, we cannot provide a generalized 1 to 1 conversion table, as it would only apply to a specific case.}

Peace of Mind Plus Wayne Dalton Style

Wind load-rated garage doors and commercial doors give you all the choices. When it comes to the safety and security of your home or business, especially in extreme conditions, Wayne Dalton provides a diversified line-up of solutions for high wind events that could meet any style taste, climate and budget. These doors, along with Fabric-Shield^® storm products , will meet the protection levels you demand to help fortify it against the storm.

As the owner, it's important to check with your local building code official, engineer or architect for your specific wind load requirements and appropriate design pressure to determine your structure’s specific needs and select the wind load rating option in PSF.

Wind Load 101 FAQ

- Wind load can be defined as the amount of force or pressure applied to the surface of a structure or a portion of that structure (i.e. the side of a building, a fence, a garage door, window, entry door).
- Wind load-rated products are designed to withstand the high wind speeds and the resulting forces that come from Hurricanes
- Wind load requirements have been around since the 1930s and 40s, but public awareness has increased significantly in the last 10 to 15 years due to the destructive nature of recent hurricanes. (Andrew, Katrina, Rita, Wilma, etc.)
You will need to contact your local building official. The local authority has jurisdiction and makes the sole determination for all permitting and wind load requirements.
- Florida, North and South Carolina, Texas
- Gulf of Mexico Coast
- Eastern Seaboard
- Rocky Mountain Areas
- Kansas City
- Select Western Seaboard Areas
The least overall horizontal plan dimension of the building, as well as the mean roof height affect the calculated design wind pressures on the door.
No. Wind can blow in any direction. Wind load design takes into consideration wind acting directly towards and away from the garage door.
• Look at your garage door to locate the wind load sticker. This sticker will usually have the manufacturer’s name, model number and design pressures listed.
• If it is not labeled, you can utilize the resources below to search for that door. Enter the manufacturer’s name under Product Manufacturer and under Category select exterior doors. Under Subcategory select Sectional Exterior Door assembly.
Yes, contact your Wayne Dalton dealer to determine impact-resistant window availability and your local building official for code requirements.
Look for the garage door label showing the wind rating. Additional information about the Florida code can be found through the Florida Building Commission.
A qualified design professional such as an architect, structural engineer, or contractor should be consulted to determine if the building frame is adequate to support the loads.
Windows has no effect on the design wind pressures except in wind-borne debris regions. In wind-borne debris regions, all windows must be impact resistant or protected with an impact-resistant covering unless the structure is designed as a partially enclosed structure.
To be considered a hurricane window, a product simply needs to provide a certain level of wind resistance. An impact window, on the other hand, will offer wind resistance as well as protection from debris impacts.
A 9lb pine 2x4 stud approximately 8ft long is shot at the door at 50fps (Level D) or 80fps (Level E for essential facilities).
Refer to the Wayne Dalton Jamb Connection Supplement for detailed information. DASMA Technical Data Sheet TDS-161 may also be used to determine how to attach garage door jambs to building framing.
No, you cannot add components from the original door installation. Adding components can add weight and overload the counterbalance system. A wind load-rated garage door is designed with specific components, such as track, jamb brackets, hinges, rollers and reinforcing struts that meet designated design wind pressures. All these components, along with the door sections may compromise the wind-resistive design.
Active systems are any type of reinforcing system used on a garage door that requires action by the homeowner or end user to resist high wind events. Most jurisdictions in hurricane-prone regions accept active systems, but some do not. Check with your local building official for requirements in your area.
• Partially enclosed structures are structures that are assumed to have a certain percentage of openings (such as broken windows) during a storm event. Under this assumption, the pressure inside a structure increases dramatically. This causes an increase in the design pressures on exterior walls as well.
• Wayne-Dalton doors do meet these requirements, but the required design pressures for a partially enclosed structure are substantially higher than for an enclosed structure. Note that the WindSafe Safety Level tables are not applicable to partially enclosed structures.

No. As a manufacturer, Wayne Dalton is responsible for providing sufficient information through drawings or specifications that indicate the wind pressures that the garage door will impose on the structure. It is the responsibility of the design professional for the building to assess the structure’s positive and negative pressures and design the supporting structure to accommodate these pressures.
• Wind load options may qualify the homeowner for insurance discounts. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may also require your garage door to meet local code requirements.
• Proper installation of a Wayne Dalton Impact Resistant garage door may qualify you for discounts on your homeowner’s insurance. Contact your insurance carrier for more information.
Contact your local building official, architect or engineer and they will determine your wind load rating for your residential or commercial project. As a general overview, these are the steps they will take to determine your Windcode® door rating:
1. Determine your wind speed - https://hazards.atcouncil.org/
a. By wind-borne debris or high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ)
2. Determine your exposure category
3. Determine the structural type of your residential or commercial building
4. Determine your design pressure
5. Your local Wayne Dalton dealer can then suggest a wind-resistant garage door or commercial door that offers the highest level of protection for your situation or geographic region
The Wind Exposure Categories were developed by ASCE in order to provide guidance on the design of structures for different wind environments. The categories range from B-D, with D being the most severe and B being the least severe.
Risk Categories are used to find an appropriate design wind velocity for determining corresponding design pressures to design structures and building components. The process is RISK CATEGORY > WIND VELOCITY > WIND PRESSURES > FORCES > DESIGN.
• Risk Category I buildings represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, such as agricultural facilities and storage buildings.
• Risk Category II buildings are those not defined as Risk Category I, III or IV, which would include houses, apartment buildings, offices and stores.
• Risk Category III buildings represent a substantial hazard to human life, such as schools and assembly buildings with an occupant load greater than 300.
• Risk Category IV buildings are designated as essential facilities intended to remain operational in the event of extreme environmental loading such as power-generating stations, police and fire stations, and other structures having critical functions.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has developed standards covering wind loads on buildings and other structures. This is the base standard for most wind provisions used in U.S. building codes. The basic wind speed maps from ASCE 7-05 or ASCE 7-10 can help an individual determine the proper wind speed delineation zones for their area. In addition, some states such as Florida provide a listing of wind speed maps by county.
For specific requirements for your area, contact your local building official.
• Wind speed is a velocity measured in miles per hour (mph). Wind pressure is the force generated by the wind on the door measured in pounds per square foot (PSF).
• Wind speed alone cannot be used to determine the wind pressures on a structure. Wind speed is one of many variables used in calculating design wind pressures that account for the structure configuration and site location.
Wayne Dalton has developed a general guideline from the above table. Please contact a registered architect or a structural engineer to determine your specific requirements. The engineer on record for the structure should provide the wind pressure requirements for all openings.
Wind Zone 3: 150+ mph (67 m/s) or 140+ mph & within 1 mile (1.6 km) from the coastline.
• An exposure category (B, C, or D) is a condition that adequately reflects the characteristics of ground surface irregularities for the site where a structure is located. The exposure category is used in calculating the required design wind pressures for a structure with exposure B yielding the lowest wind pressures and exposure D yielding the highest wind pressures.
• Exposure B applies to urban and suburban areas, wooded areas or other terrains with numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or larger. Exposure B is typically associated with site locations in a residential subdivision. Most site locations are assumed to be Exposure B unless the site meets the definition of another type of exposure.
• Exposure C applies to open terrain with scattered obstructions having heights generally less than 30 feet extending more than 1,500 feet from the building site. Exposure C includes flat open country, grasslands, and shorelines in hurricane-prone regions.
• Exposure D applies to flat, unobstructed areas exposed to wind flowing over open water (excluding shorelines in hurricane-prone regions) for a distance of at least 1 mile. Exposure D includes shorelines in inland waterways, the Great Lakes, and coastal areas of California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Exposure D extends inland from the shoreline at 1,500 feet or 10 times the height of the building or structure, whichever is greater.
• Design pressures are the pressures required by code that a door is designed to withstand and are calculated using variables considering wind speed, structure configuration, and site location.
• Test pressures are the pressures that a door has been tested to in controlled laboratory conditions. Test pressures for garage doors have a 50% safety factor making test pressures one and a half times higher than design pressures.
Wind can blow in any direction including away from a wall surface. In fact, negative wind pressures have a larger magnitude than positive wind pressures. This is defined by the building code community.
• Positive (+) pressure is the force that acts on the outside of the garage door that tries to blow the door into the building. • Negative (-) pressure is the force that acts on the inside of the garage door that tries to blow the door out of the opening.
• Positive pressure is tested at 100% of the design pressure for 10 seconds and then the same door is tested at 150% of the design pressure for 10 seconds.
• The procedure is repeated with negative design pressure testing
• For example, a 22/-22 PSF design pressure door is tested at the full 22/-22 PSF for 10 seconds and then tested to 33/-33 PSF for a factor of safety

Commercial Wind Load Door FAQ

• Size
• Jamb type
• Opening clearance information
• Design pressure requirement (PSF +/-), not wind speed
• Impact-resistant required? Yes or No
• A commercial door that meets specifications
• Loads the door will place on the jamb as shown on the wind load drawing
• Wind Speed
• Exposure Category
• Door Size
• Roof Pitch
• Mean Roof Height
• Importance Factor
• Enclosure Category
• Location of Door on Building
• Positive or Negative Pressure
• Internal Building Pressure (Building Size)
• Topographic Factor • Building Size
Wayne Dalton protects manufacturing and warehouse facilities, public facilities, government buildings, auto dealerships, retail buildings and a variety of commercial buildings along the eastern and southern coasts. We have the solution for your projects.
No, a heavier door curtain gauge by itself is an incomplete solution as there are more considerations such as how the additional weight could make the wind locks less effective.
• Specifications are created by the building architect or structural engineer.
• Occasionally can be found on the builders structural specification page where the structural engineer lists all the wind load factors, as well as the pressure loads for the different parts of the structure, including the doors.
Building code officials, builders, insurance companies, and design professionals should know the right solution for your application and building requirements.
• Slat gauge thickness
• Overall slat thickness
• Frequency of wind locks
• Wall angle sizing
• Door opening width
• Assembly bolt frequency
• Bolt grade
• Anchor spacing
There are 5 levels, A through E, to impact resistance. Wayne Dalton offers up to Level D protection, covering all non-essential facilities and up to wind zone 2 for essential facilities. For more on ASTM missile levels and building categories, click here.

Resources

International Building Code / International Residential Code (IBC/IRC)

Code Adoption by State (FBC)

DASMA–Trade Association for Doors and Access Systems

Wind Load Calculator (should only be used as a guide)

Miami-Dade County website – Search by NOA or Manufacturer
Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)

Residential

Commercial

ASCE 7 Hazard Tool – Wind Speed by Region
Hurricane-Prone Regions of the United States with ASCE 7-05 and 7-10 Boundaries
Residential Storm Protection Products Brochure

Quick Links

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Wind Load Garage Doors

What Does Wind Load Rated Mean?

Why Do I Need Wind Load Reinforcements?

What Makes a Wind Load Rated Door?

Protection Against Wind and Weather

Wind Load Code Compliance

Design Pressures by Model

Peace of Mind Plus Wayne Dalton Style

Wind Load 101 FAQ

What is wind load and why do I need it?

When replacing my garage door, do I have to get a wind load door? Do I need a permit?

What are the high wind load areas of the United States?

Does the design of my house affect the design of wind pressures on my garage door?

Does the direction a door faces affect the design wind pressures?

How do I know if my garage door is hurricane-rated?

Are impact-resistant windows available?

How do I know if my door complies with the Florida Building Code?

How do I know if the building frame can support the wind loads from the garage door?

What effect do windows in a garage door have on design wind pressures?

What is the difference between impact windows and hurricane windows?

What is a large missile impact rating?

How do I attach a 2x6 jamb to the building frame?

Can I add reinforcement to my non-wind load door to make it stronger?

What are active (post) systems and are they acceptable by local building officials?

What is a partially enclosed structure and do Wayne Dalton doors meet those requirements?

Is Wayne Dalton responsible for making sure the building frame can support the wind pressures imposed by the garage door?

Can a wind load-rated garage door qualify for insurance discounts?

How do I determine my wind load rating?

What are wind exposure categories?

How to determine your building rating?

What are the risk categories for office buildings?

How can I determine the wind speed requirements for my location?

What is the difference between wind speed and wind pressure?

How do I determine what wind pressures I need?

What is Wind Zone 3?

What does Exposure Category mean?

What is the difference between design pressures and test pressures?

Why are both positive and negative wind pressures required?

What are positive and negative pressure?

How is a door tested for wind load (ANSI/DASMA 108)?

Commercial Wind Load Door FAQ

What door information must be supplied from the architect/builder/contractor to pick the proper wind load door?

What does the manufacturer give to the architect/builder/contractor?

What factors determine the wind load commercial door design? (PSF Factors)

What type of business does a wind load-rated door protect?

Does a heavier door gauge make a commercial door wind rated?

Where can specifications be found?

Who should know if I need a wind load commercial door?

What affects the wind load strength of a rolling door?

Does Wayne Dalton offer protection for Essential Facilities in high-wind areas?

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