The Hurricane That Pounded Pembroke Pines and Proved Why Impact Doors Are Essential 

As a young couple who grew up and settled down in Pembroke Pines, Kat and Josh never thought a hurricane would change their lives so drastically. After all, they’d been through Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and made it through unscathed in their parent’s respective houses in Pembroke Shores and Lakes of Western Pines.

So when Hurricane Irma hit on September 10th, 2017, they felt prepared. It was their first home and though it was built in 1960 and was on 1st street in the older part of Pembroke Pines, their windows were reinforced, their roof had been inspected, and their shutters were in place.

But what they didn’t realize was that their front door—an old, standard wooden entryway—was not an impact door, it was their biggest vulnerability.

As the winds reached speeds of 100 mph, their door couldn’t withstand the pressure. Within moments, it was ripped off its hinges. The sudden pressure change caused their windows to shatter, rain poured inside, and debris flew through their home. 

What could have been a manageable storm (if they had impact doors) turned into a nightmare, leaving their house severely damaged.

Why Hurricane Resistant Doors Matter

This couple’s experience highlights the importance of impact doors in hurricane-prone areas like South Florida. Standard doors aren’t designed to handle the force of extreme winds, but hurricane-resistant doors are engineered for just that. These doors are built with reinforced materials and heavy-duty frames to withstand high winds and flying debris.

“People often think about impact windows first, but doors are just as important. A weak door can be the breaking point for an entire home’s structural integrity,” – Zsolt Borsos, Owner of Borsos Builders

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a sudden breach in a home—such as a door failure—can cause internal pressure to build, leading to structural collapse. That’s why home renovation projects in hurricane-prone areas should always prioritize hurricane resistant doors alongside other reinforcements.

How We Protect Your Home

Borsos Builders offers premium home renovation services, ensuring you’ll be prepared for the next hurricane. Unlike traditional doors, hurricane-resistant doors are designed with:

• Heavy-Duty Construction: Made from fiberglass, steel, or reinforced wood with impact-resistant glass inserts.

• Adhere to Building Codes: Every door and frame we install follows the strict Florida Building Codes to ensure you are protected in a storm.

• Secure Hinges and Frames: Stronger than standard door hardware, preventing blowouts under extreme wind pressure.

• Energy Efficiency Benefits: Many of these doors come with insulating properties that help regulate indoor temperatures and lower energy bills.

Increasing Home Value and Security 

Upgrading to impact doors isn’t just about storm protection—it’s a smart investment. The 2024 Realtor.com Housing and Climate Risk Report highlights that approximately 18.1% of homes in the United States, valued at nearly $7.7 trillion, face severe or extreme risk of hurricane wind damage. This underscores the importance of implementing hurricane-resistant features to protect property value.

Homes with hurricane-proof features like windows and doors tend to have higher resale value in areas like Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and Davie. Buyers are willing to pay more because these protections offer long-term safety and lower insurance premiums.

“We’ve had customers tell us their insurance rates dropped after installing our doors. It’s an upgrade that pays for itself in protection and savings,” adds Borsos.

Additionally, they enhance home security. Their reinforced materials and advanced locking systems make it difficult for intruders to break through, adding an extra layer of protection beyond storm safety.

Borsos Builders: Expert Craftsmanship for South Florida Homes

For homeowners looking to upgrade, Borsos Builders provides expert installation of impact doors across South Florida. With years of experience, we specialize in custom solutions that match your home’s style while meeting the strictest hurricane-resistant door standards.

Whether you live in Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, or the surrounding areas, we ensure top-tier craftsmanship and compliance with Florida’s stringent building codes.

Don’t Wait Until the Next Storm—Upgrade Today

Hurricane season is approaching—are you ready? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically occurring between mid-August and mid-October. Now is the time to strengthen your home’s defenses before the storms arrive!

Josh and Kat in Pembroke Pines learned firsthand the cost of not being prepared for hurricane season. If you want to avoid the same risk in 2025, now is the time for a home renovation. Hurricane season 2025 is coming, and protecting your home starts with securing your front door ( and other doors in your home). 

Contact Borsos Builders today to schedule a consultation and ensure your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature brings. To get a quote or schedule an appointment, click here or call us at 954-918-7673.