Impact-Resistant Garage Doors Survive Hurricane Irma

Haas Door • November 29, 2017

When Hurricane Irma hit in September, the mass of the Category 4 hurricane encompassed all of Florida. Exposed and vulnerable, Cocoa Beach received a lashing with high winds and tornadoes. However, amidst Mother Nature's full wrath, residents at several Florida communities say their garage doors remained intact.

"There were 100 mph winds that took down trees, broke glass and caused water damage in many of our 72 units, but the Haas doors on our garages appear to be just fine," says Joe Fanning, treasurer of the Spanish Main Condominium Association in Cocoa Beach, Fl. "These 64 garage doors have now survived Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. They're amazingly durable and we're very pleased that we invested in these impact-resistant garage doors earlier in 2016."

The sturdy steel garage doors from Haas Door meet state of Florida and Miami/Dade County wind load standards and can help protect properties from storms. In Cape Coral, Donald Koch had a similar experience during Hurricane Irma.

"We had a direct hit from the hurricane, with winds reaching more than 100 mph and higher gusts, but had no damage to our house," says Koch. "The 600 Series is the best garage door you could ask for. This is the second time our garage door from Haas Door has stood up to Mother Nature for us.

"In January of 2016 an EF-2 tornado with wind gusts of 132 mph hit our area. Our 600 Series door was riddled with ceramic shingles that actually flew into and embedded themselves in our garage door. Amazingly, once they were pulled out, the garage door worked! I wish everyone could see how garage doors from Haas Door stand up to these storms. We're true believers in these doors."

In the middle of Florida, in Sanford, Josh Smith feels fortunate that his riverside home survived with no damage during Hurricane Irma. "We have a new home and it's a testament to its construction and the materials used that we were able to escape with no damage," says Smith. "The house fared well, and the garage door from Haas Door did an awesome job. There was no wind or water penetration at all during the storm, which is very impressive!"

What's New at Haas Door?

By Haas Door April 6, 2026
Wood-grain aesthetics have been one of the most consistent design requests we hear from homeowners, which is why we’re excited to introduce our new Plank style options, now available across the 600, 700 and 2000 Series for both residential and commercial options. Whether you’re drawn to the warm richness of walnut, the classic character of oak, the brighter feel of cedar, or something in between, our Plank offerings bring a fresh, modern sensibility to the garage door without sacrificing the quality Haas Door is known for.
By Haas Door March 23, 2026
The International Builders’ Show was the perfect place to launch some exciting new products and host a really energizing event with our partners at FLASH . Here’s a quick look at what we brought to the show.
By Haas Door March 6, 2026
Energy efficiency is often discussed in terms of windows, insulation and HVAC systems. But one of the largest and most frequently used openings in a home is often overlooked: the garage door. Because the garage connects directly to the living space in many homes, the performance of the garage door affects more than just curb appeal. It plays a meaningful role in comfort, efficiency and long-term home performance. That’s why the way a garage door is built matters. 
By Haas Door December 12, 2025
At Haas Door, we’re always looking for ways to make our products even better. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the next evolution of one of our most popular product lines — the American Tradition™ Series, now available with the strength, style, and performance of aluminum construction.  By incorporating the natural benefits of our 5200 Series aluminum garage doors into the American Tradition™ line, we’ve created a collection that blends handcrafted beauty with high-performance materials. The result? A door that’s as durable and efficient as it is timeless.
By Haas Door October 31, 2025
Stay Warm, Save Energy: Why Your Garage Door Matters More Than You Think
By Haas Door September 15, 2025
Garage doors do more than secure your home or business – they’re a statement piece. At Haas Door, we’re always looking for ways to bring fresh design choices that combine beauty, functionality, and lasting quality. That’s why we’re excited to have recently introduced three stunning new textured glass options: Reed, Rain and Arctic .
By Haas Door August 27, 2025
Did you know your garage door can account for up to 25-40% of your home’s front-facing exterior? That means one simple upgrade could be the biggest difference-maker when it comes to your home's curb appeal. August is National Curb Appeal Month , and there’s no better time to reimagine your home's first impression — starting with a beautiful, high-quality garage door from Haas Door.
By Haas Door July 31, 2025
As hurricane season ramps up, homeowners across the Gulf Coast, Atlantic states and beyond are checking emergency kits, trimming trees and securing loose outdoor items. But one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps in hurricane prep starts with your garage. At Haas Door, we know that your garage door isn’t just about curb appeal. It’s a vital barrier that protects your home from wind, water and debris. And in high-wind events like hurricanes, it can be a first line of defense in protecting your home. Why Your Garage Door Matters in a Storm A compromised garage door can cause catastrophic damage. According to FEMA, garage door failure is one of the leading causes of structural damage during hurricanes. Once the door is breached, wind pressure can build inside your home, lifting the roof and blowing out walls.
By Haas Door June 19, 2025
Celebrating Technicians on Super Tech Day At Haas Door, we’re proud of the precision and care that goes into every product we engineer. We sweat the details so our doors meet the highest standards of performance, durability and beauty. But as any good company knows, no product, no matter how well-made, reaches its full potential without the hands and minds of the people who bring it to life out in the world. That’s why Super Tech Day means so much to us. It’s a welcome reminder each year that garage door technicians are the linchpins of our industry. They’re the bridge between factory floor and final installation on a happy customer’s home. They’re the people who make sure our work works.  And today, we want to shine the spotlight on them.
By Haas Door May 20, 2025
Garage Door Myths: What Every Homeowner Should Know Did you know that the largest moving object in your house is your garage door? May is Garage Door Safety Month — a timely reminder to ensure your garage door is working safely and reliably. Unfortunately, many homeowners hold misconceptions about garage door safety and maintenance, potentially putting themselves, their family, and their property at unnecessary risk. Haas Door and our network of professional garage door dealers around the country believe it's important to clear up these myths, helping you make informed decisions and maintain the peace of mind you and your family deserve. Myth #1: "My Garage Door Looks Fine. It Doesn't Need Maintenance." Appearances can be deceiving. A garage door might seem functional at first glance, but underlying problems, such as worn-out parts, frayed cables, and unbalanced spring systems, may be present. Overlooking these issues can lead to sudden malfunctions, which pose a risk to you and your family. Regular inspections can prevent these hidden hazards and ensure your door operates safely and smoothly.
Show More