Hurricane season stretches nerves and rattles houses across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Storm alerts flash on phones. Shutters snap shut. Yet many homeowners forget the humble front door. During a storm, that door becomes a shield, keeping wind and water out. If it fails, costly damage follows. Let’s explore why you see a sharp rise every summer and fall, because storms target weak entryways first.

Hurricanes Put Homes Under Extreme Stress

When a hurricane hits, the wind pushes against walls. At the same time, lower outdoor pressure tugs roofs upward. This push-pull strains every joint. Because doors sit in framed openings, they flex more than solid walls. Even moderate gusts can pop latches or bend hinges. Therefore, door repair becomes urgent once the storm passes. Moreover, water can ride wind-driven rain through cracked seals, soaking floors. After the wind dies, soaked lumber swells and jams doors tight. Homeowners then call technicians the same day. While windows grab headlines, doors often suffer first, leading to that seasonal spike in repair requests.

Why Doors Fail Before Windows

First, doors swing, so they rely on hinges, pins, and latches. Windows stay fixed in rigid frames. Next, many entry doors use wood cores that swell with moisture, unlike tempered glass. Also, installers may skip extra screws in hinges, leaving only two. Consequently, wind can pull the slab outward. Because pressure rises inside the house, air forces itself past worn sweeps and strikes the slab from within. This inward push adds to outdoor suction, making failure more likely. Finally, doors often face porches, which create wind tunnels. All these factors combine, so door repair leads the list of post-storm jobs.

Common Door Damage During Storms

Wind and debris leave clear signs. Look for these issues right after a watch ends:

• Loose hinges that squeak or sag
• Bent latch plates that no longer catch
• Warped slabs that scrape the floor
• Cracked seals letting daylight show
• Water stains on thresholds and trim

Spot one? Plan a prompt door repair to stop mold and further leaks.

Pressure and Wind: The Science Explained

“As wind speed doubles, force rises four times.” That math matters. A Category 2 storm delivers wind at 96 mph. Doors rated for 40 mph now face six times their design load. Because air seeks weak points, it hammers the latch edge first. “A gap as thin as a credit card lets wind whistle through,” adds Ramirez. Once pressure equalizes, the door may slam inward, cracking jambs. So, this chain of events explains the burst of repair calls after each advisory. Understanding the physics helps owners choose upgrades well before landfall.

Insurance Claims Rise With Door Repair Calls

Year	Named Storms	Average Door Claims Per 1,000 Policies	Mean Claim Cost
2022	14	32	$1,120
2023	17	45	$1,460
2024	19	51	$1,590

The table uses nationwide insurer data. As storm counts grow, door repair claims climb. Moreover, claim size grows because materials cost more and water damage spreads farther.

Preparing Before the Storm Hits

Smart prep saves cash. Add these steps to your checklist:

• Tighten every hinge screw with a drill.
• Install a three-inch deadbolt strike plate.
• Seal gaps with fresh silicone caulk.
• Replace worn sweeps to block water.
• Store a spare latch in a dry kit.

Because each task costs little time, you reduce the odds of an emergency door repair call later.

Quick Fixes When You Hear the Forecast

The radio says a tropical storm may form. You still have time. Follow these rapid moves:

• Apply painter’s tape over glass inserts; it limits shards.
• Place sandbags along the threshold to divert water.
• Use shims under the slab to prevent rattle.
• Spray hinges with lubricant; this stops rust if rain blows in.
• Check the lock throws fully; adjust the strike if needed.

Afterward, you will feel calmer, because your door stands a better chance.

Expert Voices on Safe Door Repair

Always assess structural damage before you swing that door again. The builder advises wearing gloves and eye gear.

After the Storm

Price says, “If the frame shifted over half an inch, replace it, don’t shim.” Shimming hides problems but fails under the next gust.

When to Call for Help

If you see split jambs or warped steel, call a licensed pro. Complex repairs need special tools. Yet many fixes remain DIY-friendly, as shown above. With clear judgment, homeowners manage simple tasks and keep costs low. Therefore, informed choices lead to faster recovery and fewer future claims.

Old Doors May Not Meet Current Building Codes

Many older homes still have doors installed decades ago. While they may look fine, they often fall short of today’s safety standards. Modern building codes now require stronger frames, reinforced hinges, and impact-rated glass in storm zones. If your door predates these rules, it might not hold up in high winds. That’s why local inspectors often recommend updates after hurricanes.

Upgrading your door doesn’t mean replacing the entire entry—it might just take new hardware or a better seal. Checking your door against the latest code helps you stay compliant and better protected. So, it’s a simple step that can prevent major repair costs later and reduce the chances of your home being a storm casualty.

Hurricane Season Will Always Test Homes

Doors stand as the first line of defense, so they take heavy hits. Wind pressure, flying debris, and sudden rain all focus on those hinges and locks. Because of that, door repair requests surge each year from June through November. By learning the science, spotting common damage, and following simple prep steps, you stay ahead. Short actions today mean fewer frantic phone calls when the skies clear tomorrow. Reach out to Fast And Fair Doors to stay safe during hurricanes and other dangers by repairing your door.