Impact & Storm Door Installation in Louisiana and Mississippi
On the Gulf Coast, a front door is not just curb appeal — it is opening protection. Wind-driven rain, seasonal humidity, and storm pressure changes find weak points fast, especially at the threshold and frame. Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) installs and replaces impact-rated entry doors and practical storm-door upgrades across Southeast Louisiana, with select availability on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
If you are looking for general door replacement (non impact-rated), start with our Entry Door Installation & Replacement page. This page stays focused on impact-rated assemblies, storm-ready details, and the documentation that matters when homeowners want stronger protection.
When Impact-Rated Doors Make Sense on the Gulf Coast
Practice shows that homeowners usually upgrade to impact-rated doors for performance first — then for looks. If an elevation takes the brunt of storms, or you have large glass areas near the entry, an impact-rated package can be a smart next step.
- Water intrusion at the sill during wind-driven rain.
- A door that flexes, rattles, or feels “light” in strong gusts.
- Large decorative glass, sidelites, or transoms that raise exposure.
- Recurring swelling, sticking, and inconsistent latch engagement in humidity.
- Insurance conversations that require proof of “opening protection.”
The key is matching the door system to your exposure and your goals — not overbuying features you do not need, and not underbuilding details that prevent leaks later.
Impact-Rated Doors vs. Storm Doors — What’s the Difference?
These terms get mixed up in real searches. “Impact-rated” refers to a tested door assembly designed to resist wind pressure and debris impact under specific standards. A “storm door” is typically a secondary exterior door installed in front of an entry door — useful for ventilation and daily protection, but not the same as an impact-rated assembly.
Practice shows the best results come from choosing the right category up front:
- Impact-rated door replacement — when you want true opening protection and documentation for a rated assembly.
- Storm door installation — when you want a practical outer layer, better ventilation, and a cleaner daily-use entry.
- Storm-ready entry upgrades — when the existing door is decent, but the weak point is the threshold, sealing, or frame condition.
If you are unsure what you currently have, our quick field checklist can help: How to Tell If Your Exterior Doors Are Impact-Rated — 5 Easy Checks.
What “Impact-Rated” Actually Means
An impact-rated door is not just a stronger slab. It is a rated assembly — slab, frame, glazing (if present), hardware, and install method — selected and installed to match a required performance level. Requirements vary by location and exposure, so the most reliable approach is documentation-first: identify what your home needs, then select a door system that can be verified on paper.
During estimates, we focus on the items that typically determine whether an impact-rated door performs as intended:
- Permanent manufacturer labeling and test standard references on the unit.
- Design pressure (DP) and wind-pressure requirements appropriate for the location.
- Rated glazing details for glass panels, sidelites, and transoms.
- Frame anchoring, shimming, and hardware alignment that supports long-term seal compression.
In real Gulf Coast weather, the installation details are often the difference between “rated on paper” and “tight in a storm.”
Installation Details That Prevent Leaks and Callbacks
Practice shows that most door problems are not mysterious — they come from predictable weak points at the sill, the frame, and out-of-square openings. Our scopes prioritize the details that stop wind-driven rain paths and keep daily operation smooth.
- Threshold and sill water management — correct prep, clean transitions, and reliable sealing where the most leaks start.
- Square and plumb setup — so weatherstripping compresses evenly and the latch does not “fight” the strike.
- Perimeter sealing strategy — air sealing that stays stable through heat cycles and seasonal movement.
- Frame condition and rot repair — because a compromised opening will defeat a new door system.
- Hardware fit and repeatable locking — daily usability matters as much as storm performance.
The goal is simple: a door that closes the same way every time, seals consistently, and does not rely on quick caulk fixes to stay dry.
Documentation for Wind-Mitigation Discounts
If your goal includes potential wind-mitigation recognition, documentation matters as much as the product itself. We can help you plan an install that supports a cleaner paper trail for inspectors and insurers.
- Product information that identifies the rated assembly and key performance values.
- Photos that show labeling, glazing markings (when applicable), and critical install stages.
- Clear scope notes that define what was replaced and how the opening was corrected.
For the bigger picture on impact openings and how paperwork typically works, use this guide: Wind-Mitigation Discounts in Louisiana & Mississippi — Impact Windows, Doors & FORTIFIED™ Roofs.
Our Process — Predictable Milestones, Clean Closeout
Practice shows the smoothest projects are the ones with clear checkpoints. Our process keeps the job predictable from the first evaluation to the final walkthrough.
- Assessment — measurements, photos, and a quick review of existing issues (leaks, sticking, drafts, exposure).
- Written plan — a scope that defines door type, rating targets (when applicable), and finish expectations.
- Preparation — correct opening issues before setting the new unit.
- Install and verify — anchor, seal, align hardware, confirm smooth operation and consistent closure.
- Closeout — cleanup, walkthrough, and confirmation that seals, latch, and threshold perform as intended.
If your door upgrade is part of a larger exterior plan, we can help coordinate sequencing so trims and transitions stay clean and you avoid rework.
Service Area
We provide impact-rated and storm door installation across our primary Louisiana markets — including Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge — with select availability on the Mississippi Gulf Coast depending on location and scope. If you are unsure whether your neighborhood is in range, send your address and a short description of what you want to replace, and we will confirm service and the most practical next step.
FAQ
Do storm doors count as impact-rated “opening protection”?
Usually, no. A storm door can be a helpful outer layer for daily protection and ventilation, but “impact-rated” refers to a tested, documented door assembly. If your goal is opening protection documentation, we will scope the project around a verifiable impact-rated package.
Can you tell if my current door is impact-rated?
Yes. In many cases, labels and markings provide the answer quickly. Start with our checklist and send photos if you want us to confirm: 5 Easy Checks.
Do I need to replace the frame, or just the door slab?
It depends on the condition and whether the opening is square and stable. Practice shows that threshold and frame condition often determine long-term performance, especially with wind-driven rain. We will confirm the cleanest scope after evaluating the opening.
What about decorative glass, sidelites, or transoms?
Those features can look great, but they need to be planned correctly when impact performance matters. We will scope rated glazing details appropriately so the full opening performs as intended.
Will an impact-rated door help with drafts and indoor comfort?
In many cases, yes — especially when the existing entry has perimeter gaps, worn seals, and a failing threshold. The biggest comfort gains come from correct setup, consistent seal compression, and clean water management at the sill.
How long does impact door replacement usually take?
Timelines vary by scope and opening condition, but the goal is a predictable install with verified operation and sealing — not a rushed swap that leaves weak points behind. We will provide a clear timeline in the written proposal.
Ready to plan an impact-rated or storm door upgrade? Call Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) at (985) 643-6611 (Slidell / Northshore), (225) 766-4244 (Baton Rouge), or (228) 467-7484 (Mississippi Gulf Coast), or request a free estimate.
