Is tempered glass the same as impact glass?

No. Tempered glass breaks safely but does not stay bonded after impact. Laminated impact glass is designed to remain intact and help keep the opening closed during debris strikes.

What if my door has no label?

Missing labels are a red flag on older doors. Check glass etchings, hardware clues, and any paperwork. If unsure, schedule a documented inspection for verification and options.

Do impact doors require a multi-point lock?

Not always, but taller or double doors benefit from multi-point or enhanced strike reinforcement. Proper anchoring and astragal strength matter as much as the lock type.

How can I verify DP ratings or approvals?

Use the DP number and the product approval/NOA listed on the label to look up the official documents. Ensure your proposed glass, hardware, and installation method match the approved assembly.

Where can I get help confirming my door?

Take photos of the hinge-side label, the glass etchings, and the hardware, then contact our team for a free review and options at https://southernhomeimprovement.com/free-estimate/.

How to Tell if Your Exterior Doors Are Impact-Rated (5 Easy Checks) — For Louisiana & Mississippi Homes

Not Sure Your Front Door Can Take a Hit? Here’s How to Tell

Gulf weather doesn’t knock first. One good gust can turn mulch, pinecones, or a loose patio chair into airborne trouble. If you live in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mandeville, Biloxi, Gulfport, or Ocean Springs, knowing whether your exterior doors are impact-rated isn’t trivia — it’s peace of mind. Below is a two-minute checklist you can try today, along with deeper tips our installers use in the field.

Short on time? Snap a few photos of your hinges, the door label, and any glass corners, then send them to our team. We’ll confirm what you have and what your options are.

1) Open the Door and Hunt for the Label

Impact-rated assemblies typically have a permanent label on the hinge side of the slab or the jamb. Open the door fully and look for a metal or heavy vinyl plate with:

Manufacturer and series name.
Test standards (ASTM E1886/E1996 or TAS 201/202/203) indicating impact testing.
A design pressure value (DP-50, DP-60, etc.).
Product approval or NOA numbers you can look up.

No label at all? That’s a clue the door may not be impact-rated, especially on older homes. Painted-over stickers don’t count as proof.

2) If There’s Glass, Read the “Bug”

Full-lite, half-lite, and sidelites need the right glazing. In one lower corner of each pane, find a tiny etched marking:

“Laminated” or equivalent wording means two panes bonded by a clear interlayer.
Tempered is great for safety but isn’t the same as laminated impact glass.
A quick non-destructive tell: laminated glass often has a faint line at the edge where the interlayer sits, and a fingernail tap sounds duller than hollow single pane.

Each piece of glass should have its own marking — door lite, sidelites, and transoms.

3) Match the DP Rating to Gulf Exposure

Even impact-capable doors must resist wind pressure and water. That’s what the DP (design pressure) rating is for. Along Lake Pontchartrain or the Mississippi Coast, you’ll usually want higher DP ratings than a sheltered inland lot. Ratings are only as good as the installation, so ask how the sill is flashed and how the frame is anchored.

4) Do the Hardware Reality Check

Open the door and look where strength actually happens:

Hinges secured with long screws (often 3″ into framing) — not just into the jamb.
A reinforced strike plate or multi-point locking on tall or double doors.
Composite or fiberglass frames that won’t swell or rot in humidity.
For double doors, a robust astragal with flush bolts that seat fully into the head and sill.
Weatherstrip and sill seals that still compress evenly to reduce wind-driven rain.

Hardware clues won’t replace a label, but they separate a builder-basic door from a coastal-grade system.

5) Look Up the Approvals

Have a product approval or NOA number from the label? Great. Those documents tell you exactly how that door was tested. Remember, approvals are assembly-specific — glass type, hardware, and installation method all matter.

Field-Tested Micro-Checks You Can Try Today

These quick tricks won’t void anything and can uncover issues before storm season:

Coin-tap test (glass): a light tap on laminated glass sounds muted; hollow or ringy glass may be non-laminated.
Business-card test (weatherstrip): close a card in the door at different spots; it should drag slightly when you pull it out.
Magnet test (hinge screws): long steel screws grab a magnet; short finish screws often don’t reach the framing.
Flashlight test (night): with lights off inside, shine a beam around the slab and sill; visible streaks of light can mean air/water paths.

Find something questionable? Take photos and book a quick visit. We’ll verify and give you a plan.

Myths vs. Real-World Experience

Myth: “Tempered glass doors equal impact doors.”
Reality: Tempered breaks safely; laminated impact glass stays bonded after impact to help keep the envelope closed.
Myth: “A steel slab is automatically impact-rated.”
Reality: Only tested, labeled assemblies count — slab, glass, frame, and hardware together.
Myth: “If it survived last season, it’s impact-rated.”
Reality: Survival isn’t certification. Testing and documentation are the standard.

Curious about windows, too? Check our related guide: how to tell if windows are impact-resistant.

When an Upgrade Makes Sense

Homeowners across Louisiana parishes and the Mississippi Coast often upgrade when:

Labels are missing or unreadable on older doors.
There’s rot at the sill, recurring leaks, or corroded hinges.
They’re adding impact windows and want consistent protection at every opening.
They’re beefing up the whole envelope — roof, openings, and water management together.

Upgrading to impact-rated entries and patio doors improves resilience and may help with certain insurer or mitigation program requirements. Documentation varies by carrier; ask your agent what they need before you buy.

How to Compare Bids Without Guessing

Ask every contractor to specify these items in writing so you can compare apples to apples:

Manufacturer & series, plus any NOA/Product Approval references.
Impact test standards on the label and the DP rating proposed for your exposure.
Hardware set (hinges, screw length, strike reinforcement, multi-point lock if used).
Frame material and water-management details at the sill.
Exact installation method, sealants, and both material & workmanship warranties.

Still unsure? Bring a competing quote to your appointment. We’ll explain line by line where specs differ and why.

Louisiana & Mississippi: Local Context Matters

Homes near Lake Pontchartrain and along the Coast see higher wind exposure and salt air; inland neighborhoods deal with heat and sudden downpours. That’s why we match product options to your exposure, verify clearances, and detail the sill for wind-driven rain. For coastal addresses, we often recommend laminated lites, composite frames, upgraded screws, and tighter weather-seals even on “solid”-look doors.

Free Door Assessment & Next Steps

Not sure what’s on your hinges now? We can help. Our team will photograph your labels, verify DP/impact data, check hardware and weather-seals, and provide a written estimate with options. We service entries, side doors, and patio sliders throughout New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Mandeville, Covington, Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, and nearby communities.

Book your free door inspection
Explore related services: windows | roofing | storm damage

*Some of the services described above may not be available in your area. Please check with our office before scheduling an appointment with our consultant. For material availability, please visit our manufacturer’s website at www.provia.com. Thank you for your understanding!