Broward County HVHZ | Door Systems

Strong at the Edges: Door Frame Reinforcement

A door is only as strong as its frame. The hinge side and strike side face different forces and need different protection. Here is why both matter and how to reinforce them properly.

3"
Min Screw Length
3x
Strike Side Force
0
PSF Door Pressure
Calculate Door Loads Compare Sides
Door Frame Force Distribution
Hinge Side Strike Side
Hinge Side
3 hinges spread the load evenly. Reinforce with 3" screws into framing.
Side by Side

Hinge Side vs Strike Side

Each side of the door frame faces different challenges. Here is what you need to know about each.

Hinge Side

The pivot point

  • Load is spread across 3 hinges
  • Resists outward pull during negative pressure
  • Standard hinges use short screws - replace with 3" screws
  • Reinforcement plates distribute force over more wood
Screw Upgrade 3" into stud

Strike Side

The weak point

  • Takes all the force when door is pushed inward
  • Only the latch and deadbolt hold this side
  • Standard strike plates are 1" wide - not enough
  • Full-length reinforcement plate is essential
Reinforcement 48" steel plate
Reinforcement Options

Door Frame Reinforcement Products

These products help prevent door frame failure in hurricanes.

Strike Plate Reinforcement

Full-length steel plate that runs from deadbolt to latch and beyond. Spreads force over 48 inches of jamb.

* * * * *
$25-40 installed

Hinge Reinforcement Kit

Steel plates behind each hinge with longer screws that reach the wall studs. Prevents hinges from pulling out.

* * * * *
$20-35 per door

Door Jamb Armor

Complete reinforcement system for the entire door frame. Wraps the jamb in steel on both the hinge and strike sides.

* * * * *
$80-150 per door
Common Questions

Door Reinforcement FAQs

Why does the strike side need more reinforcement than the hinge side?
The strike side takes all the force when wind pushes on the door. The latch and deadbolt are the only things holding that side closed. The hinge side has 3 hinges spreading the load. Without reinforcement, the strike side wood splits and the door blows open.
What is a door frame reinforcement kit?
A reinforcement kit includes steel plates that wrap around the door jamb at the strike plate and hinges. These plates spread the force over a larger area of wood, preventing the jamb from splitting when the door is hit by wind or debris.
How long should door frame screws be?
In Broward County HVHZ, door frame screws should be at least 3 inches long to reach the structural framing behind the jamb. Standard 3/4 inch screws only go into the jamb and easily pull out under wind load.
Do I need to reinforce both the hinge side and strike side?
Yes, both sides need reinforcement but for different reasons. The strike side prevents the door from being pushed open. The hinge side prevents the door from being pulled off its hinges during negative pressure events when wind creates suction.
Door Reinforcement
Min Screw Length 3 inches
Strike Plate 48" long
Hinges 3 reinforced
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