Broward HVHZ Bi-Fold Guide

Folding Door Design Pressures for Broward County

Complete engineering specifications for hurricane-rated bi-fold and accordion glass door systems. Design pressures from +/-55 to +/-75 PSF for Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.

0
Max PSF Rating
0
Max Panel Count
0
Feet Max Opening
Interactive: Bi-Fold Door System
+/-65 PSF Rated
5-Panel System

Bi-Fold Panel Options

Design pressure requirements scale with panel count and total opening width.

2-Panel

Up to 8' Opening

+/-55 PSF

4-Panel

Up to 16' Opening

+/-60 PSF

6-Panel

Up to 24' Opening

+/-65 PSF

8-Panel

Up to 32' Opening

+/-75 PSF

Folding Door Requirements Matrix

HVHZ specifications by application type and exposure category.

Specification
Residential
Commercial
High-Rise
Min. Design Pressure
+/-55 PSF
+/-65 PSF
+/-75 PSF
Glass Thickness (min)
7/16" Lam.
1/2" Lam.
9/16" Lam.
PVB Interlayer
0.060"
0.090"
0.090" SGP
Impact Requirement
Large Missile
Large Missile
Large Missile
Max Panel Width
48"
42"
36"
Lock Points (min)
2 per panel
3 per panel
3 per panel

HVHZ Hardware Requirements

Essential hardware specifications for hurricane-rated folding door systems.

Hinge System

Heavy-duty stainless steel hinges rated for panel weight and wind loads.

Material 316 SS
Load Rating 400 lb/hinge
Per Panel 3 minimum

Multi-Point Locks

Engagement at head, jamb, and sill for structural integrity under pressure.

Lock Points 2-3 per panel
Bolt Throw 3/4" min
Strike Plate Reinforced

Track System

Reinforced aluminum track with stainless steel rollers and guides.

Track Width 2.5" min
Wall Thickness 0.125"
Roller Rating 500 lb

Why Choose Folding Doors

Benefits of bi-fold systems for hurricane-zone applications.

Wide Openings

Create openings up to 32 feet wide for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

HVHZ Rated

Available with Miami-Dade NOA for full hurricane zone compliance.

Flexible Config

Stack panels left, right, or center for maximum design flexibility.

Natural Light

Maximize daylight with minimal frame profiles and large glass panels.

Folding Door FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions about bi-fold doors in Broward County.

What design pressure is required for folding doors in Broward HVHZ?

Folding glass doors in Broward County HVHZ typically require design pressures of +/-55 PSF for residential and +/-65 to +/-75 PSF for commercial applications. Requirements increase with opening width and building height.

How many panels can a bi-fold door system have in HVHZ?

Impact-rated bi-fold systems are available with 2 to 8 panels, allowing openings up to 32 feet wide. Larger systems require higher design pressures and more robust hardware to meet HVHZ requirements.

Are folding doors as hurricane-resistant as sliding doors?

Yes, properly rated folding doors can meet the same HVHZ requirements as sliding doors. The key is selecting systems with Miami-Dade NOA approval that meet TAS 201, 202, and 203 for large missile impact and cyclic pressure testing.

What hardware is critical for HVHZ folding door compliance?

Critical hardware includes heavy-duty stainless steel hinges rated for the door weight, reinforced multi-point locking systems, structural track systems, and flush bolts at floor and head for each panel.

Bi-Fold Min. Rating
+/-55 PSF
Large Missile Impact Required