Impact Door Installation Checklist for Palm Beach County Homeowners

Living in beautiful Palm Beach County means enjoying sunshine and coastal breezes, but it also means taking hurricane season seriously. When the winds start to howl, you want to feel secure in your home. And let’s be honest, few things provide more peace of mind than knowing your entryways are fortified against the storm. But here’s a secret: the best impact door in the world is only as good as its installation.

Are you thinking about upgrading to an impact door? It’s a smart move. But the process can feel overwhelming. What should you look for? Who can you trust? What steps are involved? It’s easy to get lost in the details. That’s why we at Shalom 7 Corp have put together this comprehensive checklist. Think of it as your personal roadmap to a smooth, stress-free, and—most importantly—correct impact door installation.

Installing an impact door isn’t like hanging a picture frame; it’s a critical upgrade to your home’s armor. A flawed installation can lead to leaks, drafts, and, in a worst-case scenario, catastrophic failure during a hurricane. This guide will walk you through every phase, from choosing your contractor to the final, satisfying click of the lock.

Why a Detailed Checklist is Your Best Friend

So, why all the fuss about a checklist? Because when it comes to protecting your home in a hurricane-prone area, the stakes are incredibly high. According to FEMA, unprotected openings like doors and windows are primary points of failure during a storm. Once the building’s envelope is breached, wind and rain can rush inside, dramatically increasing pressure on your roof and walls from within, which can lead to catastrophic structural failure.

A proper installation ensures your new door performs exactly as it was engineered to. It’s not just about meeting the stringent Florida Building Code; it’s about protecting your family and your biggest investment. This checklist is designed to empower you, the homeowner, to ask the right questions and know what to look for every step of the way.

Phase 1: The Pre-Installation Gauntlet: Your Contractor Due Diligence

Alright, let’s get down to business. Before anyone even touches a screwdriver, you’ve got some homework to do. Choosing the right contractor is the single most important decision you’ll make in this process. A great contractor means a great installation. A questionable one? Well, let’s not even go there.

Verify Their Credentials

Don’t just take their word for it. A professional and legitimate company will have no problem providing you with proof of their qualifications. Think of it as a background check for your home’s safety.

• State and Local Licensing: Your contractor must have a valid license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can verify a license on the DBPR website. They should also have a local business tax receipt for Palm Beach County.
• Proof of Insurance: Ask for a current Certificate of Insurance. This should include General Liability to cover any damage to your property and Worker’s Compensation to cover their employees in case of injury. Without this, you could be held liable.

Check Their Track Record and Reputation

A contractor’s past is the best predictor of your future experience. A company with a long history of happy customers is what you’re looking for.

• Request Local References: Ask for a list of recent, local customers and actually call them! Ask about their experience with the installation process, the crew’s professionalism, and how the new door is performing.
• Read Online Reviews: Check their reputation on Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other trusted review sites. Look for patterns in the feedback—both good and bad.
• Review Their Portfolio: Ask to see photos of completed projects similar to yours. This helps you gauge the quality of their workmanship.

Get Everything in Writing

A handshake is nice, but a contract is what protects you. A vague or verbal-only agreement is a major red flag. Your quote and contract should be detailed and transparent.

• Itemized Quote: The quote should break down all costs: the door itself, all hardware, labor, permit fees, taxes, and debris removal. There should be no hidden surprises.
• Product Specifications: The contract must clearly state the manufacturer, model, and material of the door. Crucially, it must include the Florida Product Approval number or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) number, which verifies it’s rated for our area. Whether you’re choosing elegant French Doors or a sturdy single door, the approval number is non-negotiable.
• Project Timeline: The contract should specify a clear start and estimated completion date.

Phase 2: Setting the Stage: The Pre-Installation Prep Checklist

Okay, you’ve picked your installer. High five! Now, what happens before the big day? This phase is all about laying the groundwork for a seamless installation.

The Permitting Process

In Palm Beach County, replacing an exterior door is not a simple DIY job; it requires a building permit. This is a good thing! It ensures the work is done to code and will be inspected by a county official.

• Your Contractor’s Responsibility: A reputable contractor, like Shalom 7 Corp, will handle the entire permitting process for you. This includes submitting the plans and product approvals to the Palm Beach County Building Division.
• Why It’s Critical: A permit ensures that the installation methods, from the fasteners to the waterproofing, meet the stringent requirements of the Florida Building Code designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. Working without a permit can lead to fines, problems selling your home, and denied insurance claims.

Preparing Your Home for the Crew

A little prep work on your part can make a huge difference on installation day. It helps the crew work efficiently and protects your belongings.

• Clear the Work Zone: Move any furniture, rugs, plants, and decorations from the area around the door, both inside and outside. A clear space of about five feet is ideal.
• Protect from Dust: Installation creates dust. Cover nearby furniture with old sheets or drop cloths. It’s also a good idea to take down pictures or art from adjacent walls, as vibrations can cause them to fall.
• Plan for Kids and Pets: An active work zone is no place for children or pets. For their safety and to avoid disruption, arrange for them to be in another part of the house or away from home on installation day.

Phase 3: D-Day: The Installation Day Observation Checklist

The truck is here, and the team is ready to go. You don’t need to hover, but it’s good to know the key steps of a professional installation. This is where the magic happens, transforming a rough opening into a secure, beautiful, and weather-tight entryway.

1. Site Protection: The first thing a professional crew should do is protect your home. Look for them to lay down drop cloths on your floors to prevent scratches and catch debris.
2. Careful Removal of the Old Door: The old door frame is carefully removed to minimize any damage to the surrounding drywall, stucco, or siding.
3. Opening Preparation & Inspection: This is a critical step. The crew will inspect the bare opening for any signs of wood rot or damage, which must be repaired before proceeding. They’ll ensure the opening is clean, square, and level.
4. Waterproofing and Sealing (Flashing): In Florida, keeping water out is paramount. The installer will apply specialized flashing tape and high-quality sealants around the opening. This creates a waterproof barrier to prevent water intrusion, which is a leading cause of costly structural damage.
5. Setting and Anchoring the New Door: The new impact door is carefully placed and shimmed to be perfectly plumb and level. It is then anchored directly to the structural frame of your house using the specific type, size, and number of fasteners mandated by the manufacturer’s installation instructions and Florida Product Approval. This is not a place for guesswork.
6. Insulating and Final Sealing: Once anchored, the gap between the door frame and the wall is filled with low-expansion foam insulation. A final bead of high-grade, waterproof silicone caulk is applied around the entire perimeter, inside and out, creating the final airtight and watertight seal.
7. Hardware and Trim Installation: The final step is installing the handles, locks, and any interior trim. A professional finish on the door casing completes the look and is a sign of a job well done.

At a Glance: Contractor Vetting Comparison

Choosing the right partner for your project can be tough. Here’s a quick comparison to help you spot the pros from the cons.

Phase 4: The Final Lap: Your Post-Installation & Sign-Off Checklist

The job’s done… or is it? Don’t sign that final check just yet. Taking a few minutes to conduct a final review ensures everything is perfect and you have all the necessary paperwork for the future.

• Conduct a Final Walk-Through: Before the crew leaves, walk through the project with the site foreman. Open, close, and lock the door multiple times. Does it operate smoothly without sticking or rubbing? Check the finish for any scratches or damage that may have occurred during installation.
• Inspect the Sealant: Look at the caulk lines around the door, both inside and out. They should be clean, neat, and continuous, with no gaps.
• Confirm Cleanup: The work area should be as clean as, or cleaner than, when the crew arrived. All debris, dust, and old materials should be removed from your property.
• Gather Your Paperwork: This is your proof of a job done right. You should receive:
  • The final, paid-in-full invoice.
  • Warranty documents for both the door (from the manufacturer) and the installation labor (from the contractor).
  • Confirmation that the permit has passed its final inspection and is officially closed by the county.

Your Peace of Mind is the Ultimate Goal

Upgrading to an impact door is one of the smartest investments you can make for your Palm Beach County home. It enhances security, improves energy efficiency, and, according to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing an entry door can have a remarkable return on investment of over 188%. But all of those benefits hinge on a perfect installation.

By following this checklist, you’re not just buying a door; you’re buying confidence. You’re ensuring that your home is ready, secure, and protected. At Shalom 7 Corp, this is the standard we bring to every project—delivering not just high-quality products, but the “peace and perfection” that comes from knowing the job was done right.

What’s your biggest concern when it comes to home improvement projects like this? Have you had an impact door installed? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!