Hurricane-Rated Fiberglass Entry Door - 5 Panel Shaker (36" x 96")

Key Measurements & Sizing Information

This door is sold as a nominal 36" x 96" size, which is also commonly written as 3/0 x 8/0. The actual slab size is 35-3/4" wide x 95" tall, with a standard exterior door thickness of 1-3/4".

If purchasing with jambs to assemble a single prehung unit: this slab size typically pairs with a 36" head jamb. For inswing thresholds and saddle-style outswing thresholds, the matching leg jambs are 97-3/4", creating an assembled unit size of approximately 37-1/2" x 97-3/4" when using standard 3/4" jamb thickness. For bumper-style outswing thresholds, the leg jambs are 96-3/4", creating an assembled unit size of approximately 37-1/2" x 96-3/4".

If purchasing slab only to replace an existing door slab and keep your current frame: a 95" slab is the most common exterior slab height for 8/0 doors and is often the preferred choice even when the existing door measures 95-1/8" or 95-1/4" tall. In many replacement situations, a small height difference at the bottom can be addressed using an adjustable U-style door sweep, helping maintain proper sealing and smooth door operation within the existing frame. If your existing door measures a full 36" wide, is taller than 95-1/4", or measures exactly 36" x 96" (common with older wood doors), we also offer a line of oversize trimmable doors available in select styles.

Door Prep Options

Door prep refers to how the door slab is machined for hinges and lock hardware. We offer three options:

• Without prep (blank): no machining, ready for field preparation
• Standard prep: machined to common residential hinge and lock placements, and matched to the framing and jamb sets we offer for complete door systems
• Custom prep: hinge and lock locations machined to exactly match your existing door

If your existing door is prepped to specifications other than our standard layout, we recommend selecting custom prep so the new slab matches your existing door. See the diagram in the image gallery for a visual reference of standard hinge and lock placement.

Standard Hinge Prep

Standard hinge prep includes four hinge mortises on the hinge edge of the door, located as measured from the top of the door:

• Top hinge: 6-1/2" from top
• Second hinge: 32-1/2" from top
• Third hinge: 58-1/2" from top
• Bottom hinge: 84-1/2" from top

For Slab Only orders, standard hinge prep is reversible. The mortises are machined completely through the edge of the door so hinges can be mounted from either direction, allowing left-hand or right-hand swing installation without additional routing. This type of reversible hinge prep is compatible with 4" hinges in 5/8" radius (quarter-round), 1/4" radius (dime-round), or square corner profiles. Complete Door System orders come with standard hinge prep locations but will be mortised as hinge pockets to match selected swing and hinge shape.

Standard Lock Prep

Standard tubular lock prep is machined for a 2-3/8" backset lockset and includes two 2-1/8" bore holes spaced 5-1/2" apart. Each bore is centered 2-3/8" from the edge of the door:

• Deadbolt bore (upper): centered 50-7/8" from top of door
• Latch bore (lower): centered 56-3/8" from top of door

Hurricane Impact-Rated Construction: Built for Severe Weather Protection

Hurricane impact-rated fiberglass doors are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds and flying debris. These doors are built using reinforced components and tested assemblies designed to meet strict building code requirements in coastal and hurricane-prone regions.

The fiberglass skins resist warping, rotting, denting, and rusting, while full-length 4" LVL (laminated veneer lumber) side stiles on both sides of the door provide the structural integrity required to maintain performance under extreme wind loads and debris impact. A high-density insulated foam core contributes to energy efficiency and overall rigidity. When properly installed as part of an approved system, impact-rated doors help protect the building envelope by reducing the risk of structural damage, wind intrusion, and pressure failure during severe storms.

Reversible Lock Prep: No Wrong Side

Because the 4" LVL stiles run full-length on both sides of the door, hardware can be bored into either stile with equal structural support. This eliminates one of the most common installation errors, boring hardware on the wrong side, and gives buyers full flexibility on door handing. DIY homeowners get peace of mind during installation, and contractors avoid costly rework on the jobsite.

HVHZ and Wind-Borne Debris Ratings

High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) rated door systems are tested to meet some of the most demanding hurricane performance standards in the United States. These systems are evaluated using TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203 testing protocols, which simulate real-world storm conditions including flying debris impact and repeated positive and negative pressure cycling. Products that meet HVHZ requirements are approved for use in high-risk hurricane regions such as Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Wind-Borne Debris (WBD) rated door systems are designed to meet impact resistance requirements in designated coastal regions where hurricane-force winds and airborne debris are expected. Selecting the correct rating depends on your project location and local building code requirements. Always verify requirements with your local building authority before selecting an impact-rated door system.

Many impact-rated configurations achieve structural performance levels suitable for design pressures up to approximately DP65 for 6'8" doors and DP50 for 8'0" doors, depending on configuration and installation method.

Where Hurricane Impact-Rated Doors Are Commonly Required

Hurricane-rated doors are commonly required in regions where building codes mandate impact-resistant construction. Typical applications include:

• Homes located in designated wind-borne debris regions
• Coastal residential construction
• New construction projects in hurricane-prone areas
• Replacement projects requiring code-compliant upgrades
• High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) locations such as South Florida

Complete System Performance

Hurricane-rated performance depends on the complete door system, including the door slab, frame components, glazing system, and installation method. All components must be installed in accordance with approved engineering and product approval requirements to achieve rated performance.

Surface Texture and Recommended Finish for Smooth Fiberglass Doors

This door features a Satin Smooth (white) surface with a fine linear texture and subtle vertical lines, similar to a woven linen or brushed fabric. This micro-texture provides built-in surface tooth that helps primer and paint adhere without the need for heavy sanding, reduces the visibility of brush marks and roller lines, and helps prevent runs and drips on vertical surfaces.

Before finishing, clean all door surfaces to remove dust, oils, and handling residue, then allow the surface to fully dry. For best results, we recommend using a high-quality bonding primer such as Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer, followed by a premium exterior-grade acrylic latex paint.

All six sides of the door must be finished, including the front, back, top, bottom, and both edges, to properly protect the door and maintain warranty coverage. When selecting paint colors, lighter to medium shades are typically recommended for doors exposed to direct sunlight, as very dark colors can increase surface temperatures and reduce long-term finish performance.

Fiberglass doors are shipped unfinished or factory-primed depending on selected options. Finishing should be completed promptly after delivery and before prolonged exposure to weather.

Installation Readiness for Fiberglass Door Slabs

Fiberglass door slabs are designed for installation into existing door frames or for assembly into new prehung units. Before installation, verify that the slab dimensions (width, height, and thickness) match the existing slab for replacements, or the jamb set for new assemblies.

When replacing an existing slab, the original door can often be used as a template. Align the existing door on top of the new slab to transfer hinge locations and hardware positions for accurate placement.

Minor trimming of fiberglass door slabs may be possible depending on the door construction, but allowable trimming limits should always be verified before cutting. Excessive trimming may affect performance or warranty coverage.

Fiberglass door slabs are heavy and should be handled by two or more people during installation. Always support the door evenly to prevent damage to corners or edges.

Complete all recommended finishing steps promptly after installation to protect the door surface and maintain long-term performance.

For complete step-by-step installation instructions, refer to the full installation guide available in the Resources section below.