This post is designed for design professionals considering specifying impact-resistant sliding glass doors with a unique three-panel, three-track system. Such a system offers expansive openings and uninterrupted views, with all panels neatly stacking to one end. However, it's essential to note that the latest generation of impact-approved, heavy-duty, three-track systems can have a depth exceeding 8 inches.

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This poses a challenge because Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida mandates require structural substrates to fully support door tracks. In some cases, door tracks might extend beyond the depth of tie beams and columns. The table below lists four Miami-Dade County-approved, hurricane-rated, impact-resistant sliding glass door systems. One column displays the nominal track width, without factoring in screen rail tracks. In contrast, the adjacent column provides the estimated minimum depth required for jamb support and tie beams to ensure the sliding door system is adequately supported.

It is important that architects and structural engineers learn about these track dimensions before they finalize their designs for new structures.