October 18, 2025

Hurricane-Proof Assurance: Selecting Miami-Dade Approved, Energy‑Efficient Effect Windows Over Shutters

STS Impact Windows & Doors

STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.

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1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, 33487, US

Business Hours

  • Monday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Friday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
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STS Impact Windows and Doors is a business
STS Impact Windows and Doors is based in Boca Raton Florida
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10 Boca Raton FL 33487 United States
STS Impact Windows and Doors operates in the United States
STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran owned company
STS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides impact windows
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides impact doors
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides custom storefronts
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides roofing services
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides expert installation
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides full transparency
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides outstanding customer service
STS Impact Windows and Doors has over 25 years of industry experience
STS Impact Windows and Doors offers a 3 year installation warranty
STS Impact Windows and Doors serves residential clients
STS Impact Windows and Doors serves commercial clients
STS Impact Windows and Doors focuses on quality reliability and efficiency
STS Impact Windows and Doors has phone number 5616001018
STS Impact Windows and Doors has website https://stswindows.com/
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STS Impact Windows and Doors has opening hours Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
STS Impact Windows and Doors was awarded South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award
STS Impact Windows and Doors was awarded Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida
STS Impact Windows and Doors was awarded Angis Super Service Award for Window Installation

People Also Ask about STS Impact Windows and Doors

What does STS Impact Windows and Doors do?

STS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.

Where is STS Impact Windows and Doors located?

STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.

Is STS Impact Windows and Doors a veteran-owned business?

Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.

What services does STS Impact Windows and Doors provide?

STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.

Who does STS Impact Windows and Doors serve?

The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.

What are the benefits of choosing STS Impact Windows and Doors?

Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.

What awards has STS Impact Windows and Doors won?

STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.

How can I contact STS Impact Windows and Doors?

You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.


Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018

Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the way next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of hauling ladders to mount panels. After 20 years defining, setting up, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is genuine security with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They change how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living room stays on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up quicker than predicted.

This is a practical take a look at why many South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" really means

Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets one of the toughest criteria in the country for building parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through specific lab tests that mimic real cyclone conditions.

First comes big missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "satisfies Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" typically resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind ratings vary by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I often specify systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more secured exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF range can suffice, but you size and specification based upon the site's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story demands various reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.

Why effect windows alter the day-to-day experience, not simply storm season

Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can meet code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. However they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the projection track tightens up, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.

Impact windows live in location. You get continuous defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get advantages every day of the year.

Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.

Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass withstands forced entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a fast path inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically offer credits for effect windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and the number of openings are protected.

Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with contemporary low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That indicates less air conditioning demand, specifically on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load stopped by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electricity use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and a/c efficiency, however the instructions is consistent.

Material choices that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated products are equal.

Most residential cyclone windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, but they include weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, allowing thinner sections to achieve greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulas fine-tune the polymer to better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows come up often in discussions because tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the outer or inner ply in an impact unit. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it blows up into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact performance originates from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.

Low-E coatings matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida generally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping visible light transmission around half or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in bigger openings. The sweet area depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher visible transmittance for daylighting.

Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here due to the fact that they deal with big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when strengthened effectively, can carry out well for standard-sized openings wind resistant windows and have much better insulating values, but I prevent them for extremely wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand cautious maintenance and smart flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Search for powder-coated finishes ranked for seaside exposure, and request written warranty details in salt-air environments.

The concealed hero: installation that respects the load path

Window setup can make or break performance. A costly system installed like noise reduction windows a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the core. Effect forces have to take a trip from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and then into the structure's framing or masonry.

In cinder block building and construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed homes, structural screws should bite into solid trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.

The sealant joint is not simply visual. A correctly sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a resilient, versatile seal that manages thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it treatments badly. On seaside tasks, I never match different metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten years later on, you will see who took shortcuts.

Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and integration with the water-resistive barrier are essential. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty odor two typhoon seasons later.

Shutters in the real world, and where they still make sense

I have nothing versus well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved carefully can protect homes efficiently. They likewise assist in particular cases.

Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summer, a tidy motorized roll-down can be sensible, specifically if coupling with effect doors and windows in other places stresses the budget. For house owners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.

But shutters bring compromises. They darken the house when deployed, and they need action at specifically the time you are managing insurance documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Hurricane Irma, I enjoyed a neighbor try to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners over time if not maintained.

For long-term owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows provide hurricane proof windows protection while maintaining daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with absolutely no preparation beyond locking the sash.

The energy story: how glass specifications translate to comfort and bills

South Florida homes combat two battles: hidden load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.

Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right finish stacks, you can block a big part of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of fabrics and flooring. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your AC insane midafternoon.

I examine glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by lowering nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature, which reduces condensation risk. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT affects how intense the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners want the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it suggests accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect extreme light.

In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed units can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior finishes, and a correctly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to build resilience. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.

Reading labels and approvals without getting lost in alphabet soup

Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you request for. It details the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the precise design and options you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Numerous top manufacturers carry both. Where budgets permit, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.

NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not inform you impact performance, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, however ensure your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and overlooking fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.

Dollars and sense: what to anticipate on expense, savings, and resale

Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening costs typically land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.

Where you recover worth:

  • Insurance credits add up, frequently 10 to 25 percent off premiums when all openings are protected.
  • Energy savings, generally 8 to 20 percent on yearly cooling costs in older homes after a complete window upgrade coupled with sealing and attic improvements.
  • Resale appeal, specifically in markets where purchasers anticipate effect windows and doors as a standard. A home with accordion shutters completes, but a home with storm effect windows reveals much better, feels quieter, and usually assesses stronger.

If you prepare to own the property for five years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you plan to offer within a year and require to reveal compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.

Details that separate great systems from excellent ones

I take note of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems should be crafted to drain heavy rainfall without letting wind-driven water blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.

Tint colors and reflectivity are more than fashion. Reflective movies can run afoul of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding homes. In coastal ecosystems, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which finishings balance efficiency with compliance.

Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings supply the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside exposures whenever spending plans allow.

Special cases: historic homes, condos, and tricky openings

Historic districts typically require profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate additional review by architectural boards, and line up a contractor acquainted with these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of approved items for uniformity. They also appreciate sound control between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with building management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and limited parking can include days and dollars.

Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks durable in a showroom fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not rely on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.

What a tidy task looks like from survey to final inspection

The finest jobs begin Financing for impact windows with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposal, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.

On install day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep your home secure. They safeguard floorings, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior surfaces. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the permit file, particularly if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to confirm drain paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.

Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller adjustment after the very first week. That is the standard.

Frequently misconstrued points that cost homeowners later

Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under serious effects, however it must remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out debris into the glass, you might see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.

Window films do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for a checked, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count films as protected openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, aluminum impact windows energy-efficient effect windows reduce air leak. That's fantastic, however it increases the importance of a properly sized a/c with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat pleases quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to check sensible heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want stable, longer cycles, not brief bursts.

Maintenance is straightforward however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware yearly with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.

When shutters still belong in the conversation

There are genuine reasons to blend options. A pair of seldom utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set patio with minimal sun exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing system deck accessory or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise protect outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.

If you choose shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Designate duty for release and practice when outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the morning you wish to discover you have 29.

The bottom line: assurance you can feel on a peaceful Tuesday

Impact windows are not just about making it through the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioner cycles calmly rather of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind sound when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on people instead of panels.

For many of my customers, that intangible is the choosing factor. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and quiet self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.

If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to develop pressures, pick the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a team that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: security that never requests a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.

I am a dynamic innovator with a broad knowledge base in entrepreneurship. My conviction in entrepreneurship spurs my desire to innovate disruptive organizations. In my business career, I have cultivated a profile as being a daring thinker. Aside from creating my own businesses, I also enjoy counseling young startup founders. I believe in empowering the next generation of startup founders to pursue their own aspirations. I am easily seeking out disruptive opportunities and working together with similarly-driven creators. Redefining what's possible is my purpose. Aside from engaged in my enterprise, I enjoy immersing myself in dynamic environments. I am also focused on health and wellness.