October 18, 2025

Hurricane-Proof Assurance: Selecting Miami-Dade Approved, Energy‑Efficient Impact 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
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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 method next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the routine of carrying ladders to install panels. After two decades defining, installing, and repairing building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is genuine defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outshine shutters in ways that exceed storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how peaceful your living room remains on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.

This is a practical take a look at why lots of South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" actually means

Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets one of the most difficult criteria in the nation for developing parts exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through particular laboratory tests that simulate real cyclone conditions.

First comes large missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles UV protection windows window installation Florida code per hour. That simulates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the exact same unit deals with cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "meets Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane Zone aluminum impact doors requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind ratings vary by opening size and style pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently define systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be enough, however you size and spec based upon the website's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs different support than a protected window under a deep porch.

Why effect windows change the daily experience, not just storm season

Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can meet code, and they're much better than nothing. However they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the forecast 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 US 1. You likewise get benefits every day of the year.

Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.

Security improves because laminated glass resists forced entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies often provide credits for effect windows and doors. In my projects, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the provider and how many openings are protected.

Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That indicates less a/c need, particularly on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summertime afternoon peak load dropped by approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electrical energy use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, however the direction is consistent.

Material options that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

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

Most residential typhoon windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance impact resistance and sound control, however they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, permitting thinner areas to attain higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulas modify the polymer to better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows turn up typically in conversations due to the fact that tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are typically used as the external or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it fails, it blows up into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact performance originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.

Low-E coverings 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 range while keeping noticeable light transmission around half or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.

Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate 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 space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when enhanced appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I avoid them for really large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require mindful upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun damages cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces quickly. Look for powder-coated surfaces rated for seaside exposure, and demand composed warranty information in salt-air environments.

The hidden hero: installation that appreciates the load path

Window setup can make or break performance. A costly system set up like 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 concrete block building and construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells should be grouted or you require to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed homes, structural screws need to bite into solid trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.

The sealant joint is not just visual. A correctly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a long lasting, versatile seal that handles thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it remedies improperly. On coastal tasks, I never ever pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always define 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 crucial. If you count on sealant alone, water will discover its way in. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty smell two cyclone seasons later.

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

I have absolutely nothing versus well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored thoroughly can protect homes effectively. They likewise assist in certain cases.

Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, especially if pairing with effect doors and windows in other places stresses the spending plan. For homeowners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.

But shutters bring compromises. They darken the house when released, and they need action at precisely the time you are handling insurance documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Typhoon Irma, I watched a next-door neighbor attempt to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the immediate care waiting space. He endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening fasteners with time if not maintained.

For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows offer hurricane evidence windows protection while preserving daytime and view. The benefit grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with absolutely no prep beyond locking the sash.

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

South Florida homes battle two fights: hidden load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if defined intelligently.

Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right covering stacks, you can block a big part of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated units comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of fabrics and flooring. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your air conditioner insane midafternoon.

I assess glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by reducing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature, which minimizes condensation danger. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it implies accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect severe light.

In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed systems can lower peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior finishes, and a properly sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to develop strength. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.

Reading labels and approvals without getting lost in alphabet soup

Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you ask for. It information the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the precise model and choices you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will desire this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Item 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 count on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Numerous top producers carry both. Where budget plans permit, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.

NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you impact efficiency, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, however ensure your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.

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

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

Where you recover worth:

  • Insurance credits accumulate, typically 10 to 25 percent off premiums when all openings are protected.
  • Energy cost savings, usually 8 to 20 percent on annual cooling expenses in older homes after a full window upgrade coupled with sealing and attic improvements.
  • Resale appeal, particularly in markets where buyers expect impact windows and doors as a baseline. A home with accordion shutters competes, but a home with storm impact windows reveals much better, feels quieter, and normally appraises stronger.

If you plan to own the home for 5 years or more, the math often tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to offer within a year and need to show compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.

Details that separate excellent systems from great ones

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

Tint colors and reflectivity are more than style. Reflective films can run afoul of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward surrounding properties. In seaside environments, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coverings balance performance with compliance.

Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun inexpensive finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside exposures whenever budgets allow.

Special cases: historical homes, condos, and difficult openings

Historic districts frequently require profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate additional review by architectural boards, and line up a specialist acquainted with these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They likewise care about sound control between units. If your building sits directly on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Deal with building management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and minimal parking can add days and dollars.

Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require special attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks sturdy in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not rely on catalog maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.

What a clean job appears like from survey to last inspection

The best jobs start with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposition, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, notes anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.

On set up day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep the house safe. They protect floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to preserve interior surfaces. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the authorization file, particularly if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to validate drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat 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 change after the very first week. That is the standard.

Frequently misunderstood points that cost house owners later

Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under serious impacts, but it ought to stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you may see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Change the sash or IGU after the event.

Window movies do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not alternative to a checked, anchored system. Your insurance company and building department will not count films as safeguarded openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows decrease air leakage. That's great, however it increases the value of a properly sized HVAC with good dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to inspect sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not brief bursts.

Maintenance is straightforward however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from aluminum impact windows frames, and lube hardware yearly with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little habits extend lifespan.

When shutters still belong in the conversation

There are genuine reasons to mix options. A pair of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roofing system deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outside cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.

If you choose shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Designate duty for deployment and practice as soon as beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the morning you want to find you have 29.

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

Impact windows are not just about surviving the big one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioner cycles calmly rather of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind noise when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on people instead of panels.

For many of my clients, that intangible is the choosing aspect. They know storms will come. They also know life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just wakes up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful 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 create pressures, pick the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never asks for 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.