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 neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the ritual of carrying ladders to install panels. After twenty years specifying, installing, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is real security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows exceed shutters in manner ins which exceed storm day. They alter how a house 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 useful take a look at why many South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" actually means

Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets among the hardest standards in the nation for building elements exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through particular lab tests that mimic genuine hurricane conditions.

First comes big missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the exact same system faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "meets Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, especially in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind ratings vary by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I frequently define systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, however you size and specification based upon the website's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner exposure at the 2nd story demands various support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.

Why impact windows change the day-to-day experience, not just storm season

Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're better than nothing. However they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the forecast track tightens, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.

Impact windows live in location. You get constant security, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You also get benefits every day of the year.

Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I have actually measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, sometimes more when paired with insulated glass units.

Security improves since laminated glass resists forced entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a quick path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies often use credits for impact windows and doors. In my jobs, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the provider and the number of openings are protected.

Energy efficiency is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That means less cooling demand, particularly on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summer season afternoon peak load come by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, but the direction is consistent.

Material choices that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.

Most domestic typhoon windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, but they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner areas to achieve greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulations fine-tune the polymer to much better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows show up frequently in discussions because tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the outer or inner ply in an impact system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it stops working, it explodes 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. Numerous systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.

Low-E finishings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida usually targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently 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 since they handle big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when enhanced appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, but I prevent them for extremely large sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require careful upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun destroys cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Look for powder-coated finishes rated for coastal exposure, and request composed warranty information in salt-air environments.

The concealed hero: setup that respects the load path

Window installation can make or break efficiency. A pricey unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the crux. 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, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed homes, structural screws need to bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.

The sealant joint is not simply visual. An effectively sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a resilient, versatile seal that manages thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it treatments badly. On seaside tasks, I never ever combine different metals without a barrier, and I always specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later, you will see who took shortcuts.

Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and combination with the water-resistive barrier are crucial. If you depend on sealant alone, water will find its method. That wetness might not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty smell 2 typhoon seasons later.

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

I have nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept carefully can secure homes efficiently. They likewise assist in specific cases.

Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer season, a clean motorized roll-down can be reasonable, especially if pairing with effect windows and doors elsewhere worries the budget. 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 deployed, and they require action at precisely the time you are handling insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Cyclone Irma, I saw a next-door neighbor try to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He survived with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening fasteners gradually if not maintained.

For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give hurricane proof windows protection while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with absolutely no prep beyond locking the sash.

The energy story: how glass specs translate to convenience and bills

South Florida homes battle 2 battles: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if defined intelligently.

Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right finish stacks, you can obstruct a big part of radiant heat and UV. UV clog in laminated systems comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which normally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of materials and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your AC insane midafternoon.

I examine glass specs with three 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 closer to space temperature level, which minimizes condensation risk. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT influences how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some house owners want the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even PVB interlayer if it indicates accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, since 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 contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed systems can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and a correctly sized variable-speed HVAC, and you start to build durability. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller sized 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 document you request. It information the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the precise model and choices you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting office will desire this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Cyclone Zone, Florida building regulations windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of top manufacturers carry both. Where spending plans allow, I choose NOA products even outside the zone because the screening is stiffer.

NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not tell you impact performance, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leakage 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 ignoring 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 in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up expenses differ with size, shape, surface, and access. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening expenses often land 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 value:

  • Insurance credits add up, frequently 10 to 25 percent off premiums when all openings are protected.
  • Energy cost savings, normally 8 to 20 percent on yearly cooling costs in older homes after a full window upgrade paired with sealing and attic improvements.
  • Resale appeal, particularly in markets where buyers expect effect doors and windows as a standard. A home with accordion shutters contends, however a home with storm impact windows shows much better, feels quieter, and generally appraises stronger.

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

Details that separate good systems from excellent ones

I pay attention to hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates glide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems should be crafted to drain pipes 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 watch or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring properties. In coastal environments, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which coatings balance performance with compliance.

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

Special cases: historical homes, condominiums, and challenging openings

Historic districts typically require profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate extra review by architectural boards, and line up a specialist knowledgeable about these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate noise control in between units. If your building sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Work with building management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can include days and dollars.

Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks durable in a display room fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on catalog maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.

What a tidy job appears like from study to final inspection

The finest jobs start with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposition, the contractor shows you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, notes anchor types, and explains how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.

On install day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep your house secure. They secure floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the authorization 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 neat jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.

Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller modification after the very first week. That is the standard.

Frequently misconstrued points that cost house owners later

Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under serious effects, but it ought to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.

Window films do not transform non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not substitute for a tested, anchored system. Your insurance company and structure department will not count movies as safeguarded openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows minimize air leak. That's terrific, however it increases the value of an effectively sized a/c with great dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat pleases 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 constant, longer cycles, not short bursts.

Maintenance is straightforward but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware every year 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 legitimate factors to blend solutions. A pair of hardly ever used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set porch with minimal sun direct exposure might do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also secure outside cooking 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 manual overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Designate duty for release and practice when outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to discover you have 29.

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

Impact windows are not just about making it through the big one. They improve daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioning 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 hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on people instead of panels.

For a number of my clients, that intangible is the deciding factor. They know storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just wakes up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.

If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to create pressures, choose the best 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 effect windows deliver what shutters can not: security 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.