October 18, 2025

Hurricane-Proof Comfort: Choosing 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
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 method neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the routine of carrying ladders to install panels. After two decades specifying, installing, and fixing structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows exceed shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They change how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living room remains on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.

This is a useful take a look at why lots of South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" in fact means

Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets one of the hardest benchmarks in the nation for building elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through specific laboratory tests that imitate real typhoon conditions.

First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That mimics roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "satisfies Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" typically lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Speed Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind ratings vary by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF values. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I frequently specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, but you size and specification based upon the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story demands various support than a protected window under a deep porch.

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

Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can meet code, and they're better than nothing. But 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 reside in location. You get continuous protection, 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 advantage. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, often more when paired with insulated glass units.

Security enhances since laminated glass withstands required entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane rather of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently use credits for impact doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and how many openings are protected.

Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with contemporary low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving noticeable light. That implies 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 units. Summer season afternoon peak load dropped by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical energy use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC efficiency, however the direction is consistent.

Material choices that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

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

Most property cyclone windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, however they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner sections to attain higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations modify the polymer to better take in noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows come up frequently in discussions due to the fact that tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the external or inner ply in an effect unit. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it fails, it explodes into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems utilize a tempered external 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 typically 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 bigger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a small tint to handle early 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 dominate here since they manage large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. High-quality vinyl impact frames, when reinforced correctly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I prevent them for really large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand mindful upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun ruins low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Look for powder-coated finishes rated for seaside exposure, and request written guarantee details in salt-air environments.

The surprise hero: setup that appreciates the load path

Window installation can make or break performance. A costly unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load path is the essence. Effect forces need 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 want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed houses, structural screws must 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 just aesthetic. A correctly sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a durable, flexible seal that manages thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it cures badly. On coastal jobs, I never combine different 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 rely on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy smell 2 cyclone seasons later.

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

I have absolutely nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept carefully can secure homes effectively. They likewise assist in certain cases.

Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget plan is tight in some cases lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summer season, a clean motorized roll-down can be reasonable, specifically if coupling with impact doors and windows somewhere else stresses the budget. For homeowners who prepare 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 released, and they require action at specifically the time you are juggling insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and household logistics. During Typhoon Irma, I watched a next-door neighbor try to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder impact glass thickness sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners in time if not maintained.

For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give hurricane evidence windows protection while preserving daytime and view. The benefit grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with no preparation beyond locking the sash.

The energy story: how glass specifications equate to convenience and bills

South Florida homes battle 2 fights: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if specified intelligently.

Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the best finish stacks, you can block a big portion of convected heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated systems comes largely from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of fabrics and flooring. Include the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your air conditioning crazy midafternoon.

I assess glass specs with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by decreasing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature level, which lowers condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some property owners desire the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it indicates accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront 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 half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an appropriately sized variable-speed HVAC, and you begin to construct durability. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.

Reading labels and approvals without getting lost in alphabet soup

Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request for. It information the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the specific design and alternatives you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting workplace will want this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Hurricane Zone, Florida building regulations windows can rely on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of top manufacturers bring both. Where spending plans allow, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.

NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They will not tell you effect performance, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, however make sure your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.

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

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

Where you recoup value:

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

If you energy efficient impact windows plan to own the home for five years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of impact windows, particularly 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 great systems from terrific ones

I pay attention to hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates slide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems must be engineered 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 movies can contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In coastal environments, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which coatings balance efficiency with compliance.

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

Special cases: historical homes, condominiums, and difficult openings

Historic districts typically need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a contractor knowledgeable about these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of authorized items for uniformity. They likewise appreciate sound control in between systems. If your structure sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Deal with structure management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and limited parking can add days and dollars.

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

What a tidy job appears like from survey to last inspection

The best projects start with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. Throughout proposal, the specialist reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.

On set up day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep the house protected. They protect floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to protect 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 license file, particularly if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drain paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.

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

Frequently misinterpreted points that cost homeowners later

Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can split under extreme effects, but it ought to stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. 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, however they do not alternative to an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance company and building department will not count movies as safeguarded openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows lower air leak. That's great, however it increases the importance of a correctly sized heating and cooling with great dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat satisfies quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want consistent, longer cycles, not brief bursts.

Maintenance is simple but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware each year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little habits extend lifespan.

When shutters still belong in the conversation

There are legitimate reasons to mix services. A pair of seldom used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also secure outside kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.

If you pick shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign responsibility for implementation and practice when outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the morning you wish to find you have 29.

The bottom line: peace of mind you can feel on a peaceful Tuesday

Impact windows are not just about enduring the big one. They improve daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The a/c cycles calmly instead 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 cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals instead of panels.

For a lot of my clients, that intangible is the choosing factor. They understand storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that only gets up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.

If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to develop pressures, choose the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: protection that never requests 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.