October 18, 2025

Hurricane-Proof Comfort: Choosing 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.

View on Google Maps
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
STS Impact Windows & Doors Logo
Follow us: Facebook | Instagram

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/
STS Impact Windows and Doors has Google Business Profile https://maps.app.goo.gl/3G8xjFMpsJzufTpC6
STS Impact Windows and Doors has Facebook profile https://web.facebook.com/STSimpactwondowsanddoors/
STS Impact Windows and Doors has Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/sts.impact.windows/
STS Impact Windows and Doors has logo https://stswindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/website-sts-doors-roofing-logo.png
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 transporting ladders to install panels. After two decades specifying, setting up, and fixing building envelopes low-e impact glass from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is genuine protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in manner ins which 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 much faster than predicted.

This is a practical take a look at why lots of South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" actually means

Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets one of the toughest standards in the country for developing elements exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular lab tests that mimic real typhoon conditions.

First comes big rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the same unit deals with cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "fulfills Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, especially in High Speed Typhoon Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind scores differ by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I often define systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be sufficient, but you size and specification based upon the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner exposure at the 2nd story needs various support than a sheltered 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 fulfill code, and they're much better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the projection 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 constant defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.

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

Security improves because laminated glass resists required entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast course inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies typically offer credits for effect windows and doors. In my jobs, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and how many openings are protected.

Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving noticeable light. That suggests less cooling demand, specifically 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 effect units. Summertime afternoon peak load come by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electricity use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and a/c performance, but the instructions is consistent.

Material choices that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items 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, but 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 areas to achieve higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB solutions modify the polymer to better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows turn up typically in conversations because tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the external or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it takes off into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact performance comes from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but always 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 range while keeping visible 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 façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a small tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.

Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they manage large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when reinforced effectively, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I prevent them for very broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require careful maintenance and clever flashing. The Florida sun damages inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Look for powder-coated surfaces rated for seaside direct exposure, and demand composed service warranty details in salt-air environments.

The hidden hero: setup that respects the load path

Window setup 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 essence. Effect forces need to take a trip from the glass through the building code compliant windows frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and after that into the structure's framing or masonry.

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

The sealant joint is not just visual. An effectively sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, flexible seal that deals with thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it cures inadequately. On coastal tasks, I never ever pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always define corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten 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 count on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That wetness might not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty smell two hurricane seasons later.

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

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

Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be reasonable, specifically if pairing with impact windows and doors somewhere else stresses the budget plan. For homeowners 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 released, and they require action at precisely the time you are managing insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. During Typhoon Irma, I watched a next-door neighbor attempt to mount 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 room. He survived with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, often loosening fasteners over time if not maintained.

For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows give hurricane evidence windows coverage while preserving daytime and view. The benefit grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.

The energy story: how glass specifications equate 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 specified intelligently.

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

I evaluate glass specs with three numbers: U-factor, impact resistant doors SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by minimizing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature level, which lowers condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat goes into. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some house owners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it indicates accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect harsh light.

In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can lower peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside surfaces, and an appropriately sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you begin to construct durability. If the grid goes down and you change 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 file you ask for. It details the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a showroom. Verify the NOA matches the specific design and alternatives you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed Typhoon Zone, Florida building regulations windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of leading makers carry both. Where budgets allow, I choose NOA items even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.

NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They will not tell 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, but make certain 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 cost, cost savings, and resale

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

Where you recover worth:

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

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

Details that separate great systems from fantastic ones

I focus on hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems must 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 associations or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring residential or commercial properties. In seaside ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which coverings balance performance with compliance.

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

Special cases: historic homes, condominiums, and challenging openings

Historic districts frequently need profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times extend and costs climb. Expect additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist knowledgeable about these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of authorized products for harmony. They likewise appreciate noise control in between units. If your structure sits straight on Collins Avenue or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with structure management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and limited parking can include days and dollars.

Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need special attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks durable in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on catalog 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 task appears like from survey to final inspection

The best tasks begin with a determined study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposition, the professional shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and explains 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 get rid of one opening at a time to keep your home secure. They secure floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to protect interior finishes. New systems 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, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.

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

Frequently misunderstood points that cost homeowners later

Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe impacts, but it should remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.

Window movies do not transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to 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 leakage. That's fantastic, however it increases the significance of a properly sized a/c with excellent dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to check practical heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want constant, longer cycles, not brief bursts.

Maintenance is straightforward but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware yearly 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 genuine factors to mix solutions. A pair of rarely used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set deck with very little sun direct exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roofing system deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also secure outside 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 manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Designate duty for deployment and practice as soon as outside of 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: assurance you can feel on a peaceful Tuesday

Impact windows are not only about surviving the huge one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioning 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 typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals rather than panels.

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

If you are weighing the option, begin with casement and double-hung windows a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to design pressures, select the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a team that appreciates the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never requests for a ladder and a 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.