November 4, 2025

Hurricane-Proof Assurance: 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 stock up, and the routine of hauling ladders to mount panels. After twenty years defining, setting up, and repairing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is real defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in manner ins which surpass storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living room stays 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 numerous South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" actually means

Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets among the most difficult standards in the country for building parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through particular lab tests that imitate genuine typhoon conditions.

First comes large missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That mimics roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the very same system 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 in between "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind scores differ by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I frequently specify units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can suffice, but you size and specification based upon the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story demands various support than a protected window under a deep porch.

Why impact windows alter the everyday experience, not simply storm season

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

Impact windows reside in place. You get constant protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get advantages every day of the year.

Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.

Security improves since laminated glass resists required entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a fast path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why Boca Raton window installers policies frequently use credits for impact windows and doors. In my projects, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and how many openings are protected.

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

Material options that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

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

Most domestic typhoon windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, however they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, enabling thinner areas to accomplish higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions tweak the polymer to much better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows turn up typically in conversations since tempered glass is stronger in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the external or inner ply in an effect system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it stops working, it takes off into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect efficiency originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed 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 typically targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping visible light transmission around half or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten up SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.

Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they handle large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when strengthened effectively, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I avoid them for extremely wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand cautious upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun damages low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Look for powder-coated finishes ranked for seaside exposure, and request composed guarantee information in salt-air environments.

The hidden hero: setup that respects the load path

Window installation can make or break efficiency. An expensive unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the core. Effect forces have to travel from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and after that into the structure's framing or masonry.

In concrete block building, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed homes, structural screws should 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 simply aesthetic. An effectively sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a durable, flexible seal that manages thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it cures poorly. On seaside tasks, I never 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 integration with the water-resistive barrier are essential. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture might not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty odor two cyclone seasons later.

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

I have nothing versus well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved thoroughly can protect homes efficiently. They also assist in specific cases.

Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget is tight often 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 summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be reasonable, especially if coupling with impact windows and doors in other places worries the spending plan. For house owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.

But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken the house when deployed, and they need action at precisely the time you are managing insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During Hurricane Irma, I saw a neighbor attempt to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent the next hour in the immediate care waiting space. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, often loosening fasteners gradually if not maintained.

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

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

South Florida homes combat 2 fights: latent load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.

Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the ideal finishing stacks, you can block a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated units comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of materials and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your air conditioner crazy midafternoon.

I assess glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by reducing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature, which reduces condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some property owners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it suggests accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing system overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show extreme light.

In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed systems can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and an effectively sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to construct resilience. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.

Reading labels and approvals without getting lost in alphabet soup

Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the file you ask for. It details the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Confirm 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 workplace will want this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can depend on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Many leading producers carry both. Where budget plans permit, I choose NOA products even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.

NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They won't tell you impact efficiency, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, however make sure your home still has actually stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and overlooking fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.

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

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

Where you recoup worth:

  • Insurance credits add up, typically 10 to 25 percent off premiums when all openings are protected.
  • Energy cost savings, generally 8 to 20 percent on annual cooling costs in older homes after a full window upgrade coupled with sealing and attic improvements.
  • Resale appeal, especially in markets where buyers anticipate impact windows and doors as a standard. A home with accordion shutters competes, however a home with storm impact windows shows much better, feels quieter, and generally assesses stronger.

If you prepare to own the home for 5 years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of impact windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you plan to sell within a year and need to show compliance rapidly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.

Details that separate good systems from terrific ones

I pay attention to hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill design on sliding doors. Weep systems ought to be engineered 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 surrounding properties. In coastal ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which finishes balance performance with compliance.

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

Special cases: historic homes, condominiums, and difficult openings

Historic districts typically require profiles that mimic 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 contractor familiar with these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of approved items for uniformity. They likewise appreciate noise control between units. If your building sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Work with building 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 unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks tough in a showroom meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.

What a tidy job appears like from study to last inspection

The best projects begin with a determined study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. Throughout proposition, the professional shows you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.

On set up day, they remove one opening at a time to keep the house secure. They safeguard floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with 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 picture anchors for the permit file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drainage courses 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 mystery Boca Raton impact window installation rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to call for a roller modification after the very first week. That is the standard.

Frequently misconstrued points that cost property owners later

Impact score does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can split under severe impacts, however it ought to remain 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. Change the sash or IGU after the event.

Window films do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, however they do not replacement for a checked, anchored system. Your insurance company and building department will not count films as protected openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leak. That's terrific, however it increases the importance of a correctly sized a/c with great dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat pleases rapidly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to examine practical heat ratio, air flow, 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 oil hardware each year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little routines extend lifespan.

When shutters still belong in the conversation

There are genuine reasons to mix services. A pair of hardly ever used garage windows can window installation costs Boca Raton keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun exposure might do great 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 elegant hardware prematurely.

If you select shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Designate obligation for deployment and practice when 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 making it through the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioner cycles calmly rather of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind noise 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 concentrate on individuals instead of panels.

For a number of my clients, that intangible is the deciding element. They know storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that only awakens 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 models point our way in September.

If you are weighing the option, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to create pressures, pick the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a crew that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: protection 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.