October 18, 2025

Hurricane-Proof Comfort: Picking 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 method next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of carrying ladders to install panels. After two decades defining, setting up, and repairing structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is genuine protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows exceed shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They change how a home feels in August, how quiet 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 property owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to read the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" really means

Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets among the toughest benchmarks in the country for constructing components exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through particular lab tests that simulate real cyclone conditions.

First comes big missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system deals with cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Velocity Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind rankings differ by opening size and style pressures, represented as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I frequently specify units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more safeguarded direct exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, however 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 needs different support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.

Why effect windows alter 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 much better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the projection 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 security, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You likewise get benefits every day of the year.

Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along hectic corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.

Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced entry. A burglar can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a quick course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently use credits for effect doors and windows. In my projects, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and how many openings are protected.

Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while protecting noticeable light. That indicates less air conditioning need, specifically on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact systems. Summer season afternoon peak load stopped by approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electricity usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, however the instructions is consistent.

Material options that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

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

Most domestic typhoon windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers improve impact resistance and sound control, but they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner areas to achieve greater design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB solutions tweak the polymer to better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows come up typically in discussions since tempered glass is stronger window replacement in bending than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the external or inner ply in an impact unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect efficiency comes from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Many systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.

Low-E finishes matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida generally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in larger openings. The sweet area depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten up SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.

Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here due to the fact that they handle large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when reinforced effectively, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, however I prevent them for very wide sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require mindful maintenance and clever flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces ranked for coastal exposure, and request composed service warranty details in salt-air environments.

The hidden hero: installation 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 core. Impact forces need to take a trip from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and after that into the structure's framing or masonry.

In cinder block building, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong product. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed homes, structural screws should bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.

The sealant joint is not just visual. An appropriately sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a long lasting, versatile seal that manages thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it cures improperly. On seaside tasks, I never ever pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly 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 essential. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture may not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty odor two hurricane seasons later.

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

I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored carefully can secure homes effectively. They also help in specific cases.

Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight sometimes lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, especially if pairing with impact doors and windows somewhere else worries 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 your house when deployed, and they need action at precisely the time you are handling insurance documents, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Typhoon Irma, I enjoyed a next-door neighbor try to mount 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 made it through with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners in time if not maintained.

For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows offer typhoon evidence windows protection while protecting daytime and view. The benefit grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with absolutely no preparation beyond locking the sash.

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

South Florida homes fight two battles: latent load from humidity and sensible 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 best covering stacks, you can block a big portion of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes largely from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of materials and flooring. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your a/c insane midafternoon.

I evaluate glass specs with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by reducing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature level, which lowers condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners want the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it means accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing system overhangs currently 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 decrease peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent 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 develop durability. If the grid decreases 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 Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request for. It details the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Validate the NOA matches the specific model and choices you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will desire this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system supplies FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Cyclone Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Many top makers carry both. Where budgets allow, I choose NOA items even outside the zone due to the fact that the testing is stiffer.

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

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

Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed expenses vary with size, shape, finish, and access. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening costs often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade surfaces 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, normally 8 to 20 percent on annual cooling costs in older homes after a complete window upgrade paired with sealing and attic improvements.
  • Resale appeal, particularly in markets where purchasers anticipate effect doors and windows as a baseline. A home with accordion shutters competes, but a home with storm impact windows reveals much better, feels quieter, and normally appraises stronger.

If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for 5 years or more, the math often tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you prepare 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 fantastic ones

I take notice of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings glide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Take a stormproof windows and doors look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems should be engineered to drain 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 fashion. Reflective films can contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring residential or commercial properties. In coastal ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which finishings balance performance with compliance.

Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal exposures whenever spending plans allow.

Special cases: historical homes, condos, and difficult openings

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

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of approved items for harmony. They also appreciate noise control between units. If your structure sits straight on Collins Opportunity or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with building management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can include days and dollars.

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

What a tidy task appears like from survey to last inspection

The best tasks begin with a measured study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposal, the professional shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.

On set up day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep the house safe. They secure floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to maintain 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, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.

Six months later, your windows still close with 2 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 misconstrued points that cost property owners later

Impact rating does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe impacts, but it should stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you might see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.

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

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows reduce air leak. That's fantastic, but it increases the significance of a correctly sized a/c with excellent dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat pleases quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to examine practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire constant, longer cycles, not short bursts.

Maintenance is straightforward but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware every 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 genuine factors to mix options. A pair of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget. A deep-set deck with minimal sun direct exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing system deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also secure outside kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.

If you pick shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Designate obligation for release and practice as soon as beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to find you have 29.

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

Impact windows are not only about enduring the big 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 hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals instead of panels.

For a lot of my customers, that intangible is the choosing element. They understand storms will come. They likewise 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 early morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.

If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to create pressures, select the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never requests 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.