October 18, 2025

Hurricane-Proof Comfort: Selecting Miami-Dade Approved, Energy‑Efficient Effect Windows Over Shutters

STS Impact Windows & Doors

STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.

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1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, 33487, US

Business Hours

  • Monday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Friday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
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STS Impact Windows and Doors is a business
STS Impact Windows and Doors is based in Boca Raton Florida
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10 Boca Raton FL 33487 United States
STS Impact Windows and Doors operates in the United States
STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran owned company
STS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides impact windows
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides impact doors
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides custom storefronts
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides roofing services
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides expert installation
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides full transparency
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides outstanding customer service
STS Impact Windows and Doors has over 25 years of industry experience
STS Impact Windows and Doors offers a 3 year installation warranty
STS Impact Windows and Doors serves residential clients
STS Impact Windows and Doors serves commercial clients
STS Impact Windows and Doors focuses on quality reliability and efficiency
STS Impact Windows and Doors has phone number 5616001018
STS Impact Windows and Doors has website https://stswindows.com/
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STS Impact Windows and Doors has opening hours Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
STS Impact Windows and Doors was awarded South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award
STS Impact Windows and Doors was awarded Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida
STS Impact Windows and Doors was awarded Angis Super Service Award for Window Installation

People Also Ask about STS Impact Windows and Doors

What does STS Impact Windows and Doors do?

STS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.

Where is STS Impact Windows and Doors located?

STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.

Is STS Impact Windows and Doors a veteran-owned business?

Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.

What services does STS Impact Windows and Doors provide?

STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.

Who does STS Impact Windows and Doors serve?

The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.

What are the benefits of choosing STS Impact Windows and Doors?

Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.

What awards has STS Impact Windows and Doors won?

STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.

How can I contact STS Impact Windows and Doors?

You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.


Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018

Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the method next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the ritual of carrying ladders to install panels. After twenty years specifying, setting up, and repairing structure envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is real defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how peaceful your living room remains on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.

This is a useful take a look at why lots of South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" actually means

Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets among the toughest criteria in the nation for constructing components exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular laboratory tests that simulate real hurricane conditions.

First comes big rocket effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the exact same unit deals with cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays 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 resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind ratings differ by opening size and design pressures, represented as PSF worths. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I often define systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be adequate, however you size and specification based on the site's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story demands various reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.

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

Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're much better than absolutely nothing. However 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 want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.

Impact windows live in place. You get continuous protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You likewise get benefits every day of the year.

Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along hectic 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 improves because laminated glass withstands forced entry. An intruder can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a quick path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically provide credits for effect windows and doors. In my projects, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and the number of openings are protected.

Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with contemporary low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That means less a/c need, specifically on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summer afternoon peak load dropped by roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical energy use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Results differ with shading, attic insulation, and a/c effectiveness, however 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 items are equal.

Most domestic cyclone windows utilize 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, but they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, permitting thinner areas to attain higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations tweak the polymer to much better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows turn up often in conversations because 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 impact 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 effect efficiency originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.

Low-E finishes 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 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in larger openings. The sweet area depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.

Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here since they manage large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. High-quality vinyl effect frames, when strengthened properly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, but I prevent them for very large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require mindful upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun ruins inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Search for powder-coated finishes rated for seaside direct exposure, and request composed service warranty details in salt-air environments.

The surprise hero: setup that respects the load path

Window setup can make or break performance. A costly unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the essence. Effect forces have 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 concrete block building, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed houses, structural screws must bite into strong 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 aesthetic. An effectively sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a long lasting, versatile seal that deals with thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it cures poorly. On coastal tasks, I never match different metals without a barrier, and I always specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 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 combination with the water-resistive barrier are vital. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That moisture might not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty smell two cyclone seasons later.

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

I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored thoroughly can secure homes effectively. They also assist in specific cases.

Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building code windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom used NOA certified windows in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be sensible, particularly if pairing with effect windows and doors somewhere else stresses the spending plan. For property owners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a short 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 juggling insurance coverage 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 immediate care waiting room. He survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.

For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows provide cyclone evidence windows protection while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with absolutely no preparation beyond locking the sash.

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

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

Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right finishing stacks, you can obstruct a big portion of radiant heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated systems comes largely from the interlayer itself, which normally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of fabrics and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your air conditioner insane midafternoon.

I assess glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by minimizing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature, which reduces condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT influences how intense the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it means accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roofing overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect severe light.

In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed units can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior finishes, and a correctly sized variable-speed HVAC, and you begin to build strength. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller sized generator and fewer gallons of fuel.

Reading labels and approvals without getting lost in alphabet soup

Miami-Dade Notification of Approval, or NOA, is the document you request. It information the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the precise design and choices you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will want this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system supplies FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Typhoon Zone, Florida building regulations windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Many leading makers bring both. Where budget plans permit, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.

NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They will not tell you effect performance, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, however make certain your home still has actually stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.

Dollars and sense: what to expect on expense, 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 expenses often 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 recoup worth:

  • Insurance credits add up, frequently 10 to 25 percent off premiums when all openings are protected.
  • Energy savings, typically 8 to 20 percent on yearly cooling expenses in older homes after a full window upgrade coupled with sealing and attic improvements.
  • Resale appeal, specifically in markets where purchasers anticipate impact windows and doors as a standard. A home with accordion shutters contends, but a home with storm effect windows reveals better, feels quieter, and typically evaluates stronger.

If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for five years or more, the math often tilts in favor of impact windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to sell within a year and require to reveal compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.

Details that separate great systems from fantastic 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 housings slide smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems should be engineered to drain 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 style. Reflective films can contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring residential or commercial properties. In seaside communities, extremely 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 deal. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern homes, however in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for coastal direct exposures whenever budgets allow.

Special cases: historic homes, condos, and difficult openings

Historic districts frequently need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a professional familiar with these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often define a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate sound control in between units. If your building sits directly on Collins Avenue or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with building management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and minimal 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 durable in a display room satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely on brochure optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.

What a tidy task looks like from study to last inspection

The best tasks begin with a determined survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. During proposal, the specialist shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and describes 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 remove one opening at a time to keep your house protected. They protect floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the permit file, especially if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.

Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.

Frequently misinterpreted points that cost property owners later

Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under serious impacts, however it ought to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out particles into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its task. Change the sash or IGU after the event.

Window movies do not transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance company and building department will not count movies as protected openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows reduce air leak. That's excellent, but it increases the importance of a correctly sized heating and cooling with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat pleases rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to check sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire steady, longer cycles, not short bursts.

Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware yearly with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small practices extend lifespan.

When shutters still belong in the conversation

There are genuine factors to mix options. A pair of seldom used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set deck with very little sun exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roofing system deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise protect outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.

If you select shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign duty for implementation and practice as soon as beyond 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 quiet Tuesday

Impact windows are not just about enduring the big one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The AC cycles calmly instead 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 cyclone 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 much of my clients, that intangible is the deciding factor. They understand storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade approved windows give 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 choice, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to design pressures, pick the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never ever 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.