October 18, 2025

Hurricane-Proof Comfort: Selecting 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 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, installing, and fixing structure envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is real defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in manner ins which surpass storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how quiet 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 useful look at why many South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" in fact means

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

First comes large missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the same system faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate 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" typically lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind ratings differ by opening size and design pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be enough, but you size and spec based on the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner exposure at the 2nd story demands different reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.

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

Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're 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 desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.

Impact windows reside in place. You get continuous protection, 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 advantage. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.

Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass resists required entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically use credits for impact windows and doors. In my projects, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and the number of openings are protected.

Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with contemporary low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That indicates less cooling demand, especially on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summer afternoon peak load come by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical energy use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, however the direction is consistent.

Material options that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

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

Most domestic typhoon windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers improve impact resistance and sound control, however they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, allowing thinner sections to attain greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations modify the polymer to much better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows come up frequently in discussions because tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the outer or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it fails, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact performance originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems utilize 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 normally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping visible light transmission around half or higher. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in bigger openings. The sweet area depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward greater visible transmittance for daylighting.

Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they deal with large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. High-quality vinyl impact frames, when reinforced properly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I avoid them for extremely large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand careful maintenance and wise flashing. The Florida sun damages cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces quickly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces rated for seaside direct exposure, and demand composed service warranty information in salt-air environments.

The covert hero: installation that appreciates the load path

Window setup can make or break efficiency. An expensive system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load path is the essence. Effect forces need to take a trip from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and then into the structure's framing or masonry.

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

The sealant joint is not just aesthetic. A properly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, flexible seal that handles thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it remedies improperly. On coastal jobs, I never combine different metals without a barrier, and I always specify 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 crucial. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its method. That moisture may disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy odor two typhoon seasons later.

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

I have nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved carefully can safeguard homes effectively. They likewise assist in specific cases.

Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever used in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, especially if coupling with impact doors and windows elsewhere worries the spending plan. For homeowners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.

But shutters bring compromises. They darken the house when released, and they need action at precisely the time you are handling insurance documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During Hurricane Irma, I watched a 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 endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, often loosening fasteners with time if not maintained.

For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows offer cyclone proof windows coverage while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with absolutely no preparation beyond locking the sash.

The energy story: how glass specs equate to comfort and bills

South Florida homes battle two fights: latent load from humidity and practical 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 right coating stacks, you can obstruct a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated systems comes largely from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of materials and floor covering. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioning crazy midafternoon.

I evaluate glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by lowering nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature, which minimizes condensation danger. SHGC drives how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show severe light.

In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed units can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an effectively sized variable-speed HVAC, and you begin to develop strength. If the grid decreases 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 Notification of Approval, or NOA, is the file you ask for. It information the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the precise design and choices you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting workplace will want this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system supplies FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Numerous leading makers bring both. Where spending plans allow, I choose NOA products even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.

NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They will not tell you effect efficiency, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, however make certain your home still has stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting 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 upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up expenses differ with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically 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 value:

  • Insurance credits accumulate, typically 10 to 25 percent off premiums when all openings are protected.
  • Energy 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 buyers anticipate effect doors and windows as a standard. A home with accordion shutters competes, however a home with storm impact windows shows much better, feels quieter, and usually appraises stronger.

If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for five years or more, the mathematics often tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you prepare to sell within a year and require to show compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.

Details that separate good 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 real estates glide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems must be crafted to drain pipes heavy rains without letting wind-driven water blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.

Tint colors and reflectivity are more than fashion. Reflective films can run afoul of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In seaside communities, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which finishings balance performance with compliance.

Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern homes, however in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for coastal exposures whenever spending plans allow.

Special cases: historic homes, condos, and difficult openings

Historic districts frequently 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 evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist knowledgeable about these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of authorized products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate noise control in between units. If your building sits straight on Collins Opportunity or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and limited parking can add days and dollars.

Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need special attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks sturdy in a display room fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not count on catalog maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.

What a clean project looks like from survey to final inspection

The finest tasks begin with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. During proposal, 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 plan for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.

On install day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep your house protected. They secure floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to preserve interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the permit file, particularly if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.

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

Frequently misconstrued points that cost house owners later

Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under extreme effects, however it should stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you may see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.

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

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows reduce air leakage. That's fantastic, but it increases the importance of a properly sized heating and cooling with great dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to check sensible heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want consistent, longer cycles, not short bursts.

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

When shutters still belong in the conversation

There are legitimate factors to mix services. A pair of rarely used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set patio with minimal sun exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck accessory or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.

If you select shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint duty 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 wish to find you have 29.

The bottom line: assurance you can feel on a quiet Tuesday

Impact windows are not only about making it through the big one. They improve daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The a/c 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 typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on people instead of panels.

For much of my customers, that intangible is the choosing element. They understand storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too good 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 morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.

If you are weighing the option, start hurricane shutters with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to create pressures, choose the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a team that appreciates the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: protection that never ever 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.