November 3, 2025

Hurricane-Proof Assurance: 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 way next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of transporting ladders to mount panels. After twenty years defining, setting up, and fixing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is real protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows exceed shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how peaceful your living room stays on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up quicker 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 products matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" in fact means

Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets one of the hardest standards in the nation for constructing elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular lab tests that replicate genuine typhoon conditions.

First comes large rocket effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the exact same system deals with 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 in between "fulfills Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind ratings vary by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF values. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I typically specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be sufficient, but you size and spec based on the website's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional knows that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story demands different reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.

Why effect windows change the daily experience, not simply storm season

Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. However they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning 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 location. You get continuous defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.

Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when paired with insulated glass units.

Security improves since laminated glass resists forced entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies frequently use credits for impact doors and windows. In my projects, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and how many openings are protected.

Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That suggests 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 afternoon peak load come by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electricity usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, however the direction is consistent.

Material choices that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

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

Most residential hurricane windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, but they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, allowing thinner sections to attain higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions tweak the polymer to better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows show up often in discussions because tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the outer or inner ply in an effect system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it blows up into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The effect performance originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but constantly 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 variety while keeping visible light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet quality hurricane proof windows area depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten up SHGC and accept a minor tint to manage 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 control here due to the fact that they deal with big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when enhanced effectively, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, however I avoid them for extremely wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand cautious upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun ruins low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Look for powder-coated surfaces ranked for seaside exposure, and request written guarantee details in salt-air environments.

The covert hero: installation that respects the load path

Window setup can make or break performance. A pricey system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course 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 and construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you need to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should bite into solid trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.

The sealant joint is not just visual. A correctly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a durable, versatile seal that manages thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it remedies improperly. On seaside jobs, I never pair different metals without a barrier, and I always define 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 important. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That moisture might disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty odor 2 typhoon seasons later.

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

I have nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept thoroughly can safeguard homes efficiently. They also assist in particular cases.

Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom used in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, specifically if pairing with impact doors and windows in other places worries the budget. For homeowners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.

But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken your home when deployed, and they need action at specifically the time you are handling insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I enjoyed a neighbor attempt to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the immediate care waiting room. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening fasteners with time if not maintained.

For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows offer hurricane proof windows protection while protecting daylight and view. The benefit grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.

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

South Florida homes combat 2 battles: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.

Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the best finishing stacks, you can obstruct a big portion of convected heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated units comes mostly 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 crazy midafternoon.

I evaluate glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by decreasing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature level, which lowers condensation risk. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT influences how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show harsh light.

In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed units can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and a properly sized variable-speed a/c, and you begin to construct resilience. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load means 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 document you request for. It information the approved setups, 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 specific model and options you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting workplace will desire this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Cyclone Zone, Florida building regulations windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of top producers carry both. Where spending plans allow, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.

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

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

Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs differ with size, shape, surface, and access. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening expenses frequently land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.

Where you recover worth:

  • Insurance credits add up, often 10 to 25 percent off premiums when all openings are protected.
  • Energy savings, generally 8 to 20 percent on annual cooling expenses in older homes after a complete window upgrade paired with sealing and attic improvements.
  • Resale appeal, specifically in markets where purchasers anticipate effect windows and doors as a baseline. A home with accordion shutters completes, but a home with storm impact windows reveals much better, feels quieter, and generally appraises stronger.

If you plan to own the property for 5 years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to show compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.

Details that separate excellent systems from terrific ones

I pay attention to hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates glide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill design on sliding doors. Weep systems ought to 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 movies can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring residential or commercial properties. In seaside ecosystems, 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 big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern homes, however in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal direct exposures whenever budget plans allow.

Special cases: historical homes, condominiums, and difficult openings

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

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes specify a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They also appreciate sound control in between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Deal with building management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and restricted 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 durable in a display room satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not rely on catalog maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes 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 abnormalities or settlement cracks. During proposition, the professional shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and explains how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.

On install day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep the house safe. 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 picture anchors for the authorization file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to confirm drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.

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

Frequently misconstrued points that cost property owners later

Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under extreme impacts, however it must remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. 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, but they do not replacement for a tested, anchored system. Your insurance company and structure department will not count movies as secured openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows minimize air leakage. That's fantastic, however it increases the value of a properly sized a/c with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to examine sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.

Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware each year 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 services. A set of seldom utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set porch with minimal sun exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roofing system deck accessory or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outdoor cooking 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 handbook overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Designate duty for deployment and practice as soon as beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the morning you wish to find you have 29.

The bottom line: comfort you can feel on a peaceful Tuesday

Impact windows are not just about enduring the big one. They reshape daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The a/c cycles calmly instead of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind sound when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals instead of panels.

For many of my customers, that intangible is the deciding aspect. They understand storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.

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