November 3, 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 neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the ritual of carrying ladders to mount panels. After twenty years specifying, setting up, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up custom window installation Boca Raton and what does not. When the objective is real defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows outperform shutters in ways that exceed 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 look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the first time.

What "Miami-Dade Approved" in fact means

Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets one of the most difficult benchmarks in the nation for developing components exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through particular lab tests that imitate genuine typhoon conditions.

First comes big missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 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 faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference in between "satisfies Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently lives in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, particularly in High Speed Typhoon Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind rankings vary by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF values. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I typically define units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more secured exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be enough, however you size and spec based on the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. A professional knows that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs different support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.

Why impact windows alter the day-to-day experience, not just storm season

Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can meet 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 warning and the projection track tightens, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.

Impact windows live in location. You get continuous security, 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 paths, I have actually determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, sometimes more when paired with insulated glass units.

Security improves because laminated glass withstands required entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies often offer credits for impact windows and doors. In my projects, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and how many openings are protected.

Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with contemporary low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That implies less a/c demand, particularly on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load visited approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electricity usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results differ with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, but 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 property hurricane windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance impact resistance and sound control, but they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, allowing thinner areas to achieve greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas fine-tune the polymer to better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows turn up typically in discussions since tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the outer or inner ply in an impact unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it stops working, it takes off into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact efficiency comes from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to a hardened 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 usually targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping visible light transmission around 50 percent or higher. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to manage early 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 since they handle large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. High-quality vinyl effect frames, when reinforced appropriately, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, but I avoid them for really broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require mindful maintenance and smart flashing. The Florida sun ruins low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Look for powder-coated surfaces ranked for seaside exposure, and request written guarantee information in salt-air environments.

The surprise hero: installation that appreciates the load path

Window setup can make or break performance. An expensive system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the essence. Impact forces have 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 concrete block construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells need to 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 must 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 simply aesthetic. A properly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a resilient, flexible seal that handles thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it treatments improperly. On seaside jobs, I never match dissimilar 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 depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty odor two hurricane seasons later.

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

I have absolutely nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved thoroughly can secure homes successfully. They likewise help in specific cases.

Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget is tight sometimes lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building code windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be affordable, particularly if pairing with effect doors and windows elsewhere stresses 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 compromises. They darken the house when released, and they need action at specifically the time you are juggling insurance documents, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Cyclone Irma, I enjoyed a neighbor attempt to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the urgent care waiting room. He made it through with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, often loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.

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

The energy story: how glass specs equate 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 help both if specified intelligently.

Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the ideal finishing stacks, you can block a big portion of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of materials and flooring. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your AC insane midafternoon.

I evaluate glass specs with 3 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 level closer to room temperature, which lowers condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT influences how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it means accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect harsh light.

In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed systems can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and a correctly sized variable-speed HVAC, and you begin to build durability. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests 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 file you request for. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Confirm the NOA matches the specific model and alternatives you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting office will desire this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Many top makers bring both. Where budget plans permit, I Boca Raton hurricane proof window installation choose NOA products even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.

NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you impact efficiency, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, but make sure your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and ignoring fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.

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

Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening costs often land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.

Where you recover worth:

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

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

Details that separate excellent systems from terrific ones

I focus on hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems should be engineered 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 movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring properties. In seaside communities, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which finishes balance efficiency with compliance.

Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, however in Florida sun low-cost finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside exposures whenever spending plans allow.

Special cases: historic homes, apartments, and challenging openings

Historic districts frequently require profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Expect additional review by architectural boards, and line up a specialist knowledgeable about these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of authorized items for harmony. They likewise appreciate sound control in between systems. If your structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Work with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and limited parking can include days and dollars.

Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need special attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks durable in a display room satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.

What a clean project appears like from study to final inspection

The finest projects begin with a determined study and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposition, the contractor shows you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, notes anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.

residential hurricane proof windows

On set up day, they remove one opening at a time to keep the house secure. They protect floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to maintain interior surfaces. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the authorization file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to confirm drain paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.

Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller modification after the very first week. That is the standard.

Frequently misconstrued points that cost property owners later

Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can break under serious effects, however it should 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. Change the sash or IGU after the event.

Window films do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance provider and building department will not count films as secured openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows reduce air leakage. That's fantastic, but it increases the importance of a correctly sized heating and cooling with excellent dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want constant, longer cycles, not brief bursts.

Maintenance is simple but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware yearly with a silicone-based product that will not gum up hurricane proof window installation in heat. Small practices extend lifespan.

When shutters still belong in the conversation

There are legitimate factors to mix options. A set of seldom utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set porch with minimal sun exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roofing deck accessory 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, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign obligation for implementation and practice when beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to discover you have 29.

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

Impact windows are not just about surviving the big one. They improve daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioning cycles calmly rather of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind noise when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on people instead of panels.

For many of my customers, that intangible is the choosing factor. They understand storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.

If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to design pressures, choose the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: protection that never ever asks for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.

I am a dynamic innovator with a broad knowledge base in entrepreneurship. My conviction in entrepreneurship spurs my desire to innovate disruptive organizations. In my business career, I have cultivated a profile as being a daring thinker. Aside from creating my own businesses, I also enjoy counseling young startup founders. I believe in empowering the next generation of startup founders to pursue their own aspirations. I am easily seeking out disruptive opportunities and working together with similarly-driven creators. Redefining what's possible is my purpose. Aside from engaged in my enterprise, I enjoy immersing myself in dynamic environments. I am also focused on health and wellness.