Hurricane-Proof Assurance: Choosing Miami-Dade Approved, Energy‑Efficient Impact Windows Over Shutters

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/
STS Impact Windows and Doors has Google Business Profile https://maps.app.goo.gl/3G8xjFMpsJzufTpC6
STS Impact Windows and Doors has Facebook profile https://web.facebook.com/STSimpactwondowsanddoors/
STS Impact Windows and Doors has Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/sts.impact.windows/
STS Impact Windows and Doors has logo https://stswindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/website-sts-doors-roofing-logo.png
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 neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of hauling ladders to install panels. After two decades defining, installing, and fixing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is genuine protection with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows exceed shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They change how a home 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 practical look at why many South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to cyclone 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 standards in the country for developing parts exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular lab tests that imitate real cyclone conditions.

First comes big missile impact. 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 same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" typically lives in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Speed Cyclone Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind ratings differ by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I often define systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety 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 exposure at the 2nd story demands different reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.

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

Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're much better than nothing. However they ask you to do work 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 place. You get constant 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, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, sometimes more when paired with insulated glass units.

Security improves since laminated glass resists forced entry. An intruder can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a quick course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies frequently provide credits for impact windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and how many openings are protected.

Energy efficiency is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern-day low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving noticeable light. That implies less cooling demand, particularly 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 effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load come by 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 heating and cooling performance, however the direction is consistent.

Material choices that matter: glass, interlayers, and frames

Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all commercial storefront glazing code 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 impact window warranties sound control, but they include weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner areas to achieve greater design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas tweak the polymer to better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows turn up typically in discussions due to the fact that tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are typically used as the external or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it stops working, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.

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

Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here due to the fact that they manage big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when strengthened correctly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, however I prevent them for very large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require mindful upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun damages low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Search for powder-coated surfaces rated for seaside direct exposure, and request written guarantee information in salt-air environments.

The hidden hero: setup that appreciates the load path

Window setup can make or break performance. A costly system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the essence. Impact forces have to travel from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and then into the structure's framing or masonry.

In concrete block building, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong product. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you need 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. An appropriately sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a durable, versatile seal that handles thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it cures badly. On seaside jobs, I never combine dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten years later on, you will see who took shortcuts.

Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and combination with the water-resistive barrier are essential. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That wetness might not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy smell 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 preserved and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved thoroughly can secure homes successfully. They likewise assist in certain cases.

Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight often lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, particularly if pairing with effect windows and doors in other places worries the spending plan. For house owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.

But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken the house when released, and they require action at exactly the time you are juggling insurance documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I enjoyed a next-door neighbor try 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 space. He endured with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening up fasteners with time if not maintained.

For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows offer typhoon proof windows coverage while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.

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

South Florida homes fight two fights: hidden load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.

Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the best finishing stacks, you can block a large portion of radiant heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which normally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of fabrics and flooring. Include 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 minimizing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature 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 crucial. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear look of greater VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roofing overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show severe light.

In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed systems can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and a correctly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you begin to develop strength. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.

Reading labels and approvals without getting lost in alphabet soup

Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you ask for. It details the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Verify the NOA matches the specific design and options you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting workplace will desire this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal 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 particular NOAs. Many top manufacturers bring both. Where budgets enable, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.

NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They won't inform you impact efficiency, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leakage at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.

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

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

Where you recoup value:

• Insurance credits accumulate, typically 10 to 25 percent off premiums when all openings are protected.
• Energy cost savings, normally 8 to 20 percent on annual cooling costs in older homes after a full window upgrade paired with sealing and attic improvements.
• Resale appeal, specifically in markets where buyers anticipate effect windows and doors as a baseline. A home with accordion shutters completes, however a home with storm effect windows shows better, feels quieter, and usually appraises stronger.

If you plan to own the property for 5 years or more, the mathematics 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 fantastic ones

I focus on hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression low-E hurricane glass and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings move smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems need to be engineered to drain heavy rains without letting wind-driven water blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.

Tint colors and reflectivity are more than style. Reflective films can run afoul of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward surrounding properties. In seaside environments, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which coatings balance efficiency with compliance.

Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for coastal exposures whenever budgets allow.

Special cases: historical homes, condominiums, and challenging openings

Historic districts typically require profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect additional review by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.

Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of authorized items for uniformity. They also appreciate noise control between units. If your structure sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Deal 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 design pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks tough in a showroom meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not count on brochure maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.

What a tidy task looks like from study to last inspection

The best projects start with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposal, the professional shows you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They safety glass plan for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.

On set up day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep your house secure. They secure floorings, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to protect interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the license file, particularly 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 paperwork in order.

Six months later, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to call for a roller change after the first week. That is the standard.

Frequently misunderstood points that cost property owners later

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

Window movies do not convert non-impact windows into typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not substitute for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count films as safeguarded openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows reduce air leak. That's excellent, but it increases the value of an effectively sized heating and cooling with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat pleases quickly 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 desire 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 every year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little routines extend lifespan.

When shutters still belong in the conversation

There are legitimate reasons to mix solutions. A pair of rarely used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set patio with very little sun direct exposure might do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise protect outside kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.

If you pick shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Designate responsibility for release and practice when beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to discover you have 29.

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

Impact windows are not just about surviving the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioner cycles calmly instead of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind sound when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on people rather than panels.

For a number of my clients, that intangible is the deciding factor. They know storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that only wakes up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.

If you are weighing the option, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to develop pressures, pick the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: protection that never requests for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.