Securing Your Family with Impact Doors from STS Impact Windows & Doors
Residing along the Atlantic coast means accepting the challenge that severe weather is part of life. Impact doors are among the most valuable improvements a homeowner can make to withstand hurricanes, tropical storms, and windborne debris. STS Impact Windows & Doors has served countless Boca Raton families experience the protection that properly installed impact doors offer.
Whether you are building new, choosing the right impact door system can mean the difference between a home that weathers every storm and one that faces costly repairs after a major hurricane season. Our experts at STS Impact Windows & Doors work closely with each client through every phase of the selection and installation process.
Here you will find everything worth knowing about impact doors — how they are built, who benefits most, the fitting experience, and what to expect. Read on to learn why so many South Florida homeowners choose this protection.
Understanding Impact Doors?
Impact doors are purpose-built entry and sliding doors built using reinforced materials that resist the forces generated by hurricane-strength winds. At their core, they bring together a rigid frame — typically made from aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass — with multi-layer tempered glass locked inside a durable interlayer commonly made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate.
When struck by a high-velocity object or extreme pressure, the outer glass layer may show surface damage, but the interlayer holds the door seal complete. This means the structural integrity is never compromised even after major force. Outside of weather performance, impact doors also deliver improved energy efficiency because of the multi-layer assembly.
Current-generation impact doors span many aesthetics and functional formats. Buyers select from single entry doors, pocketing panel designs, and decorative glass inserts that enhance a wide variety of architectural style. Impact doors are required to pass Florida Building Code requirements and are independently certified for large missile impact.
Key Benefits of Impact Doors
- Hurricane and Storm Protection — Impact doors are rated to survive pressure loads from winds of 150 mph, preventing wind and water intrusion throughout intense hurricane conditions.
- Burglar Deterrence — The hardened materials make impact doors far more resistant to kick in compared to conventional entry doors.
- Lower Utility Bills — Multi-layer glass and weatherstripping cut thermal gain and loss, enabling families to save on cooling and heating costs.
- Quieter Living Spaces — The insulated assembly that blocks storm force also dampens street and neighbor sounds, giving rooms much calmer.
- UV Ray Blocking — Impact door glazing reduces exposure to solar UV light, protecting flooring, furniture, and artwork.
- Financial Savings on Premiums — Most homeowners insurance providers in the state provide rate reductions for homes outfitted with qualifying impact-rated products.
- Eliminating Shutter Hassle — Unlike traditional storm prep, impact doors require no seasonal installation — protection is built in.
- Increased Property Value — Homes with impact doors tend to sell faster and for more money in the South Florida housing market.
A Step-by-Step Look at Impact Door Fitting
- On-Site Assessment and Sizing — A certified technician comes to your home to take precise measurements. Getting measurements right here means every panel and frame will align correctly without frame adjustments during installation.
- Choosing Your Door Style — Based on your measurements and preferences, our team helps you select the right door style, glass type, and hardware finish. Product requests are submitted directly with our trusted fabricators so that all specs meet Florida Building Code.
- Securing Local Building Permits — Locally, upgrading entry systems typically require a building permit. Our team handles all required permit applications so you don't have to deal with it, preventing any inspection issues later.
- Removal of Existing Doors — At the start of the job, the old door units are taken out cleanly. Underlying frame rot or damage discovered at this stage are resolved so the new door has a solid base.
- Frame Setting and Weatherproofing — Your selected unit is placed and aligned precisely, squared and plumbed, then anchored with code-required fasteners. Professional-grade weatherstripping and caulk is then installed at every seam ensuring watertight performance.
- Fitting Locks, Handles, and copyrights — Heavy-duty handle sets and deadbolts are fitted and aligned to ensure the door latches and locks correctly. Adjustable copyrights and sweep seals are fine-tuned.
- Inspection, Cleanup, and Final Walkthrough — To close out the installation, the team inspects the full door assembly for code compliance. Each client receives an explanation of caring for and using their new impact doors, along with warranty documentation.
Is Your Home Right for Impact Doors?
Any property owner in a hurricane-prone area can take advantage of impact doors, but certain situations make the upgrade particularly worthwhile. Families living in homes built before 2002 typically see the biggest improvement because pre-code entry doors lack the construction to meet current Florida hurricane standards. In the same vein, families that use accordion shutters or plywood panels for storm prep will immediately appreciate how much less stressful and more dependable impact doors can be.
Investment property owners benefit equally because impact doors reduce maintenance demands between seasons. Sellers getting ready for the market regularly learn that installing impact doors before listing speeds up the sale and raises the price. By contrast, buyers with very limited budgets might decide that alternative storm protection approaches provide adequate coverage at lower cost.
No matter the reason for considering the upgrade, the ideal way to begin is an on-site assessment. Our specialists evaluate the property's current entry points and recommend solutions matched to the structure, budget, and goals of each specific project.
Impact Doors Common Questions Answered
How much time should I set aside for impact door installation?
Replacing one impact door can be completed in half a day to a full day. Jobs that include sliding glass doors or double units typically require two to four days depending on the number of openings. Custom orders occasionally call for a production window before the install date is set.
What is the price range for impact door installation?
The total investment get more info ranges widely based on product specifications and installation complexity. Standard impact door replacement typically costs $1,800 and $4,000 including labor. Custom or oversized impact door installations may range from $5,000 to $15,000 or higher. Many homeowners offset a portion of the cost through long-term operational savings.
Is it hard to open and close impact doors?
Given the dense materials involved, impact doors are noticeably heavier than typical residential doors. Despite the added weight, with the right setup, they function just like any well-made door. Quality multipoint locking systems ensure that locking is simple and reliable. Ongoing performance is preserved with routine copyright and latch adjustment.
How many years will my impact doors hold up?
High-quality impact doors have an effective service life of 25 years or longer with proper care. The laminated glass interlayer does not break down under UV exposure when certified materials are selected. Frame materials like impact-rated aluminum hold up in salt air environments and rarely need replacement.
Will impact doors actually stop hurricane damage?
Impact doors are tested and certified to resist large missile impacts. Provided that the entire building envelope is upgraded to impact-resistant materials, the home retains its structural integrity even under extreme wind loads. Keep in mind, impact doors do not make a home impervious to every conceivable event — but they cut the chance of structural breach compared to non-impact alternatives.
Impact Doors Serving the Boca Raton Community Residents
Boca Raton, FL lies squarely within one of the most hurricane-active corridors in the United States. Areas including University Park, Long Lake Estates, and the Boca Raton Resort area face direct exposure to make storm-hardened entry doors a smart baseline for any homeowner. Major thoroughfares including A1A and Spanish River Boulevard pass by communities where we works with clients investing in long-term home safety.
Local code enforcement in Boca Raton requires strict adherence to current impact-rated product standards, making it important any door replacement is required to include valid Miami-Dade or Florida-wide product approvals. STS Impact Windows & Doors only installs manufacturer-certified, code-compliant products, providing Boca Raton families the assurance that all work will pass inspection and perform as promised.
Request Your Impact Doors Consultation Today
As you consider taking steps to secure your property with certified impact doors, our team makes the process simple. Beginning with product selection and through to post-install walkthrough, our certified installers manage every step using the expertise and attention that Boca Raton property owners deserve. Contact us today to set up your complimentary home evaluation and start the journey to lasting storm protection.
STS Impact Windows & Doors. | 1000 Holland Drive | Boca Raton FL 33487 | (561) 600-1018