Protecting Your Home with Impact Doors from STS Impact Windows & Doors
Living in South Florida requires dealing with the challenge that severe weather is part of life. Impact doors are among the most practical improvements a homeowner can make to defend against hurricanes, tropical storms, and everyday hazards. STS Impact Windows & Doors has guided hundreds of Boca Raton homeowners experience the security that properly installed impact doors provide.
Whether you are renovating, installing the correct impact door system can separate a home that stays protected year-round and one that suffers serious damage after a major hurricane season. Our team at STS Impact Windows & Doors work closely with each client at every stage of the buying and installation process.
This guide covers everything a homeowner should consider about impact doors — what makes them work, who should consider get more info them, the installation process, and what to expect. Read on to see why so many area residents rely on this solution.
A Closer Look at Impact Doors?
Impact doors are specially engineered entry and passage doors built using heavy-duty materials that absorb the forces generated by high-velocity debris. In simple terms, they pair a solid frame — most often built with steel-reinforced aluminum or fiberglass — with multi-layer tempered glass locked inside a resilient interlayer commonly made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or thermoplastic urethane.
When struck by a high-velocity debris impact or storm surge, the surface glass may chip or break, but the bonding material maintains the glass together. That translates to the door's protective barrier remains unbroken even after major force. In addition to hurricane resistance, impact doors naturally offer significant noise reduction because of that identical layered design.
Modern impact doors are available in numerous designs, colors, and sizes. You are not limited to one look sliding glass door systems, pivot doors, and artistic glass configurations that enhance most design preference. Impact doors are required to pass Florida Building Code criteria and are tested rigorously for large missile impact.
Why Homeowners Choose Impact Doors
- Full Storm Resistance — Impact doors can handle resist sustained gusts above 150 mph, preventing wind and water intrusion throughout intense hurricane conditions.
- Burglar Deterrence — The multi-layer construction make impact doors significantly harder to kick in compared to standard hollow-core doors.
- Year-Round Energy Savings — Thermally broken frames and laminated panes reduce heat transfer, allowing you to save on cooling and heating costs.
- Quieter Living Spaces — The insulated assembly that resists impact also muffles exterior noise, making interior spaces noticeably quieter.
- UV Ray Blocking — Impact door glazing filters out UV radiation, preserving interior finishes.
- Financial Savings on Premiums — Numerous South Florida insurance carriers reduce premiums significantly for homes protected by approved impact doors.
- Eliminating Shutter Hassle — In contrast to conventional hurricane preparation, impact doors require no seasonal installation — they work passively at all times.
- Boosted Resale Appeal — Homes with impact doors tend to sell faster and for more money in the South Florida real estate market.
The Impact Door Installation Process
- In-Home Consultation and Measurement — A certified technician comes to your home to assess existing door frames and dimensions. Getting measurements right here means every panel and frame arrive ready to install without frame adjustments during installation.
- Design Confirmation and Ordering — Based on your measurements and preferences, our team helps you select the ideal product from our available inventory. Your custom door is ordered directly with our trusted fabricators for proper hurricane certification.
- Securing Local Building Permits — Locally, impact door installations almost always call for a building permit. Our team handles every submission to the city or county so you don't have to deal with it, ensuring everything is code-legal.
- Tear-Out of Original Door Units — At the start of the job, current entry or patio doors are carefully removed. Underlying frame rot or damage found during removal are resolved so the new door has a solid base.
- Frame Setting and Weatherproofing — Each new door system is positioned in the frame, shimmed and leveled, then fastened to meet Miami-Dade or Florida product approval specs. High-performance sealant is then installed at every seam keeping rain and wind out.
- Hardware Installation and Adjustment — Security hardware are fitted and aligned to verify all mechanisms work as intended. Adjustable copyrights and sweep seals are fine-tuned.
- Post-Install Review and Client Orientation — Prior to leaving the property, every technician confirms all hardware and weatherstripping for proper performance. Each client receives a hands-on demonstration of caring for and using their new impact doors, plus all product registration info.
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 especially compelling. Anyone with original single-pane or hollow-core doors are often the most urgent candidates because legacy door frames lack the construction to meet current Florida hurricane standards. Similarly, those who rely on removable hurricane shutters for storm prep can easily recognize how much less stressful and more dependable impact doors can be.
Landlords and rental property managers benefit equally because impact doors lower the likelihood of storm damage claims between seasons. Buyers preparing to list a home often find that upgrading before selling speeds up the sale and raises the price. That said, buyers with very limited budgets might decide that less expensive shutter systems suit their situation better.
No matter the reason for considering the upgrade, the ideal way to begin is a professional consultation. Our experts assess every frame and rough opening and provide options tailored to the homeowner's needs of each unique property.
Impact Doors Common Questions Answered
How long does impact door installation take?
Most single-door replacements takes as little as one business day. Jobs that include sliding glass doors or double units can span a full week depending on the number of openings. Custom orders occasionally call for four to eight weeks of fabrication time.
How much should I budget for impact doors?
Pricing varies considerably based on the number of units, hardware selection, and custom features. A basic single impact entry door usually falls in the range of $1,500 and $4,500 with all materials and 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 insurance premium discounts and energy savings.
Is it hard to open and close impact doors?
Due to the added weight of laminated glass and reinforced frames, impact doors do weigh more than conventional doors. Despite the added weight, with the right setup, they operate smoothly and quietly. Good hardware and properly set copyrights ensure that locking is simple and reliable. Long-term ease of use is maintained through periodic hardware lubrication.
What is the expected lifespan of impact doors?
Properly installed impact doors from certified manufacturers 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 quality products are used. Heavy-gauge frame profiles are designed specifically for coastal climates and rarely need replacement.
Will impact doors actually stop hurricane damage?
Impact doors are tested and certified to withstand the forces of a Category 5 hurricane. If every door and window in a property are protected with impact-rated products, the structure maintains its pressure envelope even under extreme wind loads. That said, impact doors do not make a home impervious to every conceivable event — but they dramatically reduce the chance of structural breach compared to standard doors or windows.
Impact Doors Built for the Boca Raton Community Families
Boca Raton, FL sits directly in one of the most storm-exposed corridors in the entire country. Neighborhoods like Broken Sound, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, and Mizner Park sit close enough to the coast to make certified impact upgrades not just a luxury but a necessity. Major thoroughfares including A1A and Spanish River Boulevard pass by communities where we actively installs for clients seeking reliable storm protection.
The city's permitting office enforces Florida Building Code strictly, which means every impact door product needs to have current NOA or FPA certifications. STS Impact Windows & Doors only installs manufacturer-certified, code-compliant products, giving local homeowners complete confidence that their installation is backed by manufacturer warranties and certified specifications.
Book Your Impact Doors Assessment Today
If you are ready to upgrade your entry points 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 with the skill and care that Boca Raton property owners have come to expect. Get in touch to set up your complimentary home evaluation and take the first step toward lasting storm protection.
STS Impact Windows & Doors. | 1000 Holland Drive | Boca Raton FL 33487 | (561) 600-1018