Upgrading Your Property Using Impact Doors from STS Impact Windows & Doors
Living in South Florida means accepting the reality that severe weather is never far away. Impact doors stand as one of the most practical improvements a homeowner can make to withstand hurricanes, tropical storms, and intruder threats. STS Impact Windows & Doors has guided countless Boca Raton families experience the protection that properly installed impact doors offer.
If you are replacing older doors, choosing the right impact door solution can mean the difference between a home that handles anything nature throws at it and one that faces costly repairs after a major weather event. Our experts at STS Impact Windows & Doors partner with each client at every stage of the planning and setup process.
Here you will find everything you need to understand about impact doors — how they are built, who they are right for, the fitting experience, and what to expect. Read on to see why so many area residents trust this upgrade.
What Are Impact Doors?
Impact doors are purpose-built entry and sliding doors constructed from laminated materials that resist the forces generated by hurricane-strength winds. Mechanically speaking, they bring together a solid frame — most often built with aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass — with laminated safety glass sealed within a tough interlayer usually composed of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate.
After absorbing a high-velocity projectile or wind pressure, the outer glass layer may chip or break, but the interlayer holds the glass together. The result is the sealed envelope stays in place even after direct impact. In addition to hurricane resistance, impact doors simultaneously provide enhanced security against break-ins because of that identical layered design.
Current-generation impact doors come in a wide range of designs, colors, and sizes. Homeowners can choose French-style double doors, pivot doors, and artistic glass configurations that match most design preference. Impact doors must meet Florida Building Code standards and are independently certified for large missile impact.
Why Homeowners Choose Impact Doors
- All-Weather Defense — Impact doors are rated to resist sustained gusts above 150 mph, preventing wind and water intrusion throughout a major storm event.
- Stronger Entry Points — The reinforced frames and laminated glass make impact doors far more resistant to breach compared to traditional wood frames.
- Year-Round Energy Savings — Multi-layer glass and weatherstripping cut thermal gain and loss, enabling families to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures more efficiently.
- Acoustic Comfort — That dense, layered glass that blocks storm force also muffles exterior noise, creating a home environment that feels much calmer.
- Interior Fade Protection — Impact door glazing blocks a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet rays, preserving interior finishes.
- Insurance Premium Discounts — Many Florida insurers offer meaningful discounts for homes featuring qualifying impact-rated products.
- Storm Prep Without the Work — Unlike traditional storm prep, impact doors need no last-minute boarding up — protection is built in.
- Increased Property Value — Residences upgraded with impact-rated doors typically appraise at a premium in the South Florida real estate market.
How Impact Doors Are Installed
- Home Evaluation and Custom Measurement — A certified technician visits the property to measure each opening exactly. This step ensures each unit ordered fit perfectly without frame adjustments during installation.
- Design Confirmation and Ordering — Working from your home's specifications, our staff assists you in picking an impact door configuration that suits your home. Product requests are submitted directly with manufacturer partners for proper hurricane certification.
- Pulling the Necessary Permits — Throughout Palm Beach County, replacing exterior doors typically require a building permit. Our team handles the permitting paperwork on your behalf, keeping the project compliant.
- Removal of Existing Doors — At the start of the job, the old door units are carefully removed. 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 set into the rough opening, adjusted for perfect alignment, then secured with approved masonry anchors or structural screws. High-performance sealant is then applied around the perimeter ensuring watertight performance.
- Hardware Installation and Adjustment — Multipoint locking systems are installed and tested to verify all mechanisms work as intended. Adjustable copyrights and sweep seals are set for proper clearance.
- Quality Check and Homeowner Briefing — Before wrapping up, every technician confirms the full door assembly against quality standards. Homeowners receive a hands-on demonstration of how to operate and maintain their new impact doors, plus all product registration info.
Who Benefits Most from Impact Doors?
Any property owner in a hurricane-prone area stands to benefit from impact doors, but certain situations make the upgrade clearly advantageous. Families living in homes built before 2002 typically see the biggest improvement because older door systems simply cannot resist the pressures that current codes require. In the same vein, families that use accordion shutters or plywood panels for storm prep will immediately appreciate how much easier and more reliable impact doors can be.
People with vacation homes or rental units represent another ideal group because impact doors lower the likelihood of storm damage claims between seasons. Sellers getting ready for the market frequently discover installing impact doors before listing attracts more qualified buyers willing to pay a premium. That said, those in low-risk wind zones may find that standard exterior doors with hurricane shutters provide adequate coverage at lower cost.
Regardless of the specific motivation, click here the right starting point is an on-site assessment. Our specialists evaluate the property's current entry points and provide options suited to the local wind zone and code requirements of each unique property.
Impact Doors FAQ
How much time should I set aside for impact door installation?
A standard entry door swap can be completed in one business day. Larger projects involving multiple doors can span a full week depending on permit scheduling and product lead times. Non-standard configurations occasionally call for several weeks of lead time before installation can begin.
How much should I budget for impact doors?
Costs depend on several factors based on door size, style, glass type, and frame material. Standard impact door replacement typically costs $1,800 and $4,000 including labor. Custom or oversized impact door installations can exceed $10,000 or more. The investment frequently pays for itself through long-term operational savings.
Do impact doors feel heavy or awkward to use?
Because of their heavier construction, impact doors are noticeably heavier than standard wood or hollow-core units. Despite the added weight, with the right setup, they open and close without resistance. Well-calibrated locking mechanisms make latching effortless. Continued smooth operation is maintained through periodic hardware lubrication.
What is the expected lifespan of impact doors?
Premium-grade impact door systems can be expected to perform reliably for decades under South Florida conditions. The PVB or SGP film inside the glass does not break down under UV exposure when certified materials are selected. Frame materials like impact-rated aluminum are designed specifically for coastal climates and rarely need replacement.
Will impact doors actually stop hurricane damage?
All Florida-approved impact doors are independently tested to meet the most stringent wind-borne debris standards in the country. If every door and window in a property are protected with impact-rated products, the home retains its structural integrity even under extreme wind loads. It is worth noting, impact doors do not make a home impervious to every conceivable event — but they significantly lower the chance of structural breach compared to non-impact alternatives.
Impact Doors Built for the Boca Raton Community Residents
Boca Raton, FL falls inside one of the most hurricane-active corridors in the entire country. Areas including Boca Highlands, Camino Gardens, and East Boca Raton sit close enough to the coast to make impact door protection a practical priority rather than an optional upgrade. Streets like Federal Highway, Palmetto Park Road, and Glades Road connect residential areas where our team works with clients upgrading their properties.
Local code enforcement in Boca Raton enforces Florida Building Code strictly, making it important every impact door product is required to include valid Miami-Dade or Florida-wide product approvals. Our company uses exclusively manufacturer-certified, code-compliant products, providing Boca Raton families total peace of mind that every door is backed by manufacturer warranties and certified specifications.
Book Your Impact Doors Assessment Today
When the time comes to secure your property with professionally installed impact doors, our team makes the process simple. From the first measurement to the final inspection, our specialists handle everything using the expertise and attention that Boca Raton property owners have come to expect. Reach out now to schedule your no-obligation consultation and move closer to a safer, more secure home.
STS Impact Windows & Doors. | 1000 Holland Drive | Boca Raton FL 33487 | (561) 600-1018