The Homeowner's Guide to Impact Doors

Protecting Your Home with Impact Doors Built to Last

Owning a home in coastal Florida requires dealing with the reality that severe weather is a year-round concern. Impact doors are among the most valuable investments a homeowner can make to withstand hurricanes, tropical storms, and windborne debris. STS Impact Windows & Doors has served hundreds of Boca Raton families discover the peace of mind that properly installed impact doors deliver.

If you are replacing older doors, selecting a quality impact door solution can mean the difference between a home that stays protected year-round and one that requires emergency patching after a major hurricane season. Our specialists at STS Impact Windows & Doors work closely with each client from start to finish of the buying and installation process.

Here you will find everything you need to understand about impact doors — what makes them work, who they are right for, the step-by-step procedure, and what the timeline looks like. Continue for a chance to learn why so many South Florida homeowners rely on this solution.

Understanding Impact Doors?

Impact doors are professionally designed entry and passage doors constructed from heavy-duty materials that withstand the forces generated by hurricane-strength winds. At their core, they bring together a solid frame — typically made from aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass — with multi-layer tempered glass bonded to a resilient interlayer usually composed of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate.

When struck by a high-velocity projectile or wind pressure, the surface glass may crack or fracture, but the bonding material maintains the entire pane intact. That translates to the structural integrity is never compromised even after major force. Beyond storm protection, impact doors simultaneously provide improved energy efficiency because of that identical layered design.

Current-generation impact doors are available in numerous aesthetics and functional formats. Homeowners can choose single entry doors, pocketing panel designs, and custom decorative options that complement most architectural style. Impact doors must meet Florida Building Code requirements and are tested rigorously 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 intense hurricane conditions.
• Stronger Entry Points — The reinforced frames and laminated glass make impact doors far more resistant to kick in compared to traditional wood frames.
• Improved Thermal Performance — The tight seals and insulated frames cut thermal gain and loss, helping homeowners lower monthly energy bills.
• Noise Reduction — The insulated assembly that resists impact also dampens street and neighbor sounds, giving rooms more peaceful.
• Interior Fade Protection — Impact door glazing blocks a significant portion of solar UV light, preserving interior finishes.
• Insurance Premium Discounts — Many Florida insurers offer meaningful discounts for homes featuring approved impact doors.
• No Hurricane Shutters Required — Unlike traditional storm prep, impact doors need no last-minute boarding up — protection is built in.
• Higher Home Appraisals — Homes with impact doors typically appraise at a premium in the South Florida housing market.

How Impact Doors Are Installed

1. Home Evaluation and Custom Measurement — One of our trained installers comes to your home to assess existing door frames and dimensions. This step ensures every panel and frame fit perfectly without unexpected gaps.
2. Product Selection and Order Placement — Working from your home's specifications, our staff assists you in picking an impact door configuration that suits your home. Your custom door is ordered directly with manufacturer partners to ensure code compliance.
3. Securing Local Building Permits — Locally, upgrading entry systems almost always call for a building permit. STS Impact Windows & Doors manages every submission to the city or county for you, ensuring everything is code-legal.
4. Removal of Existing Doors — At the start of the job, existing doors and frames are carefully removed. Underlying frame rot or damage uncovered during tear-out are resolved so the new door has a solid base.
5. Setting and Securing the New Door — Each new door system is positioned in the frame, adjusted for perfect alignment, then secured with approved masonry anchors or structural screws. Hurricane-rated flashing and sealant is then applied around the perimeter to prevent water infiltration.
6. Hardware Installation and Adjustment — Heavy-duty handle sets and deadbolts are mounted and calibrated to ensure the door latches and locks correctly. copyrights and pivots are adjusted for a perfect swing and closure.
7. Quality Check and Homeowner Briefing — Before wrapping up, the team inspects all hardware and weatherstripping for proper performance. Each client receives a hands-on demonstration of caring for and using their new impact doors, along with warranty documentation.

Who Should Consider Impact Doors?

Any property owner in a hurricane-prone area would see value in impact doors, but certain situations make the upgrade clearly advantageous. Homeowners with older properties are often the most urgent candidates because older door systems were not designed to meet current Florida hurricane standards. Similarly, any homeowner who still depends on seasonal storm coverings for website storm prep can easily recognize how much easier and more reliable impact doors are by comparison.

People with vacation homes or rental units represent another ideal group because impact doors work passively without tenant action between seasons. Buyers preparing to list a home often find that installing impact doors before listing increases appraisal values and buyer interest. By contrast, homeowners in inland areas could determine that standard exterior doors with hurricane shutters provide adequate coverage at lower cost.

Regardless of the specific motivation, the ideal way to begin is a conversation with an experienced installer. Our experts assess every frame and rough opening and provide options tailored to the homeowner's needs of each individual client.

Impact Doors FAQ

What is the typical installation timeline for impact doors?

A standard entry door swap takes as little as half a day to a full day. Larger projects involving multiple doors typically require two to four days depending on permit scheduling and product lead times. Special-size or decorative impact doors occasionally call for several weeks of lead time before installation can begin.

How much should I budget for impact doors?

Pricing varies considerably based on product specifications and installation complexity. Standard impact door replacement usually falls in the range of $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.

Do impact doors feel heavy or awkward to use?

Due to the added weight of laminated glass and reinforced frames, impact doors are noticeably heavier than conventional doors. Despite the added weight, with the right setup, they function just like any well-made door. Quality multipoint locking systems allow the door to engage securely with minimal force. Ongoing performance is preserved with routine copyright and latch adjustment.

How many years will my impact doors hold up?

Properly installed impact doors from certified manufacturers have an effective service life of 20 to 30 years or more. The PVB or SGP film inside the glass does not deteriorate in Florida humidity when quality products are used. Frame materials like impact-rated aluminum hold up in salt air environments and stay structurally sound for the life of the home.

Will impact doors actually stop hurricane damage?

All Florida-approved impact doors are independently tested to resist large missile impacts. When all openings in a home uses certified impact doors and windows, the home retains its pressure envelope even under sustained Category 4 forces. Keep in mind, impact doors do not make a home impervious to every conceivable event — but they significantly lower the chance of structural breach compared to any unprotected opening.

Impact Doors Serving Boca Raton Residents

Boca Raton, FL falls inside one of the most hurricane-active corridors along the Eastern Seaboard. Neighborhoods like Broken Sound, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, and Mizner Park experience direct Atlantic storm exposure to make storm-hardened entry doors a practical priority rather than an optional upgrade. Corridors along US-1, Yamato Road, and Military Trail pass by communities where we actively installs for clients upgrading their properties.

The city's permitting office 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. We carry and install only impact doors that carry full Florida Building Code certification, giving local homeowners the assurance that all work meets every local requirement.

Request Your Impact Doors Appointment Today

If you are ready to protect your home with certified impact doors, STS Impact Windows & Doors is here to help. From the first measurement to the final inspection, we take care of each detail using the expertise and attention that Boca Raton families deserve. Get in touch to set up your complimentary home evaluation and take the first step toward impact door protection built for Florida living.

STS Impact Windows & Doors. | 1000 Holland Drive | Boca Raton FL 33487 | (561) 600-1018