STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.
View on Google MapsSTS 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 twenty years defining, setting up, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is real protection with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows exceed shutters in manner ins which surpass storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how quiet your living-room stays on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a useful look at why many South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to read the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets one of the hardest 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 typhoon conditions.
First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the exact same system faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays security glass windows in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" often lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings vary by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently specify systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more secured exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, but you size and spec based on the site's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner exposure at the second story demands different support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're much better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the forecast track tightens, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in location. You get constant defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along hectic corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I have actually measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances since laminated glass resists required entry. An intruder can shatter the external lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane rather of a quick course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies typically offer credits for effect windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the provider and how many openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern-day low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That indicates less cooling need, particularly on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect units. Summer season afternoon peak load dropped by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical energy use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC efficiency, but the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most property cyclone windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, but they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, allowing thinner areas to attain greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulations tweak the polymer to better soak up noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up frequently in conversations due to the fact that tempered glass is stronger in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are commonly utilized as the external or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it fails, it blows up into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coatings matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida normally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a small tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here due to the fact that they handle big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when strengthened effectively, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, however I prevent them for extremely large sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand cautious upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun damages cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Look for powder-coated surfaces ranked for seaside exposure, and demand written service warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break performance. A costly unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the core. Impact forces have to take a trip 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 desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed houses, structural screws must bite into solid trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply visual. A correctly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a long lasting, versatile seal that handles thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it treatments improperly. On seaside jobs, I never match different metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 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 vital. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy smell two hurricane seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels kept thoroughly can safeguard homes effectively. They also assist in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget is tight often lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom used in Hurricane window replacement cost summer season, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, specifically if coupling with effect doors and windows elsewhere worries the spending plan. For property owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken the house when deployed, and they need action at precisely the time you are juggling insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I viewed a next-door neighbor try to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He made it through with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners with time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows give typhoon proof windows protection while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with absolutely no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two fights: latent 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 ideal finishing stacks, you can obstruct a large portion of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of fabrics and flooring. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your a/c crazy midafternoon.
I examine glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by reducing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature level, which lowers condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT influences how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some property owners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it suggests accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect severe light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed units can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and wind-borne debris regions a correctly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to construct strength. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller sized generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Approval, or NOA, is the file you request. It details the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Verify the NOA matches the exact model and alternatives you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system supplies FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Hurricane Zone, Florida building code windows can count on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of leading makers carry both. Where budgets allow, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone because the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They won't tell you effect performance, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, however make certain your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and overlooking fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up expenses differ with size, shape, surface, and access. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses frequently land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover value:
If you plan to own the property for 5 years or more, the mathematics often tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to offer within a year and require to reveal compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings glide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems must be engineered to drain heavy rainfall 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 movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding residential or commercial properties. In seaside communities, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which coverings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun inexpensive finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for coastal direct exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts typically need profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Expect additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of authorized products for harmony. They likewise care about 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 building management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and limited parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks strong in a display room satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not depend on catalog optimum sizes. Use the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest projects start with a determined study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposal, the specialist reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep your house safe and secure. They secure floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior surfaces. 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 controlled spray to validate drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six DP rating windows months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to call for a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under serious impacts, but it ought 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 transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not replacement for a checked, anchored system. Your insurance company and building department will not count movies as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows lower air leakage. That's great, but it increases the significance of a properly sized a/c with excellent dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to check reasonable heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is simple however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware annually with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are genuine factors to blend options. A set of seldom utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget. A deep-set porch with very little sun direct exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roofing deck accessory or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also protect outdoor kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint obligation for implementation and practice when beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about making it through the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The a/c cycles calmly rather 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 typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on people instead of panels.
For a number of my clients, that intangible is the choosing factor. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and quiet self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, start NOA vs FPA difference with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to create pressures, select the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a team that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.