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 method next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of transporting ladders to mount panels. After twenty years defining, setting up, and repairing building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is real protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in manner ins which exceed storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how peaceful your living-room stays on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up quicker than predicted.
This is a useful look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets one of the most difficult criteria in the nation for developing parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through particular laboratory tests that imitate real hurricane conditions.
First comes big missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That simulates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the exact same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently lives in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, particularly in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings differ by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently define systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more safeguarded direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, but you size and specification based on the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner exposure at the second story demands different support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can meet code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the projection track tightens, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get continuous defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You also get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves because laminated glass resists required entry. A burglar can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies often use credits for impact windows and doors. In my projects, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining visible light. That indicates less air conditioning demand, specifically on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summer season afternoon peak load come by approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical energy use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and a/c effectiveness, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most property hurricane windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, however they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, allowing thinner areas to attain higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulas modify the polymer to better soak up noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up frequently in discussions due to the fact that tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are commonly utilized as the external or inner ply in an impact unit. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it explodes into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida typically 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 short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here because they handle big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. High-quality vinyl effect frames, when reinforced properly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, however I avoid them for extremely broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require careful upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun destroys cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Look for powder-coated finishes ranked for seaside direct exposure, and request written warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break efficiency. An expensive system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the essence. 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 cinder block construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed houses, structural screws need to bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. An effectively sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a durable, flexible seal that manages thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it treatments poorly. On seaside tasks, I never ever combine different metals without a barrier, and I constantly define corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and integration with the water-resistive barrier are vital. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture might not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty odor two hurricane seasons later.
I have nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept thoroughly can protect homes efficiently. They likewise assist in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight in some cases lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever used in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be sensible, especially if coupling with effect doors and windows in other places stresses the budget plan. For homeowners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your home when released, and they need action at precisely the time you are managing insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and family logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I saw a neighbor try to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent the next hour in the immediate care waiting room. He made it through with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, often loosening fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows give cyclone proof windows coverage while maintaining daylight and view. The benefit grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
 
South Florida homes fight 2 battles: latent load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if defined intelligently.
Low-E effect glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the best finishing stacks, you can block a large part of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated systems comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of materials and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your a/c crazy midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by decreasing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature, which reduces condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear look of greater VT, even if it suggests accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect extreme light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed units can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and a properly sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to develop resilience. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request. It details the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a showroom. Verify the NOA matches the specific design and alternatives you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will desire 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 Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous leading makers bring both. Where budget plans permit, I choose NOA items even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They will not tell you effect efficiency, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has actually stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening costs typically land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you plan to own the property for five years or more, the mathematics typically tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings move smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Take a look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems should be engineered to drain heavy rains 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 films can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring residential or commercial properties. In coastal ecosystems, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which finishes balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern-day homes, however in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings offer the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside 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. Anticipate additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a contractor acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of approved items for harmony. They likewise care about noise control in between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue 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 restricted parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks sturdy in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely Boca Raton impact window options on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The finest jobs begin with a determined survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. During proposition, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they remove one opening at a time to keep your home protected. They secure floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to protect interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the permit file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller change after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under extreme effects, but it needs to stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out particles into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its task. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not convert non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to a tested, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count movies as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows minimize air leakage. That's terrific, however it increases the value of an effectively sized HVAC with great dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to examine reasonable heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is simple but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware each year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little practices extend lifespan.
There are legitimate reasons to mix services. A set of rarely used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set patio with minimal sun direct exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roofing system deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also protect outside kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Appoint responsibility for release and practice as soon as outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the morning you want to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about enduring the huge one. They improve daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioner cycles calmly rather of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind noise 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 rather than panels.
For a number of my clients, that intangible is the deciding aspect. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that only awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer 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, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to create pressures, choose the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: protection that never requests for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.