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 stockpile, and the ritual of transporting ladders to install panels. After two decades specifying, installing, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows surpass shutters in manner ins which go beyond 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 faster than predicted.
This is a practical take a look at why lots of South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, impact windows features how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets one of the most difficult standards in the nation for developing parts exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through particular lab tests that imitate real hurricane conditions.
First comes large missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That simulates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the exact same system faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference in between "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" typically resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings differ by opening size and design pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, however you size and specification based on the website's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs various support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're much better than nothing. But they ask you to do work 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 live in place. You get constant defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You likewise get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated impact glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass resists required entry. A robber can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies typically provide credits for effect windows and doors. In my jobs, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and how many openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That indicates less cooling need, 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 effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load stopped by approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling effectiveness, however the direction is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most domestic cyclone windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers improve impact resistance and sound control, but they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, enabling thinner areas to accomplish higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions modify the polymer to better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows show up frequently in conversations because tempered glass is stronger in bending than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are typically used as the external or inner ply in an impact system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it stops working, it explodes into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact efficiency comes from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coverings 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 visible light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in larger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they manage large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when strengthened correctly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, but I prevent them for extremely broad sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand cautious upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun ruins inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces ranked for seaside direct exposure, and demand written service warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. A costly system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the crux. Impact forces have to take a trip from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and after that into the structure's framing or masonry.
In cinder block building, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong product. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed homes, structural screws must bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just aesthetic. An appropriately sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a durable, versatile seal that manages thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it remedies badly. On coastal jobs, I never pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always 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 integration with the water-resistive barrier are important. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy odor two cyclone seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels kept carefully can secure homes successfully. They also help in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget plan is tight in some cases lean on shutters to meet the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, particularly if pairing with impact doors and windows elsewhere stresses the spending plan. For house owners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your home when deployed, and they require action at precisely the time you are juggling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I watched a next-door neighbor attempt 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 space. He survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, in some cases loosening up fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows offer typhoon proof windows coverage while preserving daytime and view. The benefit grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two fights: latent load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the ideal finishing stacks, you can obstruct a big part of radiant heat and UV. UV clog in laminated systems comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of fabrics and flooring. Include the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your AC insane midafternoon.
I assess glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by minimizing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature, which reduces condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how intense the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it suggests accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect severe light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed systems can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior finishes, and an effectively sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to construct resilience. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller sized generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request. It details the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Verify the NOA matches the precise design and choices you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Hurricane Zone, Florida building regulations windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Numerous leading manufacturers carry both. Where budget plans permit, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.

NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you effect performance, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leak at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, however ensure your home still has actually stabilized 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. Installed costs vary with size, shape, surface, and access. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening expenses often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you plan to own the quality impact windows Boca Raton home for five years or more, the mathematics often tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I focus on 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 patios. Take a look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems should be engineered to drain pipes 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 run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward surrounding properties. In seaside ecosystems, highly reflective glass can puzzle 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 fantastic on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings supply the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts often need profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect extra review by architectural boards, and line up a specialist familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They likewise appreciate noise control in between units. If your building sits directly on Collins Opportunity or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Deal with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need special attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks durable in a display room fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely on brochure maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest jobs begin with a measured study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. During proposal, the specialist reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, notes anchor types, and explains how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.
On set up day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep your home secure. They protect floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the license file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to validate drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller modification after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under serious effects, however it must remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to a tested, anchored system. Your insurer and building department will not count films as safeguarded openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leakage. That's fantastic, but it increases the significance of a properly sized heating and cooling with excellent dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to examine sensible heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You desire consistent, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware every year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to blend options. A set of seldom used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set patio with minimal sun direct exposure might do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing system deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outdoor cooking areas or cabana best window installation options Boca Raton openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Assign obligation for release and practice when outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to discover you have 29.

Impact windows are not just about surviving the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioning cycles calmly instead 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 hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals rather than panels.
For much of my customers, that intangible is the choosing factor. They understand storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that only wakes up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.
If you are weighing the option, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to create pressures, pick the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a team that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: protection that never ever requests a ladder and a better home every day of the year.