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 routine of transporting ladders to install panels. After 20 years defining, installing, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is real defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in manner ins which exceed storm day. They alter how a home 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 practical take a look at why lots of South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets among the most difficult standards in the nation for constructing elements exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through particular lab tests that replicate real typhoon conditions.
First comes big missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "satisfies Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently lives in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Speed Cyclone Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings vary by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently define systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more secured direct exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, however you size and spec based upon the website's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story demands various reinforcement than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is best hurricane proof windows in Boca Raton not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can meet 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 warning and the forecast track tightens, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in location. You get continuous security, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves since laminated glass resists required entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically provide credits for effect doors and windows. In my tasks, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with contemporary low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining visible light. That suggests less cooling need, especially on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load come by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results differ with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling effectiveness, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most domestic 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, but they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, permitting thinner sections to achieve higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB solutions fine-tune the polymer to much 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 conversations because tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That holds 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 hurricane sense. When it stops working, it blows up into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact efficiency originates from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but always 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 range while keeping visible light transmission around half or greater. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they deal with large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when reinforced effectively, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, but I avoid them for really broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require mindful upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun damages cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Try to find powder-coated finishes ranked for seaside direct exposure, and demand written guarantee details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. A pricey system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the crux. Effect forces have to travel 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 solid product. 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 should bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage cleanly 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 handles thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it cures improperly. On seaside tasks, I never pair different metals without a barrier, and I always define 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 essential. If you depend on sealant alone, window installation costs water will find its way in. 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 smell 2 typhoon seasons later.
I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved carefully can safeguard homes successfully. They likewise assist in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building regulations windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom used in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be sensible, especially if coupling with impact windows and doors elsewhere worries the budget. For house owners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken the house when deployed, and they need action at exactly the time you are handling insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I viewed 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 urgent care waiting room. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, in some cases loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows provide typhoon evidence windows protection while maintaining daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with zero prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two fights: hidden load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the ideal covering stacks, you can block a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes largely from the interlayer itself, which normally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of fabrics and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your a/c insane 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 room temperature, which reduces condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT influences how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners desire the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it indicates accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show severe light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can lower peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and an appropriately sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to build resilience. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the file you ask for. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the exact model and options you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed buy impact windows Hurricane Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Lots of leading producers bring both. Where spending plans enable, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They won't tell you effect efficiency, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leakage at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and ignoring 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 expenses differ 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. Big multi-panel sliders, custom arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for five years or more, the mathematics frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to sell within a year and need to show compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take notice of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates slide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Take a look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems must be crafted to drain pipes heavy rains without letting wind-driven water quality impact windows Boca Raton blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.
Tint colors and reflectivity are more than fashion. Reflective movies can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring homes. In coastal communities, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which finishes balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts typically need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Expect extra review by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of approved items for harmony. They also care about sound control between units. If your Boca Raton impact window installation structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with building management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and minimal parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks strong in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on brochure maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best jobs begin with a determined survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. During proposition, the contractor reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, notes anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.
On set up day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep your house secure. They safeguard floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to preserve interior surfaces. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team 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 confirm drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller adjustment after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under severe effects, but it needs 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 job. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not transform non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for a tested, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count films as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows decrease air leak. That's great, however it increases the importance of an effectively sized a/c with good dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat satisfies quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to check sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Tidy 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. Little practices extend lifespan.
There are genuine factors to mix services. A pair of rarely used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set porch with very little sun direct exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outside kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint responsibility for deployment and practice once beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the morning you want to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not only 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 understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and quiet self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.

If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to design pressures, pick the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a crew that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: security that never asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.