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 next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of transporting ladders to mount panels. After 20 years specifying, installing, and fixing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows surpass shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how peaceful your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.
This is a practical look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets among the hardest benchmarks in the nation for building parts exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through particular lab tests that replicate genuine typhoon conditions.
First comes large missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the same system deals with cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "satisfies Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" typically lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings differ by opening size and style pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I typically define units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be adequate, but you size and spec based on the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional knows that a corner exposure at the second story needs different reinforcement than a protected 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. However they ask you to do operate 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 place. 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 essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances since laminated glass withstands required entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a fast path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently offer credits for effect doors and windows. In my projects, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency 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 noticeable light. That suggests less a/c need, specifically 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 stopped by approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical energy use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling effectiveness, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated products are equal.
Most property typhoon windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance impact resistance and sound control, however they include weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, permitting thinner sections to achieve higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations modify the polymer to much better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up often in discussions due to the fact that tempered glass is stronger in bending than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the external or inner ply in an effect system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it takes off into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect efficiency originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishes 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 higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet area depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten up SHGC and accept a small tint to manage 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 control here since they deal with large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when reinforced effectively, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, however I prevent them for really broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require careful upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun damages inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Try to find powder-coated finishes rated for coastal direct exposure, and demand written warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. A pricey unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the core. Impact forces need 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 concrete block building, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells must be grouted or you require to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should 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 high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a resilient, versatile impact windows installation Boca Raton seal that deals with thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it treatments badly. On seaside jobs, I never pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten 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 important. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its method. That moisture might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty odor 2 cyclone seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels stored thoroughly can protect homes efficiently. They likewise assist in certain cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom used in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, especially if pairing with effect windows and doors in other places worries the budget. For house 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 your home when released, and they require action at precisely the time you are managing insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I viewed a next-door neighbor try to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the immediate care waiting room. He survived with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening fasteners gradually if not maintained.
 
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows offer cyclone proof windows protection while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with absolutely no preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight 2 fights: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best coating stacks, you can block a large portion of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which normally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of materials and floor covering. Include the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your air conditioning insane midafternoon.
I examine glass specs with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by lowering nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature, which minimizes condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it suggests accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roofing system overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterside lots that show extreme light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed units can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an effectively sized variable-speed HVAC, and you start to construct strength. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you request. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a showroom. Validate the NOA matches the exact design and choices you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Typhoon Zone, Florida building code windows can depend on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Many top producers bring both. Where budgets enable, I choose NOA items even outside the zone because the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you effect performance, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, however ensure 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. Installed expenses differ with size, shape, surface, and access. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for 5 years or more, the mathematics often tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to offer within a year and need to show compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I focus on hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems ought to be crafted 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 watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring residential or commercial properties. In coastal ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which coatings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for coastal direct exposures whenever budget 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 familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often define a narrow list of approved items for uniformity. They likewise care about noise control between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work with building 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 unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks sturdy in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best projects begin with a determined study and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposition, the specialist reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they remove one opening at a time to keep your home safe and secure. They protect floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior surfaces. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the permit file, particularly if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to validate drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller change after the custom window installation services very first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under extreme effects, however it needs to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends 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 transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for a tested, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count movies as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leak. That's great, however it increases the importance of a correctly sized a/c with good dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to inspect practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want steady, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware every year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little routines extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to mix options. hurricane proof windows in Boca Raton A set of rarely used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set porch with very little sun exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing system deck accessory or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outside kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign duty for release and practice as soon as outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the morning you wish to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about surviving the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room remains 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 cyclone 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 lot of my clients, that intangible is the choosing element. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to develop pressures, choose the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: protection that never ever asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.