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 neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the routine of transporting ladders to install panels. After two decades specifying, installing, and troubleshooting structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is real security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in ways that exceed storm day. They change 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 quicker than predicted.
This is a useful look at why numerous South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to read the requirements 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 country for constructing elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular lab tests that simulate genuine typhoon conditions.
First comes large rocket effect. 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 exact same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "satisfies Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings vary by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I often specify systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more protected exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, but you size and specification based upon the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner exposure at the second story demands different support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can meet code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the forecast track tightens up, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in location. You get constant security, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, sometimes more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security enhances because laminated glass withstands forced entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane rather of a quick path inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently provide credits for impact doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with contemporary low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving noticeable light. That implies less a/c demand, especially 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 units. Summer afternoon peak load stopped by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical power usage fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC efficiency, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but 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 several plies. Thicker interlayers improve impact 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 stronger than PVB, permitting thinner areas to achieve higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions fine-tune the polymer to much better take in sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up typically in discussions due to the fact that tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are typically used as the external or inner ply in an effect unit. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact performance comes from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida usually targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around half or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in bigger openings. The sweet area depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten SHGC affordable window installation Boca Raton and accept a minor tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here because they manage large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when reinforced correctly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, but I avoid them for really broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require cautious upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun ruins cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces quickly. Try to find powder-coated finishes rated for coastal exposure, and demand written guarantee details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. An expensive unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the essence. Impact forces need 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 product. Hollow cells should be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed homes, structural screws must bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. An effectively sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a durable, flexible seal that handles thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it cures badly. On coastal tasks, I never combine different metals without a barrier, and I always specify 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 essential. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its method. That moisture may 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 well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved carefully can secure homes successfully. They also help in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building code windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer season, a clean motorized roll-down can be affordable, particularly if pairing with impact doors and windows in other places worries the budget plan. For property owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your house when released, and they require action at precisely the time you are handling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I enjoyed a next-door 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 urgent care waiting room. He endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give typhoon evidence windows protection while protecting daylight and view. The benefit grows important once you've experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle two fights: latent load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best coating stacks, you can obstruct a large part of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of materials and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your a/c crazy midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by decreasing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature, which reduces condensation danger. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some house owners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it means accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that 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 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 surfaces, and an appropriately sized variable-speed a/c, and you begin to develop strength. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller sized generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Approval, or NOA, is the document you request. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the exact model and alternatives you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace 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 Velocity Cyclone Zone, Florida building regulations windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Many top producers carry both. Where spending plans allow, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't inform you effect efficiency, however they reveal 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, but 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 expenses differ with size, shape, finish, and access. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you prepare to own the home for 5 years or more, the mathematics typically tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to sell within a year and require to show compliance rapidly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and accessories. 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 outdoor patios. Look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems need to 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 fashion. Reflective films can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring homes. In seaside communities, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which coatings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun inexpensive finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings supply the very 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 lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They also care about noise control in between units. If your building sits directly on Collins Avenue or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Work with building management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks strong in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on catalog maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best projects start with a determined study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposal, the contractor reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes 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 eliminate one opening at a time to keep your house secure. They protect floorings, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to maintain interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the license file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to confirm drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller modification after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe effects, however it ought to stay 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 job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not replacement for a tested, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count films as protected openings.
 
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows minimize air leakage. That's fantastic, but it increases the significance of an appropriately sized HVAC with excellent dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to examine sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want steady, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware each year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small practices extend lifespan.
 
There are genuine factors to mix services. A set of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun direct exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roofing system deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outside kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Designate responsibility for implementation and practice when beyond 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 only about enduring the big one. They improve daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The AC cycles calmly instead 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 hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals rather than panels.
For many of my clients, that intangible is the choosing aspect. They understand storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.
If you are weighing the option, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to create pressures, select the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: protection that never ever requests a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.