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 hauling ladders to mount panels. After twenty years defining, setting up, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is genuine protection with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They alter how a home 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 many South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets one of the toughest benchmarks in the nation for constructing elements exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through specific laboratory tests that imitate real cyclone conditions.
First comes big rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" typically resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, especially in High Speed Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings vary by opening size and design pressures, denoted impact windows for homes as PSF values. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I typically specify units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be enough, however you size and specification based upon the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner exposure at the second story demands various support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can meet 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 caution and the projection track tightens up, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in place. You get constant security, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You likewise get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced entry. A robber can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically offer credits for impact windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while protecting noticeable light. That suggests less a/c need, specifically on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summer afternoon peak load visited approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electricity use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results hurricane proof windows in Boca Raton vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most domestic cyclone windows use 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 add weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, permitting thinner areas to accomplish greater design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions tweak the polymer to better take in 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 more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are commonly utilized as the outer or inner ply in an impact unit. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it stops working, it blows up into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact performance originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of 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 finishings matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida generally 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 low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten up SHGC and accept a slight 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 control here since they handle large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when strengthened correctly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, but I avoid them for extremely wide sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand cautious maintenance and wise flashing. The Florida sun ruins inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Try to find powder-coated finishes rated for coastal direct exposure, and demand composed guarantee details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. A pricey system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load path is the core. 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 construction, 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 homes, structural screws must bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply visual. A correctly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a resilient, flexible seal that handles thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it treatments improperly. On seaside tasks, I never match different metals without a barrier, and I constantly 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 wetness may not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty odor two cyclone seasons later.
I have nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved carefully can protect homes effectively. They also help in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight often lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, particularly if pairing with impact windows and doors somewhere else stresses the spending plan. For property owners who plan to move within a impact windows near me year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your house when released, and they require action at specifically the time you are juggling insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I watched a next-door neighbor attempt to mount 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 survived with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, often loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows give hurricane evidence windows protection while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
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South Florida homes combat two battles: hidden load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Effect 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 right finish stacks, you can obstruct a big portion of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes largely from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of materials and flooring. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your a/c insane 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 reducing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature, which reduces condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear look of greater VT, even if it indicates accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect extreme light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary 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 surfaces, and a correctly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you begin to develop strength. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the file you request for. It information the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the exact design and choices you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Typhoon Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Numerous top makers bring both. Where spending plans enable, I choose NOA items even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not tell you effect efficiency, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, however make certain your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.
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Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed expenses differ with size, shape, surface, and access. On simple 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 value:
If you prepare to own the property for five years or more, the mathematics frequently tilts in favor of impact windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you prepare to offer within a year and require to show compliance rapidly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings glide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Look at the sill design on sliding doors. Weep systems ought to be crafted to drain pipes 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 movies can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding residential or commercial properties. In seaside communities, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coverings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings offer the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts frequently require profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They likewise care about noise control in between systems. If your building sits directly on Collins Opportunity or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work 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, require unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every system that looks durable in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not rely on catalog optimum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The finest tasks begin with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. During proposition, the contractor reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists 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 remove one opening at a time to keep the house protected. They protect floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to protect interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the permit file, especially if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to validate drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller adjustment after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe impacts, however it needs to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you may see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Replace 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, but they do not replacement for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurer and building department will not count movies as safeguarded openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leakage. That's great, but it increases the significance of an appropriately sized HVAC with great dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect reasonable heat ratio, air Boca Raton window installation experts flow, and run time. You want stable, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware yearly with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little habits extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to mix solutions. A pair of seldom utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set patio with very little sun direct exposure might do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign responsibility for release and practice when beyond 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 making it through the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The a/c 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 cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals instead of panels.
For a lot of my clients, that intangible is the deciding element. They know storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just awakens 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 method September.
If you are weighing the option, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to design pressures, pick the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a team that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: security that never ever requests a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.