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 stock up, and the routine of transporting ladders to mount panels. After twenty years specifying, setting up, and repairing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is genuine ANSI Z97.1 defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outshine shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how quiet your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up quicker than predicted.
This is a useful take a look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade approved," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets among the hardest standards in the country for constructing components exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through particular lab tests that mimic real typhoon conditions.
First comes big missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the same system faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of 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 difference in between "satisfies Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings vary by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, but you size and spec based on the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story needs different support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. However they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the forecast track tightens up, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get constant protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated impact glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, usually 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 noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass withstands required entry. An intruder can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically offer credits for impact doors and windows. 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 third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with contemporary low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while protecting noticeable light. That means less cooling demand, particularly on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact systems. Summer afternoon peak load stopped by roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC efficiency, but the direction is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most domestic typhoon windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers enhance impact resistance and sound control, but they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, enabling thinner areas to achieve greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas fine-tune the polymer to much better take in sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows show up frequently 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 outer or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it stops working, it takes off into small 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. Many systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coatings matter for convenience. 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 on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten up SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle early stormproof windows and doors morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here because they handle large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. High-quality vinyl effect frames, when reinforced correctly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I avoid them for extremely wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand mindful upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun damages low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces quickly. Look for powder-coated finishes rated for coastal exposure, and demand written service warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. A costly unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the crux. Impact forces need 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 and construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed homes, structural screws need to bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just aesthetic. A properly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a long lasting, versatile seal that manages thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it treatments improperly. On coastal tasks, I never ever combine dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always define corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten 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 crucial. If you rely on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture may disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty smell two hurricane seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved thoroughly can protect homes successfully. They also assist in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever utilized in summer, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, especially if pairing with effect doors and windows in other places stresses the spending plan. For house 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 home when released, and they require action at precisely the time you are handling insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Cyclone Irma, I enjoyed a 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 immediate care waiting room. He endured with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, often loosening up fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows provide cyclone evidence windows coverage while preserving daytime and view. The benefit grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat 2 battles: latent load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right finish stacks, you can block a big part of radiant heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated units comes largely from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of fabrics and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your a/c insane midafternoon.
I assess glass specs with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by reducing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature level, which minimizes condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show harsh light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed units can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and a properly sized variable-speed HVAC, and you start to build durability. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request for. It details the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Verify the NOA matches the exact design and choices you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Velocity Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of leading producers bring both. Where budget plans enable, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They will not inform you effect efficiency, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, however make certain your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening costs often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you plan to own the home for 5 years or more, the math often tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to sell within a year and need to reveal compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take notice of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates glide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems should be crafted to drain heavy rainfall without letting wind-driven water blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.
Tint colors and reflectivity are more than style. Reflective movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring residential or commercial properties. In coastal communities, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coatings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings supply the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts frequently need profiles that simulate 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 professional familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They likewise appreciate sound control between units. If your structure sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Work with structure management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can add days and dollars.

Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need special attention in design pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks sturdy in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not count on brochure optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The finest jobs begin with a measured study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. Throughout proposition, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, notes anchor types, and explains 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 get rid of one opening at a time to keep the house secure. They protect floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to preserve interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the authorization file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to validate drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller modification after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe effects, but it ought 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 films do not transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not substitute for a tested, anchored system. Your insurer and building department will not count films as safeguarded openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows lower air leak. That's great, but it increases the significance of a correctly sized HVAC with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to examine reasonable heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware every year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Small habits extend lifespan.
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There are legitimate reasons to mix options. A set of seldom used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget. A deep-set deck with minimal sun direct exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outside kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Designate duty for implementation and practice when beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about enduring the huge one. They reshape 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 noise when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on people instead of panels.
For a number of my customers, that intangible is the deciding element. They understand storms will come. They also know life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just wakes up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to develop pressures, pick the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a team that respects the load path. 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.