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 mount panels. After twenty years defining, setting up, and repairing building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is real security with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows exceed shutters in manner ins which exceed storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how quiet 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 useful take a look at why numerous South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets one of the toughest benchmarks in the nation for building parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through particular laboratory tests that replicate real typhoon conditions.
First comes big rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That imitates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "satisfies Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, especially in High Speed Cyclone Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings vary by opening size and style pressures, represented as PSF worths. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently specify units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, but you size and spec based upon the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner exposure at the 2nd story needs various support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can meet code, and they're better than nothing. But 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 desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in place. You get constant protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You also get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On tasks along hectic corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass resists required entry. A burglar can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies typically use credits for impact doors and windows. In my projects, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the Boca Raton window installation experts carrier and how many openings are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with contemporary low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That indicates less a/c need, particularly on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load visited roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and a/c effectiveness, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated products are equal.

Most residential hurricane windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers enhance impact resistance and sound control, but they include 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 accomplish higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions modify the polymer to much better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up frequently in conversations due to the fact that tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the outer or inner ply in an impact system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it stops working, it blows up into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact performance comes from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Many systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coverings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida normally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping visible light transmission around half or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC 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 due to the fact that they handle large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when strengthened appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, however I avoid them for very large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand mindful upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun destroys inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Look for powder-coated surfaces rated for coastal direct exposure, and request composed service warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. A costly unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress 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 then into the structure's framing or masonry.
In concrete block construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed houses, structural screws must bite into solid trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply aesthetic. An effectively sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a durable, versatile seal that handles thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it cures poorly. On coastal jobs, I never ever match different metals without a barrier, and I always specify 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 vital. If you depend on sealant alone, water will find its method. That moisture may disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty smell two hurricane seasons later.

I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept carefully can safeguard 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 protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom used in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, especially if pairing with impact windows and doors somewhere else worries the spending plan. For homeowners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your house when released, and they need action at precisely the time you are handling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During Cyclone 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 invested the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, often best impact windows Boca Raton loosening fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows offer hurricane proof windows coverage while protecting daytime and view. The benefit grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle two battles: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if defined intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the ideal finish stacks, you can obstruct a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated units comes largely from the interlayer itself, which normally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of materials and flooring. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your a/c crazy midafternoon.
I assess glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by lowering nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature, which decreases condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT influences how intense the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it suggests 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 prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect harsh 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 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside surfaces, and an appropriately sized variable-speed a/c, and you begin to construct strength. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you request. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the exact design and options you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Typhoon Zone, Florida building code windows can count on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Numerous leading makers carry both. Where budget plans enable, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They will not inform you impact efficiency, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leakage at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and ignoring fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed expenses differ with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup value:
If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for 5 years or more, the math often tilts in favor of impact windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to sell within a year and require to show compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates glide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems should be engineered 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 style. Reflective films can contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring homes. In seaside environments, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which coatings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, however in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings supply the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside direct exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts typically require 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 contractor familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases specify a narrow list of approved items for uniformity. They also appreciate sound control in between systems. If your structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work with building 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, require special attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks strong in a showroom fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not count on catalog maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest projects begin with a determined study and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. During proposal, the professional shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep the house safe and secure. They safeguard floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior surfaces. 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 authorization file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller change after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under severe impacts, however it ought to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for a checked, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count movies as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows decrease air leak. That's terrific, however it increases the importance of an effectively sized heating and cooling with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat pleases quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.

Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Tidy 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 practices extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to blend solutions. A pair of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set deck with very little sun exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roofing system deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise protect outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Designate responsibility for implementation 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 want to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about enduring the big one. They improve daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioner 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 people instead of panels.
For a number of my clients, that intangible is the choosing aspect. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just wakes 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, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to design pressures, select the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never ever requests a ladder and a better home every day of the year.