STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.
View on Google MapsSTS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.
Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.
The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.
STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.
Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018
Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the way next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of carrying ladders to install 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 goal is genuine defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outshine shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how quiet your living-room stays 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 lots of South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Division sets one of the toughest benchmarks in the country for constructing elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through particular laboratory tests that mimic genuine typhoon conditions.
First comes large rocket effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the very 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 difference between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" typically resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, particularly in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings differ by opening size and style pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I frequently specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be adequate, however you size and specification based upon the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner exposure at the 2nd story needs different reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're much better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do work 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 continuous protection, even if Boca Raton window installation experts a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is quality hurricane proof windows Boca Raton the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances since laminated glass resists required entry. An intruder can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies frequently offer credits for effect windows and doors. In my projects, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with contemporary low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That suggests less cooling demand, particularly on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect units. Summer season afternoon peak load stopped by approximately 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 HVAC performance, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most property typhoon windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, but they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, permitting thinner sections to attain greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulations modify the polymer to much better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up frequently in discussions because tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the external or inner ply in an impact unit. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it fails, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact performance originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coverings 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 range while keeping visible light transmission around half or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet area depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten up SHGC and accept a small tint to manage early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here because they handle large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. High-quality vinyl effect frames, when reinforced effectively, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, but I prevent them for extremely wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require careful upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Search for powder-coated finishes ranked for coastal direct exposure, and demand composed guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. A costly unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the essence. Effect 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 building and construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should bite into solid 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 appropriately sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, flexible seal that deals with thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it cures inadequately. On seaside jobs, I never combine dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later on, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and combination with the water-resistive barrier are crucial. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy odor 2 typhoon seasons later.
I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored carefully can safeguard homes successfully. They also help in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building regulations windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be sensible, particularly if coupling with effect doors and windows somewhere else worries the budget plan. For homeowners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken the house when deployed, and they need action at exactly the time you are juggling insurance documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During Typhoon Irma, I watched 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 room. He survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows provide cyclone evidence windows coverage while protecting daylight and view. The benefit grows important once you've experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two battles: hidden load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if defined intelligently.
Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best finishing stacks, you can obstruct a large part of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of fabrics and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your AC insane midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specs with three 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 risk. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it suggests accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roofing system overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that show extreme light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed units can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and a correctly sized variable-speed HVAC, and you begin to construct resilience. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller sized generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request. It details the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Validate the NOA matches the exact design and alternatives you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system supplies FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Typhoon Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Lots of top producers carry both. Where budget plans permit, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone because the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They won't inform you impact performance, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, however make sure your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and overlooking fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.

Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs differ with size, shape, finish, and access. On simple single-family homes, per-opening costs frequently land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you plan to own the home for 5 years or more, the mathematics typically tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you prepare to sell within a year and require to show compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I focus on hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings move smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Take a look at the sill design on sliding doors. Weep systems need to be crafted to drain pipes 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 fashion. Reflective movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward surrounding properties. In coastal communities, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which finishes balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern homes, but in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for coastal direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts frequently need profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect extra review by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes specify a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They likewise care about sound control between units. If your building 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, 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 depend on brochure maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best jobs begin with a determined study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. During proposition, the contractor shows you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, notes 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 your home secure. They safeguard floorings, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to protect 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 license file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to validate drainage paths 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 mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to call for a roller adjustment after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under extreme effects, but it must remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out particles 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 convert non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not replacement for a checked, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count films as safeguarded openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leak. That's excellent, however it increases the importance of an effectively sized a/c with good dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to check sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want constant, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is simple 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 routines extend lifespan.
There are legitimate reasons to blend solutions. A set of hardly ever used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set deck with very little sun direct exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roof deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outside cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Designate duty 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 want to find 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 a/c cycles calmly rather of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind sound when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a typhoon 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 lot of my customers, that intangible is the deciding aspect. They know storms will come. They also know life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to develop pressures, pick the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: security that never requests for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.