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 neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the routine of carrying ladders to mount panels. After two decades specifying, installing, and fixing structure envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows exceed shutters in manner ins which surpass storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a useful look at why many South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to read the standards behind "Miami-Dade approved," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets among the most difficult benchmarks in the nation for building components exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through particular lab tests that simulate genuine typhoon conditions.
First comes big rocket effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing system 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 imitate quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "satisfies Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores vary by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF values. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I typically specify systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more protected exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be enough, but you size and spec based upon the site's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story demands different reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the forecast track tightens, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get continuous protection, 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 essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced entry. An intruder can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies typically offer credits for impact windows and doors. In my jobs, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That suggests 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 units. Summer afternoon peak load visited roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical energy usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most residential hurricane windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, however they include weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, permitting thinner areas to achieve greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulas tweak the polymer to much better take in noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up frequently in conversations due to the fact that 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 effect system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane 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 construction, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems use a tempered external lite laminated to a hardened 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 normally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping visible light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in bigger openings. The sweet area depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten up SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward greater visible transmittance for daylighting.

Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here due to the fact that they deal with big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when reinforced properly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, but I prevent them for very wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand cautious upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun ruins cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Try to find powder-coated finishes ranked for seaside direct exposure, and request written service warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break efficiency. A costly unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the crux. Effect forces have to take a trip 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 product. Hollow cells need to 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 should bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply aesthetic. An effectively sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a long lasting, versatile seal that handles thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it cures inadequately. On coastal jobs, I never ever match different 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 integration with the water-resistive barrier are vital. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That wetness may disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy odor 2 typhoon seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing versus well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved carefully can secure homes successfully. They also assist in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building code windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever used in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be affordable, particularly if coupling with impact doors and windows somewhere else stresses the spending plan. For homeowners 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 deployed, and they require action at precisely the time you are handling insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I viewed a next-door neighbor try to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent the next hour in the immediate care waiting space. He survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, often loosening fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows give cyclone evidence windows protection while protecting daylight and view. The benefit grows important once you've experienced one storm season with absolutely no preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat two battles: latent load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best finish stacks, you can block a big portion of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of fabrics and floor covering. 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 decreasing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature, which lowers condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners want the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect harsh light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside surfaces, and a properly sized variable-speed a/c, and you begin to build strength. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the exact model and choices you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting office will desire this paper trail.
hurricane window costStatewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest 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 leading makers carry both. Where spending plans enable, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They will not tell you effect efficiency, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leak at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, however make sure your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs vary with size, shape, finish, and access. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening expenses frequently 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 recoup worth:
If you plan to own the home for 5 years or more, the mathematics often tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance rapidly, 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 real estates slide smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems ought to be engineered to drain heavy rains without letting wind-driven water blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.
Tint colors and reflectivity are more than style. Reflective films can contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding residential or commercial properties. In coastal ecosystems, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coatings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun low-cost finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes supply the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts typically need profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases specify a narrow list of authorized products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate sound control between systems. If your structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Work with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and minimal parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks tough in a showroom meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not rely on catalog maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest tasks begin with a determined survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposal, the contractor reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and discusses 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 eliminate one opening at a time to keep your home protected. They protect floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the permit file, specifically if they will be hidden. 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 on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under extreme impacts, however it ought to stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its task. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not convert non-impact windows into typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, but they do not alternative to an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count movies as safeguarded openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows reduce air leak. That's great, but it increases the importance of a properly sized a/c with good dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to examine practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward however not optional. Clean weep holes double-pane tempered glass 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.
There are legitimate factors to mix options. A pair of rarely utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roofing deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outside cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Appoint obligation for release and practice once beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the morning you want to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about surviving the big one. They reshape 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 concentrate on people instead of panels.
For a lot of my customers, that intangible is the deciding element. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that only gets up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to design pressures, select the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a team that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never ever asks for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.