STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.
View on Google MapsSTS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.
Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.
The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.
STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.
Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018
Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the method next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of carrying ladders to install panels. After two decades defining, installing, and troubleshooting structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in manner ins which surpass storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how peaceful your living room stays on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up quicker than predicted.
This is a practical look at why numerous South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets among the toughest benchmarks in the nation for constructing parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through particular lab tests that imitate real cyclone conditions.
First comes large rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That mimics roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system deals with 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 between "meets Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently lives in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores differ by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I frequently define systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded direct exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be adequate, but you size and spec based on the website's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. A professional knows that a corner direct exposure at the second story demands different support than a sheltered 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. However they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning 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 place. You get constant 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 benefit. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a durable commercial storefront glazing interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On tasks along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves since laminated glass withstands required entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane rather of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies often offer credits for effect doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and how many openings are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That suggests less cooling need, especially on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summer afternoon peak load visited roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical energy use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and a/c performance, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated products are equal.
Most domestic cyclone windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect 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 stronger than PVB, permitting thinner sections to attain greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB solutions tweak the polymer to much better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up frequently in discussions since tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are typically utilized as the outer or inner ply in an impact system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it fails, it explodes into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact performance originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishes matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida generally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping visible light transmission around half or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in bigger openings. The sweet area depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here due to the fact that they handle big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when reinforced appropriately, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, however 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, but they demand careful upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun destroys inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Search for powder-coated surfaces rated for seaside direct exposure, and request written warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. A costly unit installed like a handyman swap-out will impact resistant windows not pass a storm's tension 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 after that into the structure's framing or masonry.
In cinder block building, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong product. Hollow cells should 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 houses, structural screws should bite into solid trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply visual. A correctly sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a resilient, versatile seal that handles thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it cures poorly. On coastal jobs, I never ever match dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and integration with the water-resistive barrier are crucial. If you depend on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That moisture may disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty smell 2 hurricane seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels kept thoroughly can safeguard homes successfully. They likewise assist in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight in some cases lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever utilized in summer, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, particularly if pairing with effect doors and windows somewhere else stresses the budget. For homeowners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken the house when deployed, and they require action at specifically the time you are juggling insurance papers, gas cans, and family logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I saw 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 room. He made it through with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows provide hurricane proof windows coverage while protecting daytime and view. The benefit grows important once you have actually 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. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right covering stacks, you can block a large portion of radiant heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which generally 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 air conditioning crazy midafternoon.
I assess glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by reducing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature, which decreases condensation risk. SHGC drives just how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how intense the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners want the crisp, clear look of greater VT, even if it means accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roof overhangs already 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 modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and a correctly sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to develop strength. If the grid goes down and you change 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 document you request for. It details the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a showroom. Validate the NOA matches the specific model and alternatives you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Velocity Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can depend on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Many top manufacturers bring both. Where budgets permit, I choose NOA items even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They will not inform you impact performance, 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, but make certain your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting 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 vary with size, shape, finish, and access. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom arches, and coastal-grade surfaces 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 effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you prepare to sell within a year and need to show compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and accessories. cost of window installation Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings move smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill design on sliding doors. Weep systems need 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 run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding homes. In coastal ecosystems, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coatings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern-day homes, however in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings supply the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts frequently require 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 review by architectural boards, and line up a specialist knowledgeable about these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes specify a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They also appreciate noise control in between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Opportunity or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with structure management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need special attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks sturdy in a showroom meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion mixes tempered glass if any.
The best projects start with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposal, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and explains how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no Coastal home window codes damage will occur.
On set up day, they remove one opening at a time to keep the house safe and secure. They secure floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain 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, especially if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller change after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can split under severe effects, but it should stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not convert non-impact windows into typhoon 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 protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leakage. That's excellent, however it increases the importance of a properly sized HVAC with good dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat pleases quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to inspect sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want constant, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware yearly with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small habits extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to blend solutions. A set of seldom used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set porch with minimal sun direct exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roof deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outdoor kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.

If you pick shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint responsibility for release and practice when beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the morning you wish to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about enduring the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioner cycles calmly rather 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 concentrate on people rather than panels.

For a number of my clients, that intangible is the deciding element. They understand storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that only gets up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.
If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to develop pressures, choose the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a team that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: security that never requests for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.