STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.
View on Google MapsSTS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.
Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.
The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.
STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.
Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018
Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the method neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the routine of hauling ladders to mount panels. After two decades defining, setting up, and repairing structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is genuine security with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows surpass shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how peaceful 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 practical take a look at why lots of South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Division sets among the most difficult criteria in the country for developing components hurricane proof window installation exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through specific laboratory tests that simulate genuine typhoon conditions.
![]()
First comes big missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That mimics roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the very same system deals with cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently lives in these test best window installation options thresholds. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, particularly in High Speed Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings differ by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I often specify systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, however you size and specification based upon the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. A professional knows that a corner exposure at the second story demands various reinforcement than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. However they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the forecast track tightens up, the last thing you desire 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 US 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On tasks along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I have actually determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, often more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass withstands required entry. A burglar can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently provide credits for effect windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and how many openings are protected.
Energy efficiency 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 protecting visible light. That suggests less air conditioning need, specifically 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 approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electricity usage fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling efficiency, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most domestic typhoon windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, however they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, permitting thinner areas to accomplish higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulations fine-tune 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 show up often 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 utilized as the outer or inner ply in an impact system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it fails, it blows up into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect performance comes from laminated building, 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 coatings 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 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around half or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet area depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle 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 since they handle large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when strengthened effectively, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I prevent them for extremely broad sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand careful maintenance and wise flashing. The Florida sun damages inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Try to find powder-coated finishes rated for coastal direct exposure, and request composed warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break performance. A pricey system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the core. Effect 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 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 happen. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should bite into strong 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. A properly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a durable, flexible seal that deals with thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it treatments improperly. On coastal jobs, I never ever pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly define 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 essential. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That moisture might disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy smell 2 hurricane seasons later.
I have nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved carefully can safeguard homes successfully. They also assist in specific cases.

Second homes or seasonal leasings where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summer season, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, particularly if coupling with impact doors and windows somewhere else stresses the spending plan. For property owners 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 your home when deployed, and they require action at precisely the time you are managing insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Cyclone Irma, I enjoyed a next-door neighbor attempt to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, often loosening fasteners with time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows give cyclone evidence windows coverage while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with no preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat two battles: hidden load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right finishing stacks, you can obstruct a big part of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which usually 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 evaluate glass specs with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by lowering nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature, which lowers condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a stronger 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 decrease peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an appropriately sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to construct strength. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you request for. It details the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Verify the NOA matches the exact model and alternatives you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Velocity Typhoon Zone, Florida building code windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Many leading producers bring both. Where spending plans enable, I choose NOA products even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't inform you effect performance, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, however make certain your home still has actually stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed costs differ with size, shape, finish, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses often land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for five years or more, the mathematics typically tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to sell within a year and require to reveal compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I focus on hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings slide smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems should be engineered to drain pipes heavy rains without letting wind-driven water blow back custom window installation Boca Raton in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.
Tint colors and reflectivity are more than fashion. Reflective films can contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring properties. In seaside ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which coatings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, however in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes supply the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts typically require profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate additional review by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often define a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They also appreciate noise control in between units. If your building sits directly on Collins Avenue or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Deal with structure management on staging and lift gain access to. 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 durable in a showroom fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely on brochure optimum sizes. hurricane proof window options Utilize the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The best tasks start with a determined study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and determine any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposal, the specialist 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 damage will occur.
On set up day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep your home safe. They secure floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to maintain interior surfaces. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the authorization file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to confirm drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret 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 break under serious effects, however it must stay 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. Change 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, but they do not alternative to a tested, anchored system. Your insurance company and structure department will not count movies as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows lower air leakage. That's excellent, but it increases the importance of a correctly sized heating and cooling with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to inspect practical heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want consistent, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware each year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little practices extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to blend options. A pair of rarely used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget. A deep-set porch with very little sun exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roofing system deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outside kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign obligation for implementation and practice when 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 only about surviving the huge one. They improve daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The AC 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 cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate best hurricane proof windows Boca Raton on individuals rather than panels.
For many of my clients, that intangible is the deciding aspect. They understand storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to develop pressures, select the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a team that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never requests a ladder and a better home every day of the year.