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 troubleshooting structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is real security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows outperform shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living room stays on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.
This is a practical look at why lots of South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to read the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.

Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets among the hardest standards in the country for building parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through specific laboratory tests that mimic real hurricane conditions.
First comes large rocket effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the same unit deals with cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "satisfies Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings vary by opening size and style pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I often specify systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more secured direct exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, however you size and spec based on the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner exposure at the 2nd story needs various support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is Boca Raton hurricane-resistant windows not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can meet 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 projection 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 benefit. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically offer credits for impact doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and how many openings are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while protecting visible light. That implies less a/c need, especially 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. Summertime afternoon peak load come by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling effectiveness, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most residential typhoon windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, however they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, enabling thinner sections to accomplish higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions modify the polymer to better take in sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up typically in discussions because tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the outer or inner ply in an impact unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect efficiency comes from laminated construction, 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 typically targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage early 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 because they deal with big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when enhanced appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, but I avoid them for extremely broad sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand cautious maintenance and smart flashing. The Florida sun destroys cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces rated for coastal exposure, and demand composed warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break efficiency. A costly unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load path is the core. Impact forces have 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 building and construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong product. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you need to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed homes, structural screws should bite into solid trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply aesthetic. A properly sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a resilient, flexible seal that deals with thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it treatments poorly. On coastal tasks, I never ever combine dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly define corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later, you will see who took shortcuts.
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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 discover its way in. That moisture may disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty smell two hurricane seasons later.
I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored thoroughly can safeguard homes successfully. They also help in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, particularly if pairing with effect doors and windows in other places stresses the budget plan. For house owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your home when deployed, and they require action at specifically the time you are juggling insurance documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Hurricane Irma, I viewed a next-door neighbor attempt to install 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 local Boca Raton impact windows space. He made it through with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners with time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give cyclone evidence windows protection while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with absolutely no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight 2 fights: latent load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.
Low-E effect glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the ideal finishing stacks, you can obstruct a big part of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes largely from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of materials and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioner insane midafternoon.
I examine glass specs with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by reducing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature level, which reduces condensation risk. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some house owners want the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it suggests accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roofing overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show severe light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed units can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior finishes, and an effectively sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to build resilience. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller sized generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the file you request. It information the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Verify the NOA matches the specific model and alternatives you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Lots of leading producers bring both. Where spending plans permit, I choose NOA products even outside the zone due to the fact that the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They won't inform you effect efficiency, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, however ensure your home still has stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and overlooking fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening costs often land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you plan to own the residential or commercial property for five years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of impact windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you prepare to offer within a year and require to show compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Take a look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems must 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 associations or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring residential or commercial properties. In seaside environments, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which finishings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings supply the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts often need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate extra review by architectural boards, and line up a specialist acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of authorized products for uniformity. They likewise care about sound control between units. If your structure sits directly on Collins Opportunity or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work 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, require special attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks durable in a display room fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not count on brochure optimum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest tasks start with a measured study and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and recognize any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposition, the specialist reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item 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 get rid of one opening at a time to keep your house safe and secure. They safeguard floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the authorization file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to confirm drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller change after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under severe impacts, however it ought to stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out 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 movies do not transform non-impact windows into typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not substitute for a checked, anchored system. Your insurance provider and building department will not count films as safeguarded openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows minimize air leak. That's terrific, but it increases the value of an appropriately sized heating and cooling with great dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases rapidly and fails to professional window installation near me pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect practical heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want steady, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware each year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to mix services. A set of seldom utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set patio with minimal sun exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roofing deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise protect outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint responsibility for deployment and practice once beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about surviving the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The AC cycles calmly instead 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 typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals rather than panels.
For a lot of my customers, that intangible is the choosing element. They understand storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade approved windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to develop pressures, choose the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: protection that never ever requests a ladder and a better home every day of the year.