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 routine of carrying ladders to install panels. After two decades specifying, setting up, and fixing structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows exceed shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They change 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 useful look at why numerous South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read the standards behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the installation right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets one of the most difficult benchmarks in the country for building elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through specific laboratory tests that simulate real cyclone conditions.
First comes big 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 effect, the very same system faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "fulfills Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, especially in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores vary by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I frequently specify systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be sufficient, however you size and spec based upon the site's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner exposure at the 2nd story needs various 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 nothing. But they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution 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 location. You get continuous protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 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 resistant interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along busy corridors 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 improves because laminated glass resists forced entry. A burglar can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies often provide credits for effect windows and doors. In my projects, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving noticeable light. That means less air conditioning demand, particularly on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact systems. Summer afternoon peak load come by approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electrical energy use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most domestic hurricane windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, however they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner areas to accomplish greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions modify the polymer to much better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up often in conversations since tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are commonly used as the outer or inner ply in an effect unit. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it explodes into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect efficiency originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings 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, particularly in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten up SHGC and accept a minor tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here due to the fact that they handle big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. High-quality vinyl effect frames, when reinforced appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, however I avoid them for very large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand mindful maintenance and wise flashing. The Florida sun ruins cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Try to find powder-coated finishes rated for coastal exposure, and demand composed warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. An expensive system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the core. Effect forces need to travel 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 construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed homes, structural screws need to bite into solid trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. A properly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, flexible seal that manages thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it cures poorly. On coastal tasks, I never ever match different metals without a barrier, and I always specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten 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 important. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself custom window installation Boca Raton as a buckling flooring or a musty odor two typhoon seasons later.
I have nothing versus well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved thoroughly can secure homes effectively. They likewise assist in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where spending plan is tight in some cases 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 summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, especially if pairing with impact windows and doors elsewhere stresses the spending 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 need action at exactly the time you are juggling insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and family logistics. Throughout Typhoon Irma, I enjoyed a next-door neighbor try to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, often loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows provide typhoon proof windows protection while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat two fights: latent load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can help both if specified intelligently.
Low-E effect glass uses microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the best finishing stacks, you can obstruct a large part of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of fabrics and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your a/c insane midafternoon.
I examine glass specs with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by minimizing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature, which minimizes condensation danger. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT affects how intense the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some house owners want the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it indicates accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roofing overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect harsh light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an effectively sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you begin to construct durability. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Approval, or NOA, is the document you request for. It details the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the exact model and alternatives you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system offers FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Typhoon Zone, Florida building code windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous leading producers carry both. Where budgets allow, I choose NOA products even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They won't tell you effect efficiency, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, however make sure your home still has balanced 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 hurricane proof windows features spin around that. Set up expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening expenses frequently land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover value:
If you prepare to own the property for five years or more, the math often tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you plan to offer within a year and require to reveal compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates glide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems must be crafted 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 movies can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding residential or commercial properties. In seaside communities, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which coatings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings supply the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts frequently require profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a contractor acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of authorized products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate noise control between units. If your structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Deal with building 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, window installation costs deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks strong in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not depend on brochure maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that affordable impact windows correspond to your website's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest jobs start with a measured study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposition, the specialist shows 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 remove one opening at a time to keep your home safe and secure. They safeguard floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to protect interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the permit file, especially if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to validate drain paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under serious effects, however it should stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you might see star cracks or spidering. The window did its job. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, however they do not substitute for a tested, anchored system. Your insurance provider and building department will not count movies as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows minimize air leakage. That's terrific, however it increases the value of a correctly sized HVAC with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to examine reasonable heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is simple however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware yearly with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little practices extend lifespan.
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There are genuine factors to mix services. A set of seldom used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun direct exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing system deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint duty for release and practice as soon as beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about surviving the big one. They reshape daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioning 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 people instead of panels.
For a number of my clients, that intangible is the deciding factor. 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 approved windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to design pressures, select the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a team that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never ever asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.