STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.
View on Google MapsSTS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.
Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.
The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.
STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.
Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018
Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the way neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of hauling ladders to install panels. After twenty years specifying, setting up, and impact resistant windows troubleshooting building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is genuine security with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows exceed shutters in manner ins which surpass storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how peaceful your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a practical look at why many South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade approved," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets one of the toughest benchmarks in the country for constructing parts exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular laboratory tests that mimic real hurricane conditions.
First comes big rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. low-e laminated glass After the effect, the exact same system faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "satisfies Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, especially in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.

Wind scores vary by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF values. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I often define systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, however you size and specification based upon the website's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner exposure at the second story needs different support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the projection track tightens, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in location. You get constant protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I have actually measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security enhances since laminated glass withstands forced entry. An intruder can shatter the external lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast path inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently use credits for effect doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining visible light. That means less cooling need, particularly on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summertime afternoon peak load come by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electrical energy use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling efficiency, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most domestic cyclone windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers enhance hurricane windows cost impact resistance and sound control, however they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner areas to attain greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulations modify the polymer to much better soak up noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows come up typically in discussions because tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are commonly utilized as the outer or inner ply in an effect unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it stops working, it takes off into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The effect performance originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings 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 visible light transmission around half or higher. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet area depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a small tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here since they manage big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. High-quality vinyl effect frames, when reinforced properly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, but I avoid them for extremely large sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand mindful maintenance and wise flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes Low-E glass Florida code rapidly. Try to find powder-coated finishes ranked for seaside exposure, and demand composed guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break performance. A pricey unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the core. Impact 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 concrete block construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong product. Hollow cells should be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed houses, structural screws need to 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 just visual. An effectively 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 motion. Too big and it cures inadequately. On seaside jobs, I never match different metals without a barrier, and I constantly define 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 combination with the water-resistive barrier are essential. If you rely on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy odor two hurricane 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 kept carefully can safeguard homes effectively. They also help in certain cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight in some cases lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summer season, a clean motorized roll-down can be affordable, especially if pairing with effect windows and doors elsewhere stresses the spending plan. For house owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your house when deployed, and they need action at exactly the time you are managing insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I viewed a next-door neighbor attempt to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the immediate care waiting room. He survived with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give hurricane evidence windows protection while preserving daytime and view. The benefit grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight 2 battles: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the ideal covering stacks, you can obstruct a large portion of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of materials and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your AC insane midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by decreasing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature level, which reduces condensation danger. SHGC drives how much solar heat gets in. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it suggests accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show harsh light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and an appropriately sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to develop resilience. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller sized generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Approval, or NOA, is the file you request. It details the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the specific model and alternatives you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting workplace 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 Speed Cyclone Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous top producers bring both. Where budget plans enable, I choose NOA products even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not tell you impact efficiency, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or listed 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 disregarding fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed costs 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 standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover value:
If you plan to own the residential or commercial property for 5 years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to sell within a year and require to show compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings glide smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems should be crafted to drain pipes 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 fashion. Reflective films can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding properties. In coastal communities, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which finishings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on modern-day homes, however in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts often require profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of authorized items for harmony. They also appreciate sound control in between systems. If your structure sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Work with building management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and limited parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need special attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every system that looks tough in a showroom meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely on brochure optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best jobs begin with a measured study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and recognize any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. Throughout proposal, the contractor reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep your home secure. They protect floorings, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to protect interior surfaces. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the license file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller change after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under serious effects, however it should remain in the frame and vinyl windows hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you might see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not transform non-impact windows into typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for a tested, anchored system. Your insurance company and building department will not count movies as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows decrease air leakage. That's terrific, however it increases the significance of a properly sized a/c with excellent dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to inspect reasonable heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want constant, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward but 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. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to blend options. A pair of rarely utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun direct exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roof deck attachment or a prepared 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 overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Designate responsibility for deployment 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 surviving the huge one. They improve daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The a/c 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 rather than panels.
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For much of my clients, that intangible is the choosing factor. They know storms will come. They also know life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to design pressures, choose the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never ever requests a ladder and a better home every day of the year.