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 stockpile, and the routine of hauling ladders to install panels. After twenty years specifying, installing, 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 defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outshine shutters in manner ins which exceed storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how quiet your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.
This is a useful take a look at why numerous South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets among the toughest standards in the nation for building elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through specific lab tests that mimic genuine cyclone conditions.
First comes big missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That mimics roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "meets Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" often resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores differ by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I often define systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, however you size and specification based on the website's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional knows that a corner exposure at the second story needs various support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're better than nothing. However 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 desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in place. You get continuous defense, 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: 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 paths, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies often provide credits for impact doors and windows. In my projects, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and the number of 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 demand, 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 units. Summer afternoon peak load stopped by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electricity use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and a/c performance, however the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most property cyclone windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, however they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, allowing thinner sections to attain greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions fine-tune the polymer to better soak up noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows show up typically in conversations due to the fact that tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are typically used as the external or inner ply in an effect unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Many systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coatings matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida usually targets a solar heat gain coefficient Boca Raton hurricane window installation in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping noticeable light transmission around half or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in larger openings. The sweet area depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten up SHGC and accept a residential window installation small tint to manage 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 dominate here due to the fact that they deal with large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when enhanced effectively, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, 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 cautious upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun destroys cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces quickly. Search for powder-coated surfaces rated for coastal direct exposure, and request composed guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break performance. An expensive unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the essence. Impact forces have 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 want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid 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 happen. In wood-framed homes, structural screws need to bite into solid trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just aesthetic. A correctly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a resilient, versatile seal that deals with thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it remedies improperly. On coastal tasks, I never combine dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and integration with the water-resistive barrier are important. If you rely on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture might not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty smell two hurricane seasons later.
I have nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved carefully can protect homes efficiently. They also assist in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building code windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, specifically if coupling with effect windows and doors somewhere else worries 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 compromises. They darken your home when deployed, and they require action at specifically the time you are handling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During 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 made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give cyclone evidence windows coverage while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with no preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat two battles: latent load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right covering stacks, you can block a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering 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 specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by minimizing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature, which decreases condensation risk. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how intense the interior feels. Balance is key. Some house owners want the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect harsh light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and an effectively sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to construct durability. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the document you request. It information the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the exact model and choices you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system offers FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of leading makers bring both. Where budgets allow, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone because the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you effect efficiency, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, however ensure your home still has stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and ignoring fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening costs typically land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you plan to own the home for five years or more, the math typically tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to offer within a year and require to show compliance quickly, shutters may 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 real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems must be engineered to drain pipes heavy rainfall 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 contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring homes. In seaside ecosystems, 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 big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, however in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts typically need profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times extend and costs climb. Expect additional review by architectural boards, and line up a specialist acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of authorized products for harmony. They also appreciate sound control between units. If your structure sits straight on Collins Avenue or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Deal with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks durable in a showroom fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not depend on catalog maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best projects begin with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposition, the contractor shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and describes 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 eliminate one opening at a time to keep your house safe and secure. They safeguard floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the permit file, particularly if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller change after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can break under serious effects, however it must stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out debris into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not substitute for a checked, anchored system. Your insurance provider and building department will not count films as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows lower air leakage. That's terrific, but it increases the value of an appropriately sized HVAC with great 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 examine reasonable heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You desire steady, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is simple however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware every year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little habits extend lifespan.
There are genuine factors to blend options. A pair of seldom utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set patio with very little sun direct exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roofing system deck accessory or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Appoint duty for implementation 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 want to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about making it through the big one. They reshape daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioning cycles calmly instead of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind sound when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals instead of panels.
For many of my clients, that intangible is the deciding factor. They hurricane proof windows Boca Raton know storms will come. They also know life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade approved windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to design pressures, select the right 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 effect windows deliver what shutters can not: security that never asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.