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 routine of hauling ladders to install panels. After twenty years specifying, setting up, and fixing building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is real protection with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living room stays on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a useful look at why lots of South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to read the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets one of the most difficult criteria in the nation for developing elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. impact windows in Boca Raton It is earned through specific lab tests that imitate real hurricane conditions.
First comes big rocket effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That mimics roof 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 mimic fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Velocity Typhoon Zone weather-resistant impact windows Boca Raton requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores differ by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF values. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I often specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can suffice, however you size and spec based on the website's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story demands different support than a sheltered 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 caution and the projection track tightens, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live 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 benefit. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves since laminated glass withstands forced entry. A burglar can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies often offer credits for impact doors and windows. In my projects, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern-day low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That suggests less a/c need, especially on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load come by roughly 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 performance, however the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most residential typhoon windows utilize 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, but they include weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, enabling thinner sections to attain higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB solutions modify the polymer to much better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows show up typically in conversations because tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the external or inner ply in an impact system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it fails, it takes off 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 utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coatings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida usually targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around half or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a minor 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 because they deal with big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when reinforced effectively, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I avoid them for extremely wide sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand mindful maintenance and smart flashing. The Florida sun damages low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Look for powder-coated surfaces rated for seaside exposure, and demand composed service warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break performance. An expensive system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the crux. Effect 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 concrete block building and construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed homes, structural screws should bite into strong trimmers, hurricane resistant windows solutions not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply visual. An effectively sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a long lasting, flexible seal that manages thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it cures improperly. On coastal jobs, I never pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten 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 essential. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture may not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty smell two cyclone seasons later.
I have nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels kept thoroughly can secure homes effectively. They also assist in particular cases.

Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget is tight often lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building regulations windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be reasonable, particularly if pairing with effect doors and windows somewhere else stresses the spending plan. For homeowners 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 house when released, and they need action at precisely the time you are handling insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I watched 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 room. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening up fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows offer typhoon proof windows coverage while protecting daytime and view. The benefit grows important once you've experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle 2 fights: latent load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best 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 generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of materials and floor covering. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your a/c insane midafternoon.
I assess glass specs with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by decreasing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature level, which reduces condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some house owners desire the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show extreme light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and a correctly sized variable-speed HVAC, and you start to develop durability. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request for. It information the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the exact model and alternatives you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system supplies FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Lots of top manufacturers bring both. Where spending plans enable, I choose NOA products even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They won't inform you effect performance, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed costs vary with size, shape, finish, and gain access to. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening expenses frequently land in 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 recoup value:
If you prepare to own the home for five years or more, the math often tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take notice of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements 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 design on moving doors. Weep systems should 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 fashion. Reflective films can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding homes. In seaside communities, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which coatings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun low-cost surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside direct exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts often need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate additional review by architectural boards, and line up a specialist acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of authorized items for harmony. They likewise care about noise control between systems. If your structure sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Work with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and limited parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks sturdy in a display room satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on catalog maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest jobs start with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. Throughout proposition, the professional shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and explains how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they remove one opening at a time to keep your house protected. They safeguard floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to preserve interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the permit file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no affordable impact windows secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller modification after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under severe effects, but it needs to remain 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 job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not alternative to an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count movies as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows decrease air leak. That's great, however it increases the significance of a properly sized HVAC with excellent dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat pleases quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to examine sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.

Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware every year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small practices extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to blend options. A set of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget. A deep-set deck with very little sun exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint responsibility for deployment and practice as soon as outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about surviving the big one. They improve 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 typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals instead of panels.
For a number of my customers, that intangible is the deciding aspect. They understand storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.

If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to create pressures, pick the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that appreciates the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never ever requests a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.