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 ritual of transporting ladders to install panels. After twenty years defining, installing, and fixing structure envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how quiet 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 practical take a look at why many South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Division sets among the most difficult criteria in the country for building elements exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular laboratory tests that mimic real hurricane conditions.
First comes large missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That mimics roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, particularly in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores vary by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I typically specify systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can suffice, however you size and specification based upon the site's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs various reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can meet code, and they're much better than absolutely nothing. However they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the projection track tightens, 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 defense, even if a NOA approval pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You also get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along hectic corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security improves because laminated glass withstands required entry. A robber can shatter the external lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a quick course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently offer credits for impact doors and windows. In my tasks, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with contemporary low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That indicates less air conditioning need, particularly on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summer season afternoon peak load stopped by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical power use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the triple-pane windows heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most property typhoon windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers enhance impact 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, allowing thinner sections to achieve greater design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations fine-tune the polymer to better take in noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up frequently in discussions because tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are commonly used as the external 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 susceptible. The effect performance comes from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishes 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 range while keeping visible light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept fire-rated glazing a small tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here since they manage large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when strengthened appropriately, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, however I avoid them for really large sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand careful upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun destroys cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Search for powder-coated surfaces rated for coastal direct exposure, and demand composed guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break performance. An expensive unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the essence. Effect forces need to travel from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and then into the structure's framing or masonry.
In cinder block building, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just aesthetic. An effectively sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a resilient, flexible seal that manages thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it cures improperly. On seaside jobs, I never ever match dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly define 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 important. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its method. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy odor 2 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 stored carefully can protect homes successfully. They also help in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, particularly if coupling with impact windows and doors somewhere else stresses the budget. For house owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken your house when deployed, and they require action at specifically the time you are juggling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Typhoon Irma, I saw a next-door neighbor try to install 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 room. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, in some cases loosening up fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows provide cyclone evidence windows protection while protecting daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat 2 fights: latent load from humidity and sensible 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 noticeable light through. With the ideal finishing stacks, you can block a big part of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes largely from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of materials and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your air conditioner crazy 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 reducing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature level, which lowers condensation risk. SHGC drives just how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some property owners want the crisp, clear look of higher 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 waterfront lots that show harsh light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day 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 a properly sized variable-speed HVAC, and you start to develop resilience. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request. It information the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Confirm the NOA matches the exact design and options you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting office will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system supplies FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed Typhoon Zone, Florida building code windows can depend on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous leading makers carry both. Where budget plans allow, I choose NOA products even outside the zone due to the fact that the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They won't tell you impact 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 much better for humidity control, however ensure your home still has stabilized 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 spin around that. Installed expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and access. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses frequently 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 recoup worth:
If you prepare to own the property for 5 years or more, the mathematics often tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to sell within a year and require to show compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I focus on 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 patio areas. Look at the sill design on sliding 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 fashion. Reflective films can contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring residential or commercial properties. In coastal environments, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which coverings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look great on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts frequently need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect extra review by architectural boards, and line up a professional knowledgeable about these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of authorized products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate noise control between units. If your building sits directly on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push buy impact windows near me for acoustic laminated choices. Work with building 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, need special attention in design pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks sturdy in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not rely on brochure maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
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The finest tasks start with a determined study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. During proposal, the specialist shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and explains how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.
On set up day, they remove one opening at a time to keep your house secure. They secure floorings, draw 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 crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the license file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller adjustment after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under extreme impacts, however it should remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out debris into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, custom impact doors however they do not substitute for a tested, anchored system. Your insurer and building department will not count films as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leakage. That's great, however it increases the importance of an appropriately sized a/c with good dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat pleases rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to inspect reasonable heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You desire constant, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware each year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little habits extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to blend solutions. A set of rarely utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set patio with minimal sun exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roofing system deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also secure outside cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Appoint obligation for deployment and practice once outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about enduring the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The a/c cycles calmly rather 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 people rather than panels.
For many of my clients, that intangible is the choosing factor. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to design pressures, pick the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a team that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never ever requests a ladder and a better home every day of the year.