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 ritual of transporting ladders to install panels. After twenty years specifying, setting up, and fixing structure envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is genuine defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows surpass shutters in ways that exceed storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how quiet your living room remains on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.
This is a practical look at why many South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets among the hardest standards in the nation for building components exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through specific lab tests that mimic real cyclone conditions.
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First comes big rocket effect. A 9-pound affordable Boca Raton impact windows 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of 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 in between "satisfies Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" often resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, particularly in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings differ by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I typically specify units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more secured exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can suffice, however you size and specification based on the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner exposure at the second story demands different support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're much better than absolutely nothing. However they ask you to do work 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 security, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On tasks along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, sometimes more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security enhances since laminated glass resists required entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a quick course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically offer credits for effect doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and how many openings are protected.
Energy performance 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 preserving visible light. That implies less air conditioning demand, particularly 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 visited roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power usage fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC effectiveness, but the direction is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most property hurricane windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers improve impact resistance and sound control, but they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, enabling thinner sections to achieve higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas modify the polymer to much better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows show up typically in discussions because tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the outer or inner ply in an effect unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it fails, it takes off into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact performance comes from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Numerous 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 typically targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet area depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they manage large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when reinforced correctly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, but I prevent them for very broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require mindful upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun damages cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Search for powder-coated finishes rated for seaside exposure, and demand written service warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break performance. A pricey system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the crux. Effect forces need to travel from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and after that into the structure's framing or masonry.
In cinder block construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. 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 houses, structural screws need to bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just aesthetic. A correctly sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a long lasting, flexible seal that handles thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it remedies inadequately. On seaside jobs, I never pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later on, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and combination with the water-resistive barrier are essential. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its method. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy odor 2 typhoon seasons later.
I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored thoroughly can secure homes efficiently. They also help in certain cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where spending plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building code windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever used in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, especially if coupling with impact doors and windows somewhere else worries the budget plan. For homeowners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken the house when released, and they require action at exactly the time you are juggling insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane 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 spent the next hour in the immediate care waiting space. He survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, in some cases loosening fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows give typhoon proof windows protection while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two fights: latent load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the ideal coating stacks, you can block a big part of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of materials and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your AC crazy midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by reducing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature, which decreases condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it indicates accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roofing overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect extreme light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can lower peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior finishes, and a correctly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you begin to build durability. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, 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 authorized windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the exact design and choices you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous top producers carry both. Where budget plans allow, I choose NOA products even commercial window installation Boca Raton outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you impact efficiency, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, but make certain your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed costs vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you plan to own the residential or commercial property for 5 years or more, the mathematics frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance rapidly, 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 glide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems ought to 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 movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring residential or commercial properties. In seaside environments, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which finishings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun low-cost finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts frequently require profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a contractor acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations buy hurricane proof windows in some cases define a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They likewise care about sound control in between systems. If your building sits directly on Collins Opportunity or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal 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 unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks strong in a showroom fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not count on brochure optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest projects begin with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposition, the professional shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists 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 install day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep the house protected. They secure floorings, 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 photo anchors for the permit file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to confirm drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear local window installation experts labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later, 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 adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under severe impacts, but it ought to stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out particles into the glass, you may see star cracks or spidering. The window did its job. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, however they do not substitute for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count films as safeguarded openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows decrease air leakage. That's fantastic, however it increases the value of an appropriately sized a/c with great dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases rapidly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to check reasonable heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want constant, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware annually with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to mix solutions. A pair of seldom utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun direct exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roofing deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise protect outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Appoint responsibility 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 wish to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about enduring the big one. They reshape 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 cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on people instead of panels.
For many of my clients, that intangible is the deciding element. They know storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that only awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and quiet 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 develop pressures, pick the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: security that never ever requests a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.