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 transporting ladders to install panels. After twenty years defining, setting up, and fixing building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is genuine security with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows surpass shutters in manner ins which exceed storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how quiet your living-room stays on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.
This is a useful look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to read the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets among the toughest criteria in the nation for developing components exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through specific laboratory tests that replicate real hurricane conditions.
First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the exact same unit deals with cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate quick 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 lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Velocity Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings differ by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I frequently specify units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be sufficient, but you size and specification based on the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs various support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill 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 warning and the projection track tightens, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get continuous protection, even if a 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 advantage. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass resists required entry. An intruder can shatter the external lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies frequently provide credits for effect doors and windows. In my tasks, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That suggests less a/c need, specifically on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact systems. Summertime afternoon peak load stopped by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling efficiency, but the direction is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most property typhoon windows use 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 add weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, permitting thinner sections to accomplish greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulas tweak the polymer to better take in noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up often in discussions because tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the outer or inner ply in an impact system. However 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 vulnerable. The effect efficiency originates from laminated building and 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 normally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet area depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a small 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 control here because they handle large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when enhanced appropriately, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, but I avoid them for really wide sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand cautious upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun destroys cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces ranked for coastal direct exposure, and demand written service warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. An expensive unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the crux. Effect forces need to take a trip from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and after that into the structure's framing or masonry.
In concrete block building, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong 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 houses, structural screws must bite into solid 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 visual. An appropriately sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a long lasting, versatile seal that deals with thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it treatments inadequately. On coastal jobs, I never combine different metals without a barrier, and I constantly define corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and combination with the water-resistive barrier are crucial. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture may 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 absolutely nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels kept thoroughly can protect homes effectively. They likewise help in certain cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget plan is tight in best hurricane window brands some cases lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, specifically if coupling with impact doors and windows in other places stresses 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 trade-offs. They darken the house when deployed, and they need action at precisely the time you are handling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I viewed a next-door neighbor attempt to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows offer hurricane proof windows protection while maintaining daylight and view. The benefit grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero 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 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 right finishing stacks, you can block a large portion of convected heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of fabrics and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioner insane midafternoon.
I assess glass specs with three 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 closer to space temperature level, which reduces condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some property owners desire the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it indicates accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roofing overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterside lots that show extreme light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed units can lower peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an appropriately sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to build strength. 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 Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request. It information the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a showroom. 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 workplace will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Typhoon Zone, Florida building regulations windows can depend on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Many leading makers bring both. Where spending plans enable, I choose NOA items even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not inform you effect performance, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, however make certain your home still has actually stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting 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 differ with size, shape, surface, and access. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening expenses often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for five years or more, the mathematics frequently tilts in favor of impact windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to offer within a year and require to show compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take notice of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates slide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill design on sliding 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 movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In seaside environments, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coatings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern-day homes, however in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal exposures whenever budgets 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 professional familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes specify a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They likewise care about noise control in between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Opportunity or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Work with building management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need special attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks durable in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not depend on brochure maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest tasks begin with a determined survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. During proposal, the contractor reveals 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 eliminate one opening at a time to keep the house protected. They safeguard floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior surfaces. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the authorization file, especially if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later on, your windows tempered glass codes and standards still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to call for a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under extreme effects, however it must stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out particles into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not convert non-impact windows into typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to a checked, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count films as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows reduce air leakage. That's excellent, but it increases the value of an effectively sized a/c with good dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat pleases quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to inspect reasonable heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Clean 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. Small habits extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to mix options. A set of seldom utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set patio with minimal sun exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roof deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outside kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign duty for implementation and practice once beyond 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 huge one. They reshape daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioning 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 shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals rather than panels.
For much of my clients, that intangible is the deciding factor. They understand storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just wakes up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to create pressures, select the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that appreciates the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never ever asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.