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 next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the routine of hauling ladders to mount panels. After twenty years defining, setting up, and repairing structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is real defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outshine shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how quiet your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up quicker than predicted.
This is a useful take a look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read the standards behind "Miami-Dade approved," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets among the most difficult benchmarks in the nation for constructing components exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through particular laboratory tests that imitate genuine cyclone conditions.
First comes large missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That simulates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system deals with cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, especially in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings differ by opening size and style pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I frequently specify systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, however you size and spec based upon the website's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner exposure at the second quality hurricane proof windows story needs different reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're better than 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 up, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in place. You get constant defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You likewise 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 resistant interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along hectic corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass resists required entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies typically offer credits for effect windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and the number Boca Raton impact windows suppliers of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with contemporary low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving noticeable light. That suggests less air conditioning demand, specifically on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact systems. Summer season afternoon peak load visited roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electricity usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and a/c performance, but the direction is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most domestic hurricane windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, but they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or high 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 sites, acoustic PVB solutions fine-tune the polymer to much better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up typically in conversations due to the fact that tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the external or inner ply in an effect unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it blows up into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The effect efficiency comes from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coverings 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 variety while keeping visible light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in bigger openings. The sweet area depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten up SHGC and accept a small tint to manage 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 handle big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. High-quality vinyl effect frames, when reinforced effectively, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, however I avoid them for very large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require mindful maintenance and smart flashing. The Florida sun damages low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces rated for seaside exposure, and request composed guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. An expensive system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a Boca Raton impact resistant windows storm's tension test. The load path 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 cinder block construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong product. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed houses, structural screws must bite into solid trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply aesthetic. An effectively sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a durable, versatile seal that manages thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it remedies poorly. On seaside jobs, I never ever pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always define 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 integration with the water-resistive barrier are vital. 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 floor or a musty odor 2 cyclone seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept carefully can secure homes successfully. They likewise help in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight sometimes lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer, a tidy motorized roll-down can be sensible, particularly if coupling with impact windows and doors in other places worries the budget plan. For property owners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your home when deployed, and they require action at exactly the time you are juggling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During Typhoon Irma, I viewed a neighbor try to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the urgent care waiting room. He made it through with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, in some cases loosening up fasteners with time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows provide typhoon evidence windows protection while maintaining daytime 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 2 battles: hidden load from humidity and impact windows installation Boca Raton sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E effect glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the ideal finishing stacks, you can obstruct a large portion of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of fabrics and flooring. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your AC insane midafternoon.
I examine glass specifications with three 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 room temperature, which decreases condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT influences how intense the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners desire the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose 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-day low-E laminated double-glazed systems can lower peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an effectively sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to develop durability. If the grid decreases and you change 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 document you ask for. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the precise model and options you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system supplies FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed Hurricane Zone, Florida building regulations windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous top makers carry both. Where spending plans allow, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They won't inform you impact efficiency, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, however ensure your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and overlooking fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening costs typically land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, custom arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you prepare to own the property for five years or more, the math typically tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you prepare to sell within a year and need to show compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take notice of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings slide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems need to be crafted to drain heavy rainfall without letting wind-driven water blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.
![]()
Tint colors and reflectivity are more than fashion. Reflective films can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward surrounding homes. In coastal environments, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which finishings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, however in Florida sun inexpensive finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts frequently need profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Expect additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They likewise appreciate sound control between units. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and restricted 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 strong in a showroom meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not count on brochure maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best jobs begin with a determined survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. Throughout proposal, the contractor reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall 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 safeguard floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the permit file, especially if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drain paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller change after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating 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 particles 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 add shatter resistance, but they do not alternative to an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance company and structure department will not count films as protected openings.
![]()
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows lower air leak. That's great, but it increases the significance of an appropriately sized HVAC with great dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat pleases rapidly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect practical heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want constant, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware yearly with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Small habits extend lifespan.
There are legitimate reasons to blend options. A set of seldom utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set porch with minimal sun direct exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roofing system deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also secure outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign responsibility for release and practice once beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about making it through the big one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The AC 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 cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals rather than panels.
For a lot of my clients, that intangible is the deciding element. They understand storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that only gets up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to design pressures, pick the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a team that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never requests for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.