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 stock up, and the ritual of transporting ladders to mount panels. After twenty years specifying, installing, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is real protection with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows surpass shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They change 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 much faster than predicted.
This is a practical take a look at why many South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets among the toughest standards in the nation for building parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through specific lab tests that imitate genuine hurricane conditions.
First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" typically resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, particularly in High Speed Typhoon Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores differ by opening size and style pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently define systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more secured exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be sufficient, however you size and specification based on the website's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd 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 satisfy code, and they're much better than 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 up, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in place. You get constant 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 benefit. Laminated impact glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, sometimes more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security improves since laminated glass withstands required entry. A robber can shatter the external lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically offer credits for effect windows and doors. In my jobs, residential hurricane proof windows premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and how many openings are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That suggests less air conditioning need, specifically on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load visited roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electricity use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results differ with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC performance, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated products are equal.

Most domestic typhoon windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, however they include weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, permitting thinner sections to accomplish higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulas fine-tune the polymer to better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up often in discussions because tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are typically utilized as the outer or inner ply in an effect system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it stops working, it blows up into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to a hardened 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 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 larger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a small tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here because they handle big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when enhanced properly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, but I prevent them for very broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand mindful upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Look for powder-coated surfaces ranked for coastal direct exposure, and request composed guarantee details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. A costly system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the core. Impact 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 construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed homes, structural screws must bite into strong 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 visual. A properly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a durable, flexible seal that handles thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it remedies improperly. On seaside jobs, I never match different metals without a barrier, and I always 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 rely on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty smell 2 cyclone seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved carefully can safeguard homes efficiently. They likewise help in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight often lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be reasonable, specifically if coupling with impact doors and windows elsewhere worries the budget. For house owners who prepare 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 need action at precisely the time you are handling insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Typhoon Irma, I saw a neighbor attempt to mount 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 room. He endured with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening fasteners with time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows offer typhoon evidence windows protection while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows important once you've experienced one storm season with zero prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle 2 battles: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if defined intelligently.
Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right covering stacks, you can block a big portion of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of fabrics and flooring. Include the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your air conditioning crazy midafternoon.
I assess glass specs with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by reducing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature level, which lowers condensation risk. SHGC drives how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some house owners desire the crisp, clear look of greater VT, even if it indicates accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint best impact windows available for glare control on waterfront 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 exterior surfaces, and a properly sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to construct durability. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, 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. Verify the NOA matches the exact design and choices 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 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 Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Numerous top manufacturers carry both. Where spending plans allow, I choose NOA products even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They will not inform you effect performance, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has actually balanced 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. Installed expenses vary with size, shape, finish, and access. On simple single-family homes, per-opening costs often land in 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 home for 5 years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance rapidly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings glide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Take a look at the sill design on sliding doors. Weep systems should be engineered 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 movies can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding residential or commercial properties. In seaside communities, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which finishes balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on modern homes, but in Florida sun low-cost finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts often need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a professional familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate sound control in between units. If your structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Deal with structure management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and minimal parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks strong in a display room fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not rely on brochure optimum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best tasks begin with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and identify any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. During proposition, the contractor reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product 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 install day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep your home secure. They safeguard floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the license file, especially if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to validate drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents 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 need to call for a roller modification after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under serious effects, however it needs to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its task. Change 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, however they do not replacement for a tested, anchored system. Your insurance company and structure 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 effectively sized heating and cooling with excellent dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want constant, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware annually with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small practices extend lifespan.
There are legitimate reasons to mix services. A set of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set porch with very little sun direct exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outside kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint responsibility for release and practice when outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about making it through the huge one. They improve 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 sound when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals rather than panels.
For many of my customers, that intangible is the deciding aspect. They know storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.
If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to develop pressures, select the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a team that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: protection that never ever requests a ladder and a better home every day of the year.