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 stock up, and the routine of carrying ladders to install panels. After two decades specifying, setting up, and repairing building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is real protection with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows surpass shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They change how a home 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 practical look at why numerous South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to cyclone 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 Item Control Department sets among the toughest standards in the country for developing elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular laboratory tests that simulate genuine cyclone conditions.
First comes big rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at 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 same system deals with cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" often lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane 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 systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be sufficient, but you size and spec based on the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story demands different reinforcement 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 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 reside in place. You get continuous security, low-E tempered glass 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 advantage. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances since laminated glass resists forced entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast course NOA product approval inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies typically provide credits for impact doors and windows. In my tasks, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and how many 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 protecting noticeable light. That suggests less cooling need, particularly 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 units. Summer season afternoon peak load come by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and a/c performance, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most domestic hurricane windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, however they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner areas to accomplish higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB solutions modify the polymer to much better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up often in discussions since 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 effect unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it stops working, it blows up into small 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 an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida usually targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping visible light transmission around half or greater. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten up SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle 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 dominate here since they manage large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when strengthened properly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, however I prevent them for really broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand cautious upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun ruins inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Look for powder-coated finishes rated for seaside direct exposure, and request composed 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 core. Impact 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 desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells must 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 should bite into solid trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply visual. A correctly sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, flexible seal that deals with thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it cures improperly. On seaside tasks, I never ever combine 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 depend on sealant alone, water will find its method. That moisture might not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy odor two hurricane seasons later.
I have nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept carefully can protect homes efficiently. They also assist in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever used in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be sensible, especially if pairing with impact windows and doors in other places worries the budget plan. For house owners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your house when released, and they need action at precisely the time you are juggling insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I saw a soundproof impact windows next-door neighbor attempt to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the immediate care waiting space. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, often loosening fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-term owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows give cyclone proof windows protection while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with no preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat 2 battles: latent load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if defined intelligently.
Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best finishing stacks, you can block a big portion of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of fabrics and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioner crazy 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 reducing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature level, which reduces condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it suggests accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show harsh light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed units can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside surfaces, and an appropriately sized variable-speed HVAC, and you begin to build durability. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller sized 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 tested. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the exact design and choices you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain 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 Speed Hurricane Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Lots of top manufacturers bring both. Where spending plans enable, I choose NOA products even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you effect efficiency, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, but make sure your home still has actually stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding 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 gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover value:
If you prepare to own the property for 5 years or more, the mathematics often tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to sell within a year and need to show compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and accessories. 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 style on sliding doors. Weep systems ought to 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 films can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding homes. In coastal ecosystems, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which coatings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun low-cost surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside direct exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts often need profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times extend and costs climb. Expect extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of authorized items for uniformity. They also care about sound control between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Work with building management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and limited 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 count on catalog maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The best projects start with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and identify any framing irregularities 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 set up day, they remove one opening at a time to keep the house safe and secure. They protect floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to protect interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the license 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 cool jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller modification after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe impacts, however it should remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you may 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 typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not substitute for a checked, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count films as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows minimize air leakage. That's great, however it increases the value of a correctly sized heating and cooling with great dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat satisfies 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 desire consistent, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is simple however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware yearly with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to mix services. A set of hardly ever used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun direct exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roofing system deck accessory or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Assign responsibility for release and practice once retrofit window installation beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the morning you wish to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about enduring the big one. They improve daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The AC cycles calmly rather 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 typhoon 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 choosing factor. 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 early morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.
If you are weighing the option, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to create pressures, choose the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never requests for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.