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 neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the routine of hauling ladders to install panels. After two decades specifying, setting up, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is real protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows outperform shutters in manner ins which exceed storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how quiet your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.

This is a useful look at why numerous South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products 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 components exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through specific laboratory tests that replicate genuine typhoon conditions.
First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended impact sliding glass doors the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the same unit 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 distinction in between "meets Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often lives in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores differ by opening size and style pressures, denoted as PSF values. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I typically specify units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, however you size and spec based upon the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story demands various support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're much better than nothing. But they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the projection track tightens, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in place. You get constant security, 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 effect 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 tasks along hectic corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I have actually determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances because laminated glass resists required entry. A robber can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane rather of a quick course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically offer credits for impact windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the provider and how many openings are protected.
Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern-day low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That implies less air conditioning demand, especially 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 effect systems. Summer season afternoon peak load come by approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electricity use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Results differ 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 products are equal.
Most property hurricane windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, but they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner areas to accomplish greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations tweak 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 turn up often in discussions since tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are commonly used as the outer or inner ply in an effect system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it fails, it explodes 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. Many systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishes matter for comfort. 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 half or higher. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in bigger openings. The sweet area depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten up SHGC and accept a minor tint to manage 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 deal with big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when reinforced appropriately, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, however I prevent them for really broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand careful upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun ruins cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces rated for seaside exposure, and demand composed guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. An expensive unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the core. Effect forces need to take a trip from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and then into the structure's framing hurricane impact windows or masonry.
In concrete block construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells should 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 strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. A properly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a resilient, flexible seal that handles thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it remedies improperly. On seaside jobs, I never ever pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten 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 vital. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its method. That wetness may disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy smell two typhoon seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing versus well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels kept carefully can safeguard homes effectively. They also assist in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget plan is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summer season, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, specifically if pairing with impact doors and windows elsewhere worries the budget. For property owners 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 your house when released, and they need action at precisely the time you are juggling insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I viewed a neighbor attempt to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, often loosening up fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows give typhoon proof windows protection while protecting daytime and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle two fights: latent load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best covering stacks, you can block a large portion of convected heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated systems comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of fabrics and floor covering. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioner insane midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specs with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by minimizing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature level, which minimizes condensation risk. SHGC drives how much solar heat gets in. VT influences how intense the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some property owners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it suggests accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect harsh light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed systems can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and a correctly sized variable-speed HVAC, and you start to build durability. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Approval, or NOA, is the document you request for. It details the authorized configurations, 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 specific model and alternatives you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system supplies FL numbers that reveal 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 specific NOAs. Numerous top makers carry both. Where budget plans allow, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not inform you effect efficiency, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leak at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has actually stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and overlooking fresh air is a recipe 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, finish, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening costs frequently land 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 recover value:
If you prepare to own the home for 5 years or more, the mathematics often tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to offer within a year and require to reveal compliance quickly, return on investment storm upgrades shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take notice of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates glide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems need to be engineered to drain heavy rains without letting wind-driven water blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.
Tint colors and reflectivity are more than fashion. Reflective movies can contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring homes. In coastal ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which coverings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts often require profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a contractor knowledgeable about these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of approved items for uniformity. They also care about sound control between units. If your structure sits straight on Collins Avenue or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Work with building management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and minimal parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks sturdy in a showroom fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not count on brochure optimum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best jobs begin with a measured study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposition, the professional shows 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 eliminate one opening at a time to keep your home protected. They safeguard floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to maintain interior finishes. New units 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 concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to confirm drain paths 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 smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller modification after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can split under severe effects, however it should remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you may see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not convert non-impact windows into typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, but they do not alternative to a checked, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count movies as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows minimize air leakage. That's excellent, however it increases the importance of a properly sized a/c with excellent 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 examine practical heat ratio, air flow, 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 lube hardware every year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are genuine factors to blend services. A set of rarely utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget. A deep-set patio with minimal sun direct exposure might do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roofing system deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Appoint obligation for implementation and practice once outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about enduring the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioner 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 concentrate on people instead of panels.
For many of my clients, that intangible is the deciding factor. They know storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just 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 way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to develop pressures, select the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: security that never ever asks for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.