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 transporting ladders to mount panels. After two decades defining, setting up, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine security with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows outperform shutters in manner ins which exceed storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how quiet your living room remains on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.

This is a useful take a look at why numerous South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Division sets among the toughest benchmarks in the country for constructing components exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular lab tests that simulate real cyclone conditions.
First comes big rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the same system faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "satisfies Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" often lives in these test limits. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, especially in High Speed Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings vary by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I often specify systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more safeguarded direct exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can suffice, however you size and specification based on the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs various support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're better than nothing. But they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the forecast track tightens, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in location. You get continuous defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You also get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves because laminated glass resists required entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They satisfy a sticky, persistent membrane rather of a fast path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies often offer credits for effect windows and doors. In my projects, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat tempered glass repair gain while protecting noticeable light. That means less cooling need, especially 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 units. Summer season afternoon peak load stopped by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electricity usage fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Results differ with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling performance, but the direction is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most property cyclone windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance impact resistance and sound control, but 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 areas to achieve higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations tweak the polymer to better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up frequently in discussions since tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are commonly utilized as the outer or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it blows up into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Many systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coatings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida usually targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping visible light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in bigger openings. The sweet area depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a slight tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here due to the fact that they manage large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. High-quality vinyl impact frames, when enhanced properly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, however I prevent them for really broad sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require mindful maintenance and wise flashing. The Florida sun destroys cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces ranked for coastal direct exposure, and demand composed service warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. An expensive system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load path is the crux. Effect 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 concrete block building and construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells should be grouted or you need to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. 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 just aesthetic. An effectively sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, versatile seal that manages thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it treatments badly. On coastal jobs, I never ever match different metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify 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 way in. That moisture might disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty odor 2 hurricane seasons later.
I have nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored thoroughly can secure homes effectively. They also assist in certain cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight in some cases lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building code windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, especially if coupling with effect doors and windows in other places worries the budget plan. For property 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 home when deployed, and they require action at precisely the time you are handling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I viewed 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 urgent care waiting room. He survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows provide hurricane evidence windows coverage while protecting daylight and view. The benefit grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle two fights: latent load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E effect glass uses microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the ideal finishing stacks, you can obstruct a big portion of radiant heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated systems comes largely from the interlayer itself, which normally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of fabrics and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your a/c crazy midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by decreasing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature level, which minimizes condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat goes into. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it means accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing system overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show extreme 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 outside finishes, and a properly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to build resilience. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the file you request. It details the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Confirm the NOA matches the exact model and alternatives you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting workplace will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed Typhoon Zone, Florida building code windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous leading manufacturers bring both. Where spending plans permit, I choose NOA items even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They will not inform you effect performance, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and ignoring 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 costs vary with size, shape, finish, and gain access to. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening expenses frequently land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover value:
If you plan to own the residential or commercial property for five years or more, the math 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 focus on hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems need to be engineered to drain pipes 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 style. Reflective films can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In coastal ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coverings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern-day homes, however in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings offer the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside exposures whenever budgets allow.

Historic districts typically need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect 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 authorized products for harmony. They likewise appreciate noise control between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with building management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need special attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every system that looks tough in a showroom fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not rely on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The best projects start with a determined survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. During proposition, the professional shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep the house secure. They protect floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior surfaces. 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 authorization file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to confirm drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller modification after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under extreme impacts, but it must stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you may see star cracks or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to a tested, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count movies as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leak. That's fantastic, but it increases the importance of a correctly sized HVAC with great dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect reasonable heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want consistent, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is simple however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware yearly with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little practices extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to blend services. A set of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set deck with minimal sun direct exposure might 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 likewise secure outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint responsibility for implementation and practice when outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about making it through the huge one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The a/c cycles calmly rather of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind sound when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on people instead of panels.
For a lot of my customers, that intangible is the deciding aspect. They understand storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to design pressures, select the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a team tempered glass for doors that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: security that never ever requests for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.