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 stockpile, and the routine of hauling ladders to install panels. After 20 years specifying, installing, and fixing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is real security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows outperform shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They change how a home feels in August, how quiet your living-room stays on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a practical take a look at why numerous South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets among the hardest benchmarks in the country for constructing components exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular laboratory tests that replicate real hurricane conditions.
First comes big rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That mimics roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of 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 difference in between "fulfills Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Speed Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings vary by opening size and design pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I typically define systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured direct exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be enough, however you size and spec based upon the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs different reinforcement than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're better than nothing. However they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the forecast track tightens, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.

Impact windows live in place. You get constant security, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resilient 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 determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, sometimes more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves since laminated glass resists forced entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically use credits for impact doors and windows. In my tasks, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and the number of 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 protecting visible light. That suggests less air conditioning need, specifically 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 impact systems. Summer season afternoon peak load visited roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical power usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling efficiency, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most domestic typhoon windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers improve 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, permitting thinner sections to attain higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations tweak the polymer to much better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up often in discussions because 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. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it takes off into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect efficiency comes from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishes matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida generally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten up SHGC and accept a small tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater visible 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 narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when strengthened appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, however I avoid them for very wide sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require cautious upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun ruins low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Try to find powder-coated finishes rated for seaside exposure, and request written warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. A pricey system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load path is the core. Effect forces have 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 construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed homes, structural screws must bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. A correctly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, versatile seal that handles thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it cures inadequately. On coastal tasks, I never match different metals without a barrier, and I constantly define corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later on, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and integration with the water-resistive barrier are crucial. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its method. That moisture may not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy smell 2 hurricane seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels stored carefully can safeguard homes successfully. They likewise help in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where spending plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, particularly if coupling with effect windows and doors elsewhere stresses the budget plan. For property owners who prepare 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 handling insurance documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Typhoon Irma, I saw a 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 urgent care waiting room. He made it through with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening up fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give typhoon evidence windows protection while maintaining daylight and view. The benefit grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat two 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 show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best finish stacks, you can obstruct a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of fabrics and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your AC crazy midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specs with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by minimizing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature level, which lowers condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat goes into. VT influences how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some house owners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it indicates accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing system overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect harsh light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and a correctly sized variable-speed a/c, and you begin to build strength. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller sized generator and less gallons of aluminum impact windows fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request for. It information the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a showroom. Validate the NOA matches the specific design and alternatives you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Hurricane Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Many leading producers carry both. Where budget plans permit, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not inform you effect performance, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, however make sure your home still has actually balanced 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. Installed costs differ with size, shape, finish, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for 5 years or more, the mathematics frequently tilts in favor of impact windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to offer within a year and require to reveal compliance rapidly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.

I focus on hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements 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. Take a look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems must 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 fashion. Reflective movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding residential or commercial properties. In seaside ecosystems, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coverings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts frequently need profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect extra review by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of authorized items for uniformity. They also care about sound control in between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal 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, need special attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every system that looks durable in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not depend on catalog maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best projects begin with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and identify any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. During proposal, the specialist shows you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare 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 protected. They protect 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 team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the authorization file, particularly if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to validate drain paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller adjustment after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under severe impacts, but it must stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not alternative to a checked, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count films as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows reduce air leakage. That's terrific, but it increases the importance of a properly sized heating and cooling with excellent dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat satisfies quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to check reasonable heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want steady, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware yearly with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to mix services. A pair of rarely utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set porch with minimal sun exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roof deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise protect outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Designate obligation for deployment and practice once outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about making it through the huge one. They reshape 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 noise when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a hurricane 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 understand storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that only wakes up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to create pressures, pick the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that appreciates the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: protection that never asks for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.