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 next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the ritual of hauling ladders to install panels. After 20 years defining, setting up, and repairing building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is genuine security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outshine shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how quiet your living room stays on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a useful take a look at why many South Florida property hurricane impact doors and windows owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets among the most difficult criteria in the country for building parts exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through specific lab tests that mimic real cyclone conditions.
First comes large missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the exact same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, especially in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings differ by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I typically define units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more safeguarded direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, but you size and specification based on the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs various reinforcement than a sheltered 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 up, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get constant protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, sometimes more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security improves because laminated glass resists forced entry. A robber can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies often use credits for effect windows and doors. In my jobs, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with contemporary low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That means less a/c demand, particularly on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summer afternoon peak load dropped by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling effectiveness, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most domestic typhoon windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, but they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner areas to attain greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB solutions tweak the polymer to much better take in noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up typically in conversations because tempered glass is stronger in bending than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the external or inner ply in an impact unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it fails, it takes off into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The effect efficiency originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coverings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida typically targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping visible light transmission around 50 percent hurricane shutters vs impact windows or higher. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here due to the fact that they manage big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. High-quality vinyl effect frames, when strengthened appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, but I avoid them for extremely wide sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require cautious upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun ruins inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Look for powder-coated surfaces ranked for seaside direct exposure, and request composed warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. A pricey system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the core. Impact 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 or masonry.

In concrete block construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed homes, structural screws must bite into solid trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply visual. An appropriately sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a long lasting, flexible seal that handles thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it treatments badly. On coastal tasks, I never ever match dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten 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 important. If you rely on sealant alone, water will discover its way in. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy odor 2 cyclone seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored thoroughly can safeguard homes effectively. They likewise help in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight sometimes lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever utilized in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, particularly if pairing with impact doors and windows elsewhere worries the budget. For house owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your house when deployed, and they need action at precisely the time you are managing insurance documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I watched a neighbor attempt to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent the next hour in the immediate care waiting space. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows offer cyclone proof windows protection while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows important once you've experienced one storm season with no preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat two fights: latent load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the ideal coating stacks, you can obstruct a large portion of convected heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of materials and flooring. Include the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your a/c 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 lowering nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature, which reduces condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some house owners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it indicates accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roofing system overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect severe light.

In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed systems can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside surfaces, and a correctly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to build resilience. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the document you ask for. It details the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Verify the NOA matches the precise model and options you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Lots of top producers carry both. Where spending plans enable, I choose NOA products even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not inform you impact performance, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, however ensure your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs differ with size, shape, finish, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening costs often 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 recoup worth:
If you plan to own the property for 5 years or more, the mathematics typically tilts in favor permitting and code requirements of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to show compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings slide smoother and last longer on sandy patios. 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 fashion. Reflective movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring residential or commercial properties. In coastal communities, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coatings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern homes, but in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings offer the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal 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 lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a professional knowledgeable about these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases specify a narrow list of authorized products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate sound control in between systems. If your structure sits straight on Collins Opportunity or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and minimal parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require special attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks strong in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not depend on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest tasks begin with a determined survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and determine any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposal, the specialist shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep the house protected. They safeguard floorings, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to protect interior surfaces. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the authorization file, especially if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to hurricane-proof windows verify drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat 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 have to call for a roller change after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under serious impacts, but it needs to stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out debris into the glass, you might see star cracks or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not alternative to an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance provider and building department will not count films as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows lower air leak. That's terrific, however it increases the value of a properly sized a/c with great dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to inspect practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire constant, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware every year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are legitimate reasons to mix options. A set of rarely used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set porch with minimal sun exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing system deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Appoint responsibility for deployment and practice as soon as beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the morning you wish to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about enduring the huge one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioning 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 cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals instead of panels.

For a lot of my customers, that intangible is the deciding factor. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too good 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 self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to develop pressures, select the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: protection that never requests for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.