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 mount panels. After two decades specifying, setting up, and repairing structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is real protection with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outshine shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They change how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up quicker than predicted.
This is a practical take a look at why many South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets among the hardest standards in the nation for developing elements exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through specific laboratory tests that imitate real cyclone conditions.
First comes large rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That mimics roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the 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 "meets Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" typically resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores vary by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I frequently specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be sufficient, however you size and specification based on the site's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story demands various support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the forecast track tightens up, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get constant defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You likewise get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, often more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security improves because laminated glass resists required entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies often provide credits for effect doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern-day low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving noticeable light. That implies less cooling need, specifically 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 visited approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical energy use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC performance, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most residential typhoon windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, but they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, permitting thinner areas to attain higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas modify the polymer to much better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up frequently in conversations since tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the outer or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it fails, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings 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 visible light transmission around 50 percent or higher. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet area depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a small tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here because they handle big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when reinforced effectively, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, however I prevent them for very wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require careful upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Look for powder-coated finishes rated for seaside direct exposure, and request composed service warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. A pricey unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the essence. Impact 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 construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells should be grouted or you require to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply visual. An effectively sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a durable, versatile seal that handles thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it remedies inadequately. On seaside jobs, I never ever pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly 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 combination with the water-resistive barrier are vital. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its method. That moisture may disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty smell 2 cyclone seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing versus well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept carefully can secure homes successfully. They also help in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, especially if coupling with impact doors and windows elsewhere worries the budget. For homeowners 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 home when released, and they need action at exactly the time you are managing insurance papers, gas cans, and family logistics. Throughout Typhoon Irma, I watched a neighbor try to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the immediate care waiting space. He endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give cyclone proof windows coverage while preserving daylight and view. The benefit grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two fights: latent load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right covering stacks, you can block a big portion of radiant heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering 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 specifications 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 decreases condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT influences how intense the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some house owners want the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it indicates accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show harsh light.
 
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed units can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior finishes, and an effectively sized variable-speed HVAC, and you start to develop strength. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
 
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you request for. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Validate the NOA matches the specific design and choices 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 provides FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, Florida building code windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Lots of leading makers carry both. Where budget plans enable, I choose NOA products even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They won't inform you impact efficiency, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, however make sure your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and ignoring fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed costs differ with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening costs often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, custom arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup value:
If you plan to own the residential or commercial property for 5 years or more, the math typically tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to offer within a year and need to show compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Take a look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems should 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 contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward surrounding properties. In coastal ecosystems, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which finishings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern-day homes, however in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts often need profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate extra review by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often define a narrow list of authorized items for uniformity. They likewise care about sound control between systems. If your structure sits directly on Collins Opportunity or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Work with structure management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks strong in a display room satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely on catalog optimum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest projects begin with a determined survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposal, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.
On set up day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep your home safe and secure. They protect floors, pull 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 picture anchors for the license file, especially if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to confirm drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller modification after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under serious impacts, however it should remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you might see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Replace 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 substitute for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance provider and building department will not count films as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows reduce air leakage. That's terrific, but it increases the value of a correctly sized HVAC with great dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to inspect reasonable heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want consistent, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated however not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware each year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small habits extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to blend options. A pair of rarely utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set deck 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 prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Designate obligation for deployment and practice as soon as outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the morning you wish to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about enduring the big one. They improve daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The 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 people instead of panels.
For a number 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 wakes up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February custom window installation services early morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to design pressures, choose the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows deliver what shutters can not: security that never requests for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.