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 stock up, and the ritual of transporting ladders to mount panels. After 20 years specifying, setting up, and repairing building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. home hurricane protection When the goal is real protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that exceed storm day. They change how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living room stays on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.
This is a useful look at why lots of South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Division sets among the most difficult benchmarks in the country for developing components exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not financing impact windows a marketing sticker label. It is earned through specific laboratory tests that simulate genuine hurricane conditions.
First comes big rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended 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 same system deals with cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" often resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Speed Typhoon Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores vary by opening size and style pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I frequently specify systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be enough, but you size and specification based upon the site's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story demands various reinforcement than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're better than nothing. However they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the projection 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 security, 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 benefit. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I have actually measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically offer credits for impact doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and the number of openings are protected.

Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with contemporary low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That implies less cooling need, especially 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 effect systems. Summer afternoon peak load stopped by roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC efficiency, however the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most residential cyclone windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, but they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner sections to accomplish higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulas tweak the polymer to better soak up noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows turn up typically in discussions due to the fact that tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the outer or inner ply in an impact unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it stops working, it explodes into small 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 utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishes 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 noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in bigger openings. The sweet area depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here because they handle big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when enhanced effectively, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I prevent them for very wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand mindful maintenance and clever flashing. The Florida sun damages cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces rated for seaside direct exposure, and demand composed warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. A costly 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 after that into the structure's framing or masonry.
In cinder block building, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells need to 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 houses, structural screws need to bite into solid 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 aesthetic. A properly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a durable, flexible seal that handles thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it remedies poorly. On seaside tasks, I never pair different metals without a barrier, and I always define 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 crucial. If you rely on sealant alone, water will discover its way in. That moisture might not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty odor 2 typhoon seasons later.
I have nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved carefully can secure homes efficiently. They also assist in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever utilized in summer, a tidy motorized roll-down can be sensible, especially if pairing with impact windows and doors elsewhere worries the budget plan. 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 juggling insurance documents, gas cans, and family logistics. Throughout Typhoon Irma, I enjoyed a neighbor attempt to mount 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 fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows give typhoon proof windows protection while protecting daylight and view. The benefit grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with absolutely no preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two battles: hidden load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right finishing stacks, you can obstruct a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of materials and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your AC crazy midafternoon.
I examine glass specs with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by reducing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature, which minimizes condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat goes into. VT influences how intense the interior feels. Balance is key. Some house owners want the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing system overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show severe 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 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior finishes, and a properly sized variable-speed HVAC, and you begin to develop resilience. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you request for. It information the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the precise design and options you are purchasing, including 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 supplies FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Many top makers carry both. Where budget plans enable, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone due to the fact that the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not inform you effect efficiency, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, but make certain your home still has stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and overlooking fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening costs frequently land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you plan to own the home for 5 years or more, the math typically tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to show compliance rapidly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take notice of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings glide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems should be crafted to drain heavy rains without letting wind-driven water blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway sample in the showroom.
Tint colors and reflectivity are more than style. Reflective films can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In seaside ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which coatings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern homes, however in Florida sun low-cost finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside direct exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts often need profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Expect additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a contractor knowledgeable about these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of authorized products for harmony. They likewise appreciate noise control in between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work 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, need unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks durable in a display room fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not rely on catalog maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest jobs begin with a determined survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposal, the specialist reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and explains 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 get rid of one opening at a time to keep your home secure. They secure floors, 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 crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the license file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork 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 need to call for a roller adjustment after the very first week. That is the standard.

Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe impacts, however it needs to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not convert non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to a tested, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count films as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows minimize air leakage. That's excellent, however it increases the value of an effectively sized heating and cooling with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to check practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want consistent, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware yearly with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little routines extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to blend services. A set of rarely utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set patio with very little sun direct exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roofing deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also protect outside cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Designate duty for deployment and practice as soon as beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to discover 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 hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on people instead of panels.
For many of my clients, that intangible is the choosing factor. They know storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that only gets up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to create pressures, select the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a team that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never ever asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.