STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.
View on Google MapsSTS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.
Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.
The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.
STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.
Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018
Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the way neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of hauling ladders to install panels. After 20 years defining, installing, and troubleshooting structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is real protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows surpass shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how quiet 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 lots of South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read 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 toughest criteria in the country for developing parts exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through particular lab tests that mimic real typhoon conditions.
First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That imitates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, 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 "fulfills Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" typically lives in these test limits. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, especially in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores vary by opening size and style pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I often specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more safeguarded direct exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be sufficient, however you size and spec based on the website's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story needs different support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're much better than nothing. However 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 desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in place. You get continuous 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 benefit. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along hectic corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I have actually determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security enhances since laminated glass resists forced entry. A robber can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast path inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently provide credits for effect windows and doors. In my jobs, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with contemporary low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining visible light. That suggests less cooling demand, specifically on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summertime afternoon peak load come by approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical energy use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and a/c efficiency, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most residential typhoon windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers improve impact resistance and sound control, but they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, enabling thinner sections to attain higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulations fine-tune the polymer to better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up frequently in discussions because tempered glass is stronger in bending than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are commonly used as the outer or inner ply in an effect unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it blows up into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The effect performance comes from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coverings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida usually targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping visible light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet area depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten 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 since they handle big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when enhanced correctly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, but I avoid them for extremely large sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand cautious upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun damages cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces quickly. Try to find powder-coated finishes rated for coastal direct exposure, and request composed guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break performance. A pricey unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the crux. Impact forces have 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 cinder block building and construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed houses, structural screws must bite into solid trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just aesthetic. A properly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a resilient, flexible seal that manages thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it treatments poorly. On seaside jobs, I never ever pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always define corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten years later, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and combination with the water-resistive barrier are vital. If you depend 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 floor or a musty smell two hurricane seasons later.
I have nothing versus well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved carefully can secure homes effectively. They also assist in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight in some cases lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building code windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, specifically if coupling with effect windows and doors elsewhere worries the budget plan. For house 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 home when deployed, and they need action at specifically the time you are juggling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I enjoyed a next-door neighbor try 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 endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, in some cases loosening fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, effect windows provide cyclone proof windows coverage while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with zero prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle 2 battles: latent load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right covering stacks, you can block a large part of convected heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated systems comes largely 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 curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioner insane midafternoon.
I assess glass specs with 3 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 room temperature, which reduces condensation threat. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it suggests accepting a few 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 waterside lots that show extreme light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed units can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside surfaces, and a properly sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to build durability. If the grid goes down and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller sized generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the document you request. It details the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Verify the NOA matches the specific design and choices you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Cyclone Zone, Florida building regulations windows can rely on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Numerous leading makers bring both. Where budgets enable, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you impact performance, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much 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 permitting for impact windows no spin around that. Installed costs vary with size, shape, finish, and gain access to. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses often 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 recover worth:
If you plan to own the home for 5 years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings move smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems need to be engineered to drain 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 movies can run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring homes. In seaside ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which finishings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on modern homes, however in Florida sun inexpensive finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts frequently need profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect additional review by architectural boards, and line up a contractor acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often define a narrow list of authorized items for uniformity. They also care about sound control in between units. If your structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. 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, require special attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks strong in a display room satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The best jobs start with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. During proposition, the specialist reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and explains 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 safe. They protect floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to protect interior surfaces. New systems 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, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to validate drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool 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 require a roller change after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under serious impacts, but it should remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out particles into the glass, you might see star cracks or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance company and building department will not count movies as safeguarded openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows minimize air leak. That's great, however it increases the value of an effectively sized a/c with excellent dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to examine practical heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You desire consistent, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is simple but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware annually with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little practices extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to blend solutions. A pair of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set deck with very little sun direct exposure might do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roofing deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outside kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint responsibility for implementation and practice as soon as outside of 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 just about surviving the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The a/c cycles calmly rather of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind sound when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a cyclone 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 a lot of my customers, that intangible is the deciding factor. They understand storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to develop pressures, pick the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a crew that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never requests a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.