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 routine of hauling ladders to mount panels. After 20 years defining, setting up, and repairing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is real defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how quiet your living room remains on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a practical take a look at why numerous South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets one of the hardest benchmarks in the nation for building elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through particular lab tests that replicate real hurricane conditions.
First comes large missile effect. 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 effect, the very 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 between "meets Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" typically resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, especially in High Speed Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings differ by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I frequently define systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be enough, however you size and specification based on the website's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner exposure at the 2nd story demands different support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're much better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the projection track tightens, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in location. You get continuous security, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You also get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On tasks along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I have actually determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, sometimes more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass withstands required entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They meet a sticky, persistent membrane rather of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently provide credits for impact doors and windows. In my tasks, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and the number of openings are protected.

Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while protecting visible light. That implies less a/c demand, specifically on west and NOA product approval south exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summer season 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 differ with shading, attic insulation, and a/c effectiveness, but the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most property cyclone windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple 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, allowing thinner sections to achieve greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulas modify the polymer to better absorb sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up often in discussions since tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the external or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it fails, it explodes into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect performance originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems utilize NOA impact windows a tempered external lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings matter for convenience. 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 half or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet area depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a slight tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they manage large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when strengthened correctly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, but I avoid them for very wide sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand cautious upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces quickly. Search for powder-coated finishes ranked for coastal direct exposure, and request composed warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break efficiency. A pricey system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the crux. Effect 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 cinder block building, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed homes, structural screws should bite into solid trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply visual. An effectively sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a durable, flexible seal that handles thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too huge and it treatments inadequately. On coastal jobs, I never ever combine different metals without a barrier, and I always specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later on, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and combination with the water-resistive barrier are important. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture might disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy smell 2 hurricane seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved thoroughly can secure homes successfully. They also help in certain cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight in some cases lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be reasonable, especially if pairing with impact windows and doors elsewhere worries the budget. For property owners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your home when deployed, and they need action at exactly the time you are handling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During Hurricane Irma, I saw a neighbor attempt to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the urgent care waiting space. He made it through with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows offer hurricane proof windows protection while protecting daytime and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat two fights: hidden load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if specified intelligently.
Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the best finishing stacks, you can block a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which normally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of fabrics and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioning crazy midafternoon.
I examine glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by minimizing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature, which reduces condensation danger. SHGC drives how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterside lots that show harsh light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed systems can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside surfaces, and an effectively sized variable-speed HVAC, and you start to build durability. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the file you ask for. It information the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Verify the NOA matches the precise design and alternatives you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace 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 Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of top manufacturers carry both. Where spending plans allow, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not tell you effect efficiency, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, but make sure your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding 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 expenses typically land 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 recover worth:
If you plan to own the home for five years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you prepare to sell within a year and require to reveal compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates glide smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Take a look at the sill design on sliding doors. Weep systems must be crafted to drain pipes 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 movies can contravene of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding properties. In coastal communities, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which finishings balance efficiency with compliance.


Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, however in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts frequently require profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a contractor acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They likewise care about sound control between systems. If your structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. 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, need special attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks durable in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on brochure optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your site's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best jobs start with a determined survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. During proposal, the specialist shows you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, notes 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 eliminate one opening at a time to keep your house safe and secure. They safeguard floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to protect 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 permit file, especially if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to confirm drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller change after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can split under severe effects, however it ought to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, however they do not replacement for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count movies as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leakage. That's great, however it increases the value of a properly sized HVAC with good dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat wind-borne debris windows satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to check practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward but not optional. Tidy 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 habits extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to blend services. A set of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set deck with minimal sun exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise protect outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Assign responsibility for deployment and practice as soon as outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about surviving the huge one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioning cycles calmly instead 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 typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals instead of panels.
For a number of my customers, that intangible is the deciding element. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade approved windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to design pressures, choose the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never ever requests for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.