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 routine of hauling ladders to mount panels. After two decades defining, setting up, and repairing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is real security with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They change how a house 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 practical take a look at why numerous South Florida house 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 installation right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets among the most difficult standards in the nation for constructing parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through particular lab tests that simulate real typhoon conditions.
First comes large missile effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That mimics roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same system faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic fast 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 code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, especially in High Speed Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores vary by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I often define units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be sufficient, but you size and specification based upon the site's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner exposure at the 2nd story needs various reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact 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 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 live in location. You get continuous protection, 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 advantage. Laminated impact glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On tasks along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances because laminated glass withstands forced entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a quick course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies typically provide credits for impact windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and how many openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with contemporary low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That suggests less cooling demand, specifically on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summer season afternoon peak load visited roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling performance, however the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated products are equal.
Most domestic cyclone 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 include weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, enabling thinner sections to achieve higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB solutions tweak the polymer to better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up typically in conversations because tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are typically utilized as the outer or inner ply in an effect system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it blows up into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect performance originates from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida typically targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around half or higher. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they deal with large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when enhanced appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, however I prevent them for extremely large sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand cautious maintenance and wise flashing. The Florida sun damages inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Try to find powder-coated surfaces ranked for coastal direct exposure, and request written guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. An expensive unit set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the essence. 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 construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should bite into solid trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. A correctly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a long lasting, versatile seal that manages thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it remedies inadequately. On seaside tasks, I never ever match different metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 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 essential. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That moisture might not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy smell 2 typhoon seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved carefully can protect homes successfully. They likewise help in certain cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where spending plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be reasonable, specifically if pairing with impact doors and windows somewhere else stresses the budget plan. For property owners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken your house when released, and they require action at precisely the time you are handling insurance documents, 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 urgent care waiting space. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, often loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows give cyclone evidence windows protection while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight 2 battles: hidden load from humidity and practical 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 reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right finish stacks, you can block a large portion of convected heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of materials and floor covering. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioning insane midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specs with 3 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 level, which decreases condensation risk. SHGC drives how much solar heat goes into. VT influences how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it suggests accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roofing overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect severe light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary 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 develop resilience. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the file you request for. It details the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the exact design and options you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Typhoon Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous top manufacturers bring both. Where budget plans enable, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They won't inform you effect performance, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leak at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, but make certain your home still has actually 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 vary with size, shape, surface, and access. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you prepare to own the property for five years or more, the math often tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings move smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Take a look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems must 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 run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In seaside communities, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which coatings balance performance with compliance.

Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on modern homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal direct exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts often need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate extra 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 approved products for uniformity. They also care about sound control in between units. If your structure sits straight on Collins Avenue or deals with a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Deal with building management on staging and lift gain access to. 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 system that looks tough in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not depend on brochure maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest projects begin with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. During proposition, the contractor shows 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 repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they eliminate one opening at a time to keep the house protected. They secure floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to maintain interior surfaces. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the permit file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat 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 throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under serious effects, but 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 typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not alternative to an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance company and structure department will not count films as protected openings.

Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leak. That's great, however it increases the value of a properly sized HVAC with excellent dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to check practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire consistent, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is simple however not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware each year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little routines extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to blend options. A set of rarely used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set porch with very little sun direct 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 safeguard outside cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint duty for implementation and practice when outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning Energy efficient impact windows you wish to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about enduring the huge one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The a/c 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 much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals rather than panels.
For many of my customers, that intangible is the deciding element. They know storms will come. They also know life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that only wakes up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to develop pressures, choose the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: security that never requests a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.