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 routine of transporting ladders to install panels. After 20 years specifying, installing, and fixing structure envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows exceed shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how quiet 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 many South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets one of the most difficult benchmarks in the country for building elements exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through specific laboratory tests that replicate genuine hurricane conditions.
First comes big rocket impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the very same system deals with cyclic pressure loading, thousands of 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 approved windows" frequently resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings vary by opening size and style pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I frequently define systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more protected exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be sufficient, but you size and specification based on the website's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner exposure at the 2nd story needs various reinforcement than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're much better than absolutely 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, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in location. You get constant protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On tasks along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I have actually measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security enhances because laminated glass withstands forced entry. A robber can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies typically use credits for impact doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That suggests less a/c demand, especially 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 effect units. Summer afternoon peak load dropped by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electricity usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC performance, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most domestic hurricane windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers improve 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 more powerful than PVB, allowing thinner sections to attain higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations fine-tune the polymer to much better take in noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows show up often in discussions because tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently used as the external or inner ply in an impact unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it takes off into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact performance originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Many systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishes 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 noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends on your façade orientation and shading. On large missile impact glazing east and west elevations, I frequently tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to manage early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they manage big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when enhanced properly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, but I prevent them for very wide sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require cautious maintenance and smart flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Search for powder-coated finishes ranked for seaside direct exposure, and request composed warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. An expensive system set up 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 after that into the structure's framing or masonry.
In cinder block construction, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed homes, structural screws need to bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily 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 resilient, versatile seal that handles thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it cures improperly. On seaside tasks, I never combine different metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify 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 discover its method. That moisture may not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty smell 2 cyclone seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored carefully can protect homes successfully. They also help in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where spending plan is tight in some cases lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building code windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summertime, a clean motorized roll-down can be affordable, especially if coupling with effect doors and windows in other places stresses the spending plan. For property owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your home when released, and they need action at precisely the time you are handling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I watched 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 survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, in some cases loosening fasteners with time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows provide cyclone evidence windows protection while preserving daytime and view. The convenience grows important once you've experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two fights: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if defined intelligently.
Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right finishing stacks, you can obstruct a big portion of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated units 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 crazy midafternoon.
I examine glass specs with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by reducing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature level, which decreases condensation danger. SHGC drives how much solar heat goes into. VT influences how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is key. Some property owners want the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it suggests accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect harsh light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can lower peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside surfaces, and an effectively sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you begin to construct durability. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the document you request for. It information the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Validate the NOA matches the exact design and options you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system supplies FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed Typhoon Zone, Florida building regulations windows can rely on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous top makers bring both. Where spending plans allow, I choose NOA items even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you effect performance, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, but make sure your home still has actually stabilized 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 costs vary with size, shape, surface, and access. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you prepare to own the property for 5 years or more, the mathematics frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to sell within a year and need to show compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements 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 style on sliding doors. Weep systems ought to be engineered 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 fashion. Reflective movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In seaside communities, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local 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 cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings offer the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for seaside direct exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts frequently need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate noise control between systems. If your structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or faces 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 include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every system that looks durable in a showroom fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not depend on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best tasks start with a measured study and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and recognize any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. During 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 repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they remove one opening at a time to keep the house safe. They protect floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the license file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drainage paths 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 smoothly, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller adjustment after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe effects, however it ought to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out 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 movies do not convert non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not substitute for a tested, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count films as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows reduce air leak. That's fantastic, but it increases the significance of a properly sized heating and cooling with excellent dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat pleases quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to inspect practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward however 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 habits extend lifespan.
There are legitimate reasons to mix options. A pair of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set patio with very little sun direct exposure might do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing deck accessory or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also protect outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign responsibility for release and practice when outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the morning you wish to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about making it through the big one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The AC 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 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 choosing factor. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that only gets up in August. Miami-Dade approved 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 way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to create pressures, select the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a team that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: security that never ever asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.