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 neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the ritual of transporting ladders to mount panels. After twenty years specifying, setting up, and fixing building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is real defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in manner ins which go beyond 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 quicker than predicted.
This is a practical look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to typhoon impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what materials matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets one of the most difficult benchmarks in the country for constructing elements exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through particular lab tests that replicate real typhoon conditions.
First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That simulates roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the very same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction in between "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" often lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings differ by opening size and design pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I frequently define systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured direct exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be enough, but you size and spec based on the site's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs different reinforcement than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're much better than 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, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in place. You get constant security, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along busy corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, sometimes more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass withstands forced entry. An intruder can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast course inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies often use credits for effect windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern-day low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving visible light. That suggests less cooling need, particularly 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 afternoon peak load dropped by approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling performance, however the direction is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most domestic cyclone windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, but they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, allowing thinner sections to accomplish higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas modify the polymer to better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.

Tempered glass windows come up frequently in conversations since tempered glass is stronger in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are commonly used as the external or inner ply in an impact system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact performance originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
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Low-E coatings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida typically targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here because they manage large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. High-quality vinyl impact frames, when enhanced properly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, but I prevent them for extremely large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they demand careful upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun ruins inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Search for powder-coated surfaces ranked for coastal direct exposure, and request composed warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window installation 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 core. Effect forces have to travel 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 want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells should be grouted or you require to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should 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 just visual. An appropriately sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a resilient, versatile seal that deals with thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it remedies badly. On coastal jobs, I never combine different metals without a barrier, and I constantly 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 crucial. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty odor two cyclone seasons later.
I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved carefully can safeguard homes effectively. They also help in certain cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget is tight sometimes lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever utilized in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, particularly if pairing with effect doors and windows somewhere else worries the spending plan. For homeowners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken the house when released, and they require action at exactly the time you are juggling insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Typhoon 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 spent the next hour in the immediate care waiting room. He endured with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows offer typhoon evidence windows coverage while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with absolutely no preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle two fights: latent load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the ideal finishing stacks, you can obstruct a large part of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of materials and floor covering. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioning insane midafternoon.
I examine glass specifications with three 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 space temperature level, which decreases condensation danger. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it indicates accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roofing system overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show severe 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 a properly sized variable-speed a/c, and you begin to construct strength. 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 Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you ask for. It details the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a showroom. Verify the NOA matches the precise model and choices you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting workplace 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 Hurricane Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous top makers bring both. Where spending plans enable, I choose NOA items even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They won't tell you effect efficiency, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, however make certain your home still has stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs differ with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening expenses often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you prepare to own the property for five years or more, the math often tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to offer within a year and need to show compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of 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 patio areas. Take a look at the sill design on moving doors. Weep systems should 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 fashion. Reflective films can run afoul of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring residential or commercial properties. In seaside communities, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which finishes balance performance with compliance.

Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on contemporary homes, however in Florida sun inexpensive finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes offer the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal exposures whenever spending plans low-E hurricane glass allow.
Historic districts typically require profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Expect extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of authorized items for harmony. They likewise care about sound control in between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Deal with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require special attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks durable in a display room fulfills the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely 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 tasks start with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. Throughout proposal, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item 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 protected. They secure floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to protect interior surfaces. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the permit file, especially if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to call for a roller modification after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under serious impacts, but it should stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out debris into the glass, you may see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not transform non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for a checked, anchored system. Your insurance provider and building department will not count films as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows minimize air leak. That's terrific, but it increases the value of an effectively sized heating and cooling with good dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect reasonable heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You desire stable, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware every year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Small habits extend lifespan.
There are genuine factors to blend solutions. A pair of hardly ever used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set patio with very little sun direct exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise protect outdoor kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Assign obligation for implementation and practice when beyond 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 only about making it through the big one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The AC 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 cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals rather than panels.
For a number of my customers, that intangible is the deciding element. They understand storms will come. They also know life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade approved windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and quiet self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to design pressures, choose the ideal 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 effect windows deliver what shutters can not: protection that never requests a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.