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 stock up, and the routine of carrying ladders to install panels. After 20 years specifying, installing, and fixing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is genuine security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how quiet your living room stays on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up quicker than predicted.
This is a useful take a look at why many South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the installation right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Division sets among the toughest standards in the country for building parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through specific laboratory tests that mimic real hurricane conditions.
First comes large rocket effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That mimics roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the exact same system faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic 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 code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" often resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings differ by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I often define systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more protected exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be sufficient, however you size and specification based upon the website's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story demands various support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can satisfy 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 warning and the forecast track tightens up, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get continuous defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. 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 sound. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They satisfy a sticky, persistent membrane rather of a fast course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically offer credits for effect windows and doors. In my tasks, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy performance is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining noticeable light. That indicates less cooling need, especially 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 impact systems. Summertime afternoon peak load visited approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electricity use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling performance, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart DIY vs professional window installation of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most residential cyclone windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, however they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, allowing thinner areas to attain greater style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas tweak the polymer to much better soak up sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows show up typically in discussions because tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are commonly used as the outer or inner ply in an effect unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it stops working, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect efficiency originates from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems use a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida usually targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping visible light transmission around half or greater. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in larger openings. The sweet area depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten SHGC and accept a small tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here due to the fact that they deal with big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when strengthened properly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, however I avoid them for really wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand cautious maintenance and clever flashing. The Florida sun damages inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Search for powder-coated finishes rated for seaside direct exposure, and demand written guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. An expensive unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load path is the core. Effect forces have to take a trip from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and then into the structure's framing or masonry.
In concrete block construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong product. Hollow cells should be grouted or you require to hit the bond Windborne debris protection beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed homes, structural screws must bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. A properly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a resilient, flexible seal that manages thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it remedies inadequately. On seaside tasks, I never match different metals without a barrier, and I always 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 way in. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a musty smell two cyclone seasons later.
I have nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels stored carefully can protect homes effectively. They likewise help in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget 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 seldom used in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, specifically if pairing with impact doors and windows in other places worries the spending plan. For property owners who plan to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken your home when deployed, and they need action at exactly the time you are managing insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I watched a neighbor attempt 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 stormproof windows waiting room. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, often loosening up fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows provide cyclone evidence windows protection while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with absolutely no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle 2 battles: latent load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if defined intelligently.
Low-E effect glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the best finish stacks, you can block a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV clog in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which normally 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 AC insane midafternoon.
I assess glass specs with three 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 lowers condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it indicates accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roofing overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that show harsh light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed units can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside surfaces, and a correctly sized variable-speed a/c, and you begin to develop resilience. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request. It details the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the exact design and choices you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will want this paper trail.
![]()
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Cyclone Zone, Florida building code windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous leading manufacturers bring both. Where budgets allow, I choose NOA items even outside the zone due to the fact that the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They won't tell you impact efficiency, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, but make certain your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting UV blocking impact windows 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 differ with size, shape, finish, and gain access to. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening expenses frequently land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for 5 years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to offer within a year and require to reveal compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings glide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems must be crafted to drain heavy rains without letting wind-driven water blow back in. Ask to see a cutaway tempered glass shower windows sample in the showroom.
Tint colors and reflectivity are more than style. Reflective movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In coastal environments, extremely reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coatings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on contemporary homes, however in Florida sun inexpensive finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts typically need profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a contractor familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of authorized products for uniformity. They likewise appreciate noise control in between units. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Work with structure management on staging and lift gain access to. Weekend work windows and limited parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks strong in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not count on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The best projects start with a determined survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. During proposal, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.
On set up day, they remove one opening at a time to keep your home protected. They protect floorings, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the authorization file, particularly 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 documentation in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to call for a roller change after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe effects, but it should remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you may see star cracks or spidering. The window did its job. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not convert non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurer and building department will not count films as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows reduce air leak. That's excellent, but it increases the importance of a properly sized a/c with great dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat pleases rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to check reasonable heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want steady, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware every year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little habits extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to mix services. A pair of seldom utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set porch with very little sun direct exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roof deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Designate obligation for deployment and practice as soon as beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the morning you want to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about making it through the big one. They improve daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioner cycles calmly instead of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind noise 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 instead of panels.
For much of my customers, that intangible is the deciding factor. They understand storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just wakes up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and peaceful self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to develop pressures, choose the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a team that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never requests a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.