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 ritual of carrying ladders to mount panels. After twenty years defining, setting up, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is genuine defense with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that surpass storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how peaceful 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 take a look at why many South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read the standards 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 nation for building elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through specific laboratory tests that mimic genuine typhoon conditions.
First comes large missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the very same unit deals with 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 difference in between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" frequently resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, especially in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings differ by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I often define systems rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more secured direct exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, but you size and spec based upon the site's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. A professional knows that a corner exposure at the second story demands different support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're much better than nothing. However they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the forecast track tightens, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get constant defense, 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 basically a sandwich: 2 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 courses, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves since laminated glass withstands forced entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, persistent membrane rather of a fast path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically provide credits for impact doors and windows. In my tasks, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and how many openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern-day low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining visible light. That means less a/c need, particularly on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact units. Summer season afternoon peak load visited roughly a ton of cooling, and the home's annual electricity use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling effectiveness, but the direction is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated products are equal.
Most property cyclone windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, but they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, enabling thinner sections to accomplish higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB solutions fine-tune 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 typically in conversations since tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are commonly used as the external or inner ply in an impact unit. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it blows up into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect performance comes from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings 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 range while keeping noticeable light transmission around half or higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in bigger openings. The sweet area depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten SHGC and accept a small tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here since they handle large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when enhanced correctly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, however I prevent them for extremely wide sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand mindful maintenance and wise flashing. The Florida sun destroys inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Search for powder-coated surfaces rated for coastal direct exposure, and demand composed service warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break efficiency. An expensive system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the core. 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 concrete block building, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells should be grouted or you require to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed houses, structural screws must 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 simply visual. A properly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a durable, flexible seal that deals with thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it treatments badly. On seaside tasks, I never combine different metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 years later on, you will see who took shortcuts.
Flashing is the other non-negotiable. Pan flashing at sills, self-adhered membranes at jambs and heads, and combination with the water-resistive barrier are important. If you depend on sealant alone, water will find its method. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy odor two hurricane seasons later.
I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are preserved and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels stored carefully can secure homes successfully. They also assist in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building code windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely utilized in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, particularly if coupling with effect windows and doors in other places stresses the budget plan. For homeowners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a brief bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring compromises. They darken your house when released, and they require action at precisely the time you are managing insurance documents, gas cans, and family logistics. During Hurricane Irma, I saw a neighbor attempt to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent the next hour in the urgent care waiting room. He endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, in some cases loosening up fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows offer cyclone proof windows coverage while protecting daytime and view. The benefit grows important once you've experienced one storm season with no preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes battle two battles: latent load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.
Low-E effect glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right coating stacks, you can block a large portion of radiant heat and UV. UV clog in laminated systems comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of fabrics and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your a/c insane midafternoon.
I assess glass specs with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by decreasing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature, which lowers condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect extreme 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 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an appropriately sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to build strength. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you ask for. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Confirm the NOA matches the precise model and options you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Hurricane Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Lots of leading producers carry both. Where budget plans permit, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone due to the fact that the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels handle energy metrics. They will not tell you impact performance, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leakage at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed costs differ with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening costs frequently land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, custom arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recoup worth:
If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for five years or more, the mathematics often tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to sell within a year and need to show compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I focus on hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems should 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 style. Reflective movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In coastal environments, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which coatings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern homes, but in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts often require profiles that simulate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of approved items for uniformity. They likewise care about noise control between systems. If your building sits directly on Collins Opportunity or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated options. Work with building management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and minimal parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require special attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks durable in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not depend on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The best tasks begin with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and identify any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. During proposition, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and explains how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repair work, not pretend no damage will occur.
On set up day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep your 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 authorization file, particularly if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under severe effects, but it should 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 job. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to a tested, anchored system. Your insurer and building department will not count movies as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows minimize air leak. That's excellent, however it increases the importance of an effectively sized HVAC with great dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat satisfies quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling 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 each year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small habits extend lifespan.
There are legitimate reasons to blend services. A set of rarely used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set deck with very little sun exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roofing deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outside kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age storm windows installation fancy hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Appoint obligation for implementation and practice once outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you wish to discover you have 29.

Impact windows are not just about enduring the big one. They reshape daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioner 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 hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals instead of panels.
For a number of my clients, that intangible is the deciding element. They know storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just gets up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows provide 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 option, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to develop pressures, pick the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that respects the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never ever asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.