STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.
View on Google MapsSTS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.
Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.
The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.
STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.
Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018
Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the method next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the routine of carrying ladders to install panels. After twenty years defining, installing, and repairing structure envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is genuine protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows surpass shutters in ways that exceed storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how peaceful your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.
This is a useful look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to read the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets one of the toughest standards in the country for developing elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through particular lab tests that simulate real hurricane conditions.
First comes big rocket effect. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That simulates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the same system deals with cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" typically resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind scores differ by opening size and design pressures, represented as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I frequently specify systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more protected direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be sufficient, however you size and spec based on the website's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional knows that a corner exposure at the 2nd story demands various support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can satisfy code, and they're better than nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the forecast track tightens up, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in place. You get constant defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated impact glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, in some cases more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced entry. An intruder can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the shards. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a quick course inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies often provide credits for effect doors and windows. In my projects, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and how many openings are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining visible light. That indicates less air conditioning need, especially on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect units. Summertime afternoon peak load dropped by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical energy use fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC performance, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most property cyclone windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or multiple plies. Thicker interlayers improve impact resistance and sound control, however they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more stormproof windows powerful than PVB, permitting thinner areas to attain greater design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, 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 turn up typically in discussions since tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are typically used as the outer or inner ply in an effect unit. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it explodes into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The effect performance comes from laminated 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 coverings matter for comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida normally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping noticeable 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 on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward higher visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here since they manage big openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when strengthened correctly, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, however I avoid them for extremely broad sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require cautious upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun damages low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Search for powder-coated finishes rated for coastal exposure, and demand composed warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. A costly system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the core. Effect forces have to travel 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 construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong product. Hollow cells must be grouted or you require to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just aesthetic. A correctly sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a resilient, versatile seal that deals with thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it cures improperly. On coastal jobs, I never combine different metals without a barrier, and I constantly define 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 vital. If you rely on sealant alone, water will discover its method. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy smell two typhoon seasons later.
I have nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept carefully can protect homes efficiently. They likewise help in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever utilized in summer season, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, especially if pairing with impact windows and doors elsewhere stresses the budget. For property owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a brief 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 managing insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I watched 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 urgent care waiting space. He made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening fasteners with time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give hurricane proof windows protection while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with absolutely no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat two fights: latent load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the ideal coating stacks, you can block a large part of convected heat and UV. UV clog in laminated systems comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which normally 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 air conditioning crazy midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by reducing nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature, which minimizes condensation risk. SHGC drives just how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some house owners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roofing overhangs already 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 units can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and an effectively sized variable-speed HVAC, and you start to develop durability. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you request. It information the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a display room. Verify the NOA matches the precise model and options you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Hurricane Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous top makers bring both. Where budget plans allow, I prefer NOA products even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They will not tell you effect 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 better for humidity control, however make certain your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and ignoring fresh air is a dish for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs differ with size, shape, surface, and access. 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 value:
If you prepare to own the 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 plan to sell within a year and need to show compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings glide smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems need to be crafted 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 films can run afoul of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward surrounding residential or commercial properties. In seaside environments, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which coverings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coverings offer the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for coastal direct exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts typically need profiles that mimic 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 contractor knowledgeable about these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases specify a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They likewise appreciate sound control between systems. If energy code window U-factor your structure sits directly on Collins Opportunity or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work with structure 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 special attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every system that looks tough in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not count on catalog optimum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.

The best tasks start with a determined study and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposition, the contractor shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repairs, 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 protect floorings, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to preserve interior finishes. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photo anchors for the permit file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to verify drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under extreme effects, but it should stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends particles into the glass, you might see star cracks or spidering. The window did its job. Change 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 alternative to a checked, anchored system. Your insurance company and structure department will not count films as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows minimize air leakage. That's great, but it increases the importance of a correctly sized HVAC with good dehumidification. If your system is 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 short bursts.
Maintenance is simple but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware annually with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little habits extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to mix solutions. A set of seldom used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set patio with minimal sun direct exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing system deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also protect outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign duty 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 surviving the big one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The a/c cycles calmly instead of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind noise when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on people rather than panels.
For a number of my customers, that intangible is the deciding element. They know storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that just wakes up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows give you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and peaceful confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to design pressures, pick the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a team that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: security that never ever requests for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.