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 ritual of transporting ladders to mount panels. After 20 years specifying, setting up, and fixing structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is genuine security with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They change how a house feels in August, how peaceful 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 practical take a look at why many South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the installation right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets one of the toughest benchmarks in the nation for developing parts exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through specific laboratory tests that mimic real typhoon conditions.
First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the exact same unit deals with cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "satisfies Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" often resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, especially in High Velocity Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings vary by opening size and design pressures, denoted as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I often define units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more protected exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can suffice, but you size and spec based on the website's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner exposure at the 2nd story needs various support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect 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 work 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 reside in place. You get constant 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 advantage. Laminated impact glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along hectic corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've measured interior sound 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 required entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, however the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a quick course inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies often offer credits for effect doors and windows. In my projects, premiums usually drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while protecting noticeable light. That means less cooling need, especially on west and south exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect units. Summer afternoon peak load dropped by roughly 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 heating and cooling effectiveness, however the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most residential 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, but they include weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, allowing thinner sections to accomplish higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulations tweak the polymer to better absorb noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up frequently in discussions since tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are typically used as the external or inner ply in an impact system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it blows up into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, however always 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 visible light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here because they manage large openings and will not swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when reinforced appropriately, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, but I prevent them for extremely broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require careful upkeep and wise flashing. The Florida sun damages inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes rapidly. Look for powder-coated surfaces rated for coastal direct exposure, and demand written guarantee details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. A costly system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load course is the essence. Impact forces need 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 cinder block building, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid material. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed houses, structural screws need to bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. An effectively sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, flexible seal that handles thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it cures badly. On seaside tasks, I never match dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always 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 essential. If you rely on sealant alone, water will discover its way in. That moisture may disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty smell 2 hurricane seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing versus well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery building code compliant windows backups, and even removable panels stored thoroughly can protect homes successfully. They likewise help in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where spending plan is tight in some cases lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, particularly if pairing with effect doors and windows somewhere else worries the budget 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 your house when deployed, and they require action at specifically the time you are managing insurance coverage documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Hurricane Irma, I saw a next-door neighbor attempt to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the immediate care waiting space. He endured with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, in some cases loosening up fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows give cyclone evidence windows coverage while preserving daylight and view. The convenience grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat 2 fights: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if specified intelligently.
Low-E effect glass uses microscopically thin metal layers to show infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best finish stacks, you can block a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated systems comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of fabrics and floor covering. Include the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your a/c crazy midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specs with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by lowering nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature level, which lowers condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs currently do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show harsh light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern low-E laminated double-glazed systems can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to half on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior surfaces, and a properly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to build strength. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Approval, or NOA, is the file you ask for. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a showroom. Validate the NOA matches the exact model and choices you are buying, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing 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 Speed Hurricane Zone, Florida building code windows can rely on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Many leading makers carry both. Where spending plans permit, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone due to the fact that the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They will not inform you effect efficiency, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, but ensure your home still has 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. Installed expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On uncomplicated single-family homes, per-opening costs often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you plan to own the residential or commercial property for 5 years or more, the mathematics frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you plan to sell within a year and need to reveal compliance rapidly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings slide smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems must be crafted 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 towards neighboring residential or commercial properties. In coastal environments, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which coatings balance performance with compliance.

Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern-day homes, however in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings supply the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts frequently require profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often define a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They likewise care about sound control between units. If your structure sits straight on Collins Avenue or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work with building management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and minimal parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every system that looks strong in a display room meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely on brochure optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The finest 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 proposal, the professional shows 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 install day, they get rid of one opening at a time to keep the house safe and secure. They secure floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior surfaces. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They photograph anchors for the license file, especially if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to verify drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller change after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can split under serious effects, however it needs to stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends debris into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its task. Replace the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into hurricane impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, but they do not substitute for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurance company and structure department will not count films as secured openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient effect windows decrease air leak. That's terrific, however it increases the importance of an appropriately sized HVAC with Category 5 rated windows good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to check practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.

Maintenance is simple but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware every year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little practices extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to blend services. A pair of hardly ever utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set deck with very little sun direct exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a new roofing deck attachment or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign duty for implementation and practice when 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 only about enduring the huge one. They improve daily living. The living room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioning 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 people rather than panels.
For much of my customers, that intangible is the choosing element. They know storms will come. They also know life in South Florida is too good to live inside a fortress that only wakes up in August. Miami-Dade approved windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.
If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to design pressures, select the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a crew that appreciates the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never asks for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.