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 way neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of carrying ladders to mount panels. After twenty years defining, setting up, and troubleshooting structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is real security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They alter how a house feels in August, how quiet your living room stays on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up faster than predicted.

This is a practical take a look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets one of the hardest criteria in the country for constructing elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through specific lab tests that replicate real cyclone 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 exact same unit deals with cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference in between "fulfills Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" typically lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is merely stiffer, particularly in High Speed Cyclone Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings vary by opening size and design pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I often define units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, however you size and specification based upon the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. An expert knows that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story demands various support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can meet code, and they're better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution 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 constant protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You likewise get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On tasks along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, sometimes more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced entry. A burglar can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They fulfill a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a quick path inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently provide credits for impact doors and windows. In my jobs, premiums usually 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-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining visible light. That means 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 effect units. Summer season afternoon peak load stopped by roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical power usage fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes vary with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling performance, but the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most property hurricane windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers improve impact resistance and sound control, however they add weight and expense. For oceanfront or high openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, permitting thinner sections to achieve higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas modify the polymer to better take in sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up frequently in discussions since tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are commonly used as the outer or inner ply in an effect system. However tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the hurricane sense. When it fails, it blows up into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The effect efficiency comes from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coverings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida typically targets a solar heat gain coefficient in residential window glazing the 0.25 to 0.35 variety while keeping visible 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 spot depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to handle morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor higher visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here due to the fact that they manage big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when enhanced appropriately, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating values, but I avoid them for really large sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand mindful maintenance and smart flashing. The Florida sun damages inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Try to find powder-coated finishes rated for coastal exposure, and request written guarantee details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. An expensive system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load path is the core. Impact forces have 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 want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. 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 aesthetic. A correctly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a resilient, flexible seal that handles thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it treatments badly. On seaside jobs, I never ever 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 crucial. If you rely on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty odor 2 hurricane seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels kept thoroughly can safeguard homes efficiently. They likewise help in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget plan is tight sometimes lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for secured openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, specifically if pairing with impact doors and windows elsewhere stresses the spending plan. For property owners who plan 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 deployed, and they require action at precisely the time you are managing insurance papers, gas cans, and family logistics. During Hurricane Irma, I watched a neighbor try to install steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a window warranty panel slipped, and we invested the next hour in the immediate care waiting space. 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 gradually if not maintained.
For long-term owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows provide typhoon evidence windows coverage while protecting daylight and view. The convenience grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes combat 2 battles: latent load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right finish stacks, you can obstruct a big part of convected heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated units comes largely from the interlayer itself, which generally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, lowering fading of materials and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your a/c crazy midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by lowering nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to space temperature level, which reduces condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how bright the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect severe light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed systems can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored exterior finishes, and an effectively sized variable-speed a/c, and you start to construct resilience. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load suggests a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you request for. It details the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is insufficient to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a showroom. Validate the NOA matches the precise design and choices you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting office will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Typhoon Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Numerous leading producers carry both. Where spending plans enable, I choose NOA items even outside the zone due to the fact that the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you effect performance, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, however make sure your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and neglecting fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up costs vary with size, shape, surface, and access. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening costs frequently land 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 recoup value:
If you prepare to own the residential or commercial property for five years or more, the math often tilts in favor of impact windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to sell within a year and need to reveal compliance rapidly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and devices. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings move smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Take a look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems ought to 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 movies can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding residential or commercial properties. In coastal communities, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which finishings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look wonderful on modern homes, but in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings provide the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal exposures whenever budgets allow.
Historic districts typically require profiles that imitate old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, however lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes specify a narrow list of approved items for uniformity. They likewise appreciate noise control between systems. If your building sits directly on Collins Opportunity or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Work with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and restricted parking can add 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 meets the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not rely on catalog optimum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your site's zone, positive and negative pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The finest tasks begin with a determined study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and recognize any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposition, the specialist reveals you the NOA and the Florida Product Approval, lists anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan 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 safeguard floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior surfaces. 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 permit file, specifically if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to confirm drain paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equal breakproof. Laminated glass can split under serious effects, but it must remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out 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 films do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to a tested, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count movies as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows minimize air leakage. That's fantastic, however it increases the importance of an effectively sized HVAC with excellent dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to inspect sensible heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want steady, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware each year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to mix options. A set of seldom utilized garage windows can keep removable panels to shave spending plan. A deep-set porch with very little 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 likewise safeguard outside kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign responsibility for implementation and practice when beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the morning you want to discover you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about surviving the big one. They reshape daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioning 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 typhoon 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 many of my clients, that intangible is the deciding factor. They know storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February early morning and quiet self-confidence when the spaghetti designs point our way in September.
If you are weighing the choice, start with a site-specific evaluation. Match your direct exposures to develop pressures, choose the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a crew that respects the load course. stormproof window maintenance Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: protection that never requests for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.