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 stock up, and the routine of transporting ladders to mount panels. After twenty years defining, installing, and fixing structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is genuine defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that go beyond 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 useful look at why many South Florida homeowners 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 first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Department sets one of the hardest criteria in the nation for developing parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through specific laboratory tests that imitate real typhoon conditions.
First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That mimics 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 mimic rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "fulfills Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often resides in these test limits. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Speed Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind rankings vary by opening size and style pressures, represented as PSF values. On ocean-facing homes or high-rises, I often define systems ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can suffice, but you size and specification based upon the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional knows that a corner exposure at the 2nd story needs various reinforcement than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. 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 caution and the projection track tightens, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in place. You get constant protection, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You also get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, typically PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On tasks along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security improves due to the fact that laminated glass resists required entry. A burglar can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast path inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently provide credits for impact 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 performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with modern low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while maintaining visible light. That means less a/c demand, 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 effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load visited roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electricity usage fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Results differ with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling effectiveness, however the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated items are equal.
Most property typhoon windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers improve effect resistance and sound control, but they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you may see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, permitting thinner sections to attain higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas tweak the polymer to better take in noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up often in discussions since tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently soundproof impact windows used as the external or inner ply in an effect system. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it fails, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact efficiency originates from laminated building and 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 comfort. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida generally 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 low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in larger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I frequently tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage 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 because they handle large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Premium vinyl effect frames, when reinforced correctly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, but I avoid them for really large sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand cautious maintenance and clever flashing. The Florida sun destroys inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces quickly. Search for powder-coated finishes rated for coastal exposure, and demand composed warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window installation 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 essence. 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 cinder block building, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells should be grouted or you require to strike 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 cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply aesthetic. A properly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, versatile seal that handles thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it treatments improperly. On coastal jobs, I never ever pair dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly define corrosion-resistant fasteners. 10 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 integration with the water-resistive barrier are vital. If you rely on sealant alone, water will discover its way in. That wetness might disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy odor 2 typhoon seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels kept carefully can secure homes successfully. They likewise help in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget is tight sometimes lean on shutters to satisfy the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom used in summer, a tidy motorized roll-down can be affordable, particularly if pairing with effect doors and windows somewhere else worries 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 trade-offs. They darken the house when released, and they need action at exactly the time you are managing insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and family logistics. Throughout Cyclone Irma, I saw a next-door neighbor try to mount 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 room. He endured with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters also rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening fasteners over time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows give typhoon proof windows coverage while protecting daytime and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two fights: hidden load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if defined intelligently.

Low-E effect glass uses microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right covering 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, minimizing fading of materials and floor covering. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your AC crazy midafternoon.
I evaluate glass specs with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by lowering nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature, which decreases condensation risk. SHGC drives just how much solar heat enters. VT affects how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roofing system overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect harsh light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed units can lower 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 heating and cooling, and you start to develop durability. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load indicates a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Approval, or NOA, is the document you request. It details the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Verify the NOA matches the exact model and options you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing workplace will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system supplies FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, Florida building code windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Lots of leading makers bring both. Where budget plans permit, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone since the screening is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They will not inform you effect efficiency, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Aim for air leak at or below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is much better for humidity control, but make certain your home still has actually balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and disregarding fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Set up expenses differ with size, shape, finish, and access. On simple 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 surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you plan to own the home for five years or more, the math typically tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you prepare to offer within a year and require to show compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I focus on hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates slide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill style on sliding 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 fashion. Reflective movies can run afoul of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards neighboring properties. In seaside communities, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which finishes balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a huge offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern homes, however in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for coastal direct exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts often need profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Expect extra evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a contractor acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases specify a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They likewise care about sound control between units. If your building sits straight on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Work with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and limited parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique 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 balcony. Do not rely on brochure maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that correspond to your website's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The finest jobs begin with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and identify any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposal, the contractor shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes 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 home safe and secure. They protect floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to preserve interior surfaces. New units 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, particularly if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to validate drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no secret rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to call for a roller change after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under serious effects, but it should remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out debris into the glass, you may see star cracks or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not convert non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, however they do not replacement for a tested, anchored system. Your insurance provider and structure department will not count movies as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact window contractors effect windows minimize air leakage. That's fantastic, but it increases the value of a correctly sized heating and cooling with excellent dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect sensible heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want stable, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware each year with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Little routines extend lifespan.
There are genuine factors to blend solutions. A set of seldom used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set patio with minimal sun exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roofing deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outdoor kitchens or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you pick shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Assign responsibility for implementation and practice once outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the morning you colonial shutters wish to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about surviving the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioning cycles calmly instead 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 lot of my customers, that intangible is the choosing element. They know storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that only 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 self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.
If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to create pressures, pick the right laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and hire a crew that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: protection that never requests for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.
