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 routine of transporting ladders to mount panels. After 20 years specifying, setting up, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I've seen what holds up and what does not. When the goal is genuine defense with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in ways that exceed storm day. They alter how a home 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 practical take a look at why lots of South Florida homeowners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to read the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Division sets one of the toughest criteria in the nation for constructing components exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is made through specific lab tests that mimic real cyclone conditions.
First comes big missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That mimics roof tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the same unit deals with cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic fast wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings differ by opening size and style pressures, denoted as PSF worths. On ocean-facing residential or commercial properties or high-rises, I often specify units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded direct exposures, ratings in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be adequate, but you size and spec based on the site's wind map, developing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs various reinforcement than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're much better than nothing. But they ask you to do work at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning and the projection track tightens, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows reside in location. You get continuous security, 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 benefit. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: 2 panes of glass bonded by a resilient interlayer, normally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, often more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security enhances due to the fact that laminated glass resists forced 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 fast path inside. Insurance underwriters understand this, which is why policies frequently offer credits for impact doors and windows. In my tasks, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and how many openings are protected.
Energy performance 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 suggests less cooling need, specifically on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact systems. Summertime afternoon peak load visited approximately a ton of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical DIY vs professional installation power use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling efficiency, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most domestic hurricane windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers enhance impact resistance and sound control, but they include weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and more powerful than PVB, permitting thinner areas to achieve higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB solutions tweak the polymer to better take in sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz variety, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows show up typically in discussions due to the fact that tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are frequently utilized as the external or inner ply in an impact system. But 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 susceptible. The effect performance originates from laminated building and construction, not tempering by itself. Numerous systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, however constantly bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coatings matter for convenience. 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 higher. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, particularly in bigger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten up SHGC and accept a minor 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 control here due to the fact that they handle big openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl impact frames, when enhanced appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, but I avoid them for really wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad units look beautiful in older Mediterranean Revival homes, however they require mindful maintenance and smart flashing. The Florida sun damages low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Look for powder-coated surfaces rated for coastal exposure, and request composed service warranty details in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break performance. A pricey system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the crux. Impact forces have to travel from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and then into the structure's framing or masonry.
In concrete block construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells should be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to take place. In wood-framed houses, structural screws should bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. A properly sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a durable, flexible seal that handles thermal expansion. Too small a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it cures poorly. On seaside tasks, I never match dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I constantly specify corrosion-resistant fasteners. Ten 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 integration with the water-resistive barrier are important. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its method. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling floor or a moldy odor two typhoon seasons later.
I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels stored carefully can protect homes efficiently. They likewise assist in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where budget plan is tight in some cases lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom utilized in summer, a tidy motorized roll-down can be sensible, particularly if coupling with impact windows and doors elsewhere stresses the budget. For house 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 home when deployed, and they require action at precisely the time you are handling insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Hurricane Irma, I enjoyed a neighbor try to mount steel panels hours before landfall. The ladder sank in saturated soil, a panel slipped, and we spent 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 continual winds, in some cases loosening fasteners gradually if not maintained.
For long-term owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows give hurricane proof windows protection while maintaining daylight and view. The convenience grows important once you have actually experienced one storm season with zero prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight 2 fights: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can help both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the best covering stacks, you can obstruct a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV blockage 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 insane midafternoon.

I examine glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by decreasing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to space temperature, which minimizes condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat gets in. VT influences how brilliant the interior feels. Balance is crucial. Some house owners want the crisp, clear look of greater VT, even if it means accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roofing overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that show severe light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed units can reduce peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an effectively sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you begin to develop durability. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller sized generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you request. It information the approved configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures tested. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a showroom. Confirm the NOA matches the exact model and alternatives you are purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you are in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will impact window installation want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system offers FL numbers that show code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Speed Cyclone Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of leading manufacturers carry both. Where spending plans permit, I choose NOA items even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They will not tell you effect performance, but they show 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, however make certain your home still has actually stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and overlooking fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more upfront than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed expenses differ with size, shape, surface, and gain access to. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening expenses frequently land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you plan to own the home for 5 years or more, the math typically tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to sell within a year and need to show compliance quickly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless housings move smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems must be engineered 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 style. Reflective films can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward surrounding homes. In coastal ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which finishings balance efficiency with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on modern homes, however in Florida sun cheap surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated coatings offer the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define 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 professional acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes define a narrow list of approved products for harmony. They also care about noise control between systems. If your building sits straight on Collins Opportunity or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and limited parking can add days and dollars.
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Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique attention in design pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks strong in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor balcony. Do not rely on catalog maximum sizes. Utilize the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest projects start with a determined study and exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and recognize any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. During proposition, the professional shows 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 eliminate one opening at a time to keep your house protected. They secure floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to protect 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 license file, especially if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to validate drainage paths and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller change after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact rating does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under severe impacts, however it must remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out debris into the glass, you may see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window movies do not transform 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 building department will not count films as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows minimize air leakage. That's great, but it increases the significance of a properly sized HVAC with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat satisfies quickly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to check sensible heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You desire constant, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is simple however not optional. Clean 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. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are legitimate factors to mix services. A set of hardly ever used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget. A deep-set porch with very little sun exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roof deck accessory or a prepared garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outdoor kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age elegant hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, buy quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Assign obligation 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 wish to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about surviving the huge one. They reshape daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The air conditioner cycles calmly rather of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind sound when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on individuals rather than panels.
For many of my customers, that intangible is the deciding aspect. They understand storms will come. They likewise understand life in South Florida is too great to live inside a fortress that only awakens in August. Miami-Dade approved windows offer 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 option, start with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to develop pressures, pick the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a crew that appreciates the load path. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows deliver what shutters can not: defense that never requests for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.