STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.
View on Google MapsSTS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.
Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.
The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.
STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.
Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018
Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the method next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stockpile, and the ritual of carrying ladders to install panels. After 20 years defining, setting up, and fixing building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the objective is real security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade authorized, energy‑efficient impact windows outshine shutters in manner ins which exceed storm day. They alter 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 useful take a look at why numerous South Florida property owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what materials matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Division sets among the toughest standards in the country for building parts exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is made through specific laboratory tests that imitate genuine cyclone conditions.
First comes large missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at approximately 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the effect, the same unit faces 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 "fulfills Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, especially in High Velocity Typhoon Zone requirements, that include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings vary by opening size and style pressures, denoted as PSF values. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I frequently specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured exposures, rankings in the +45/ -60 PSF range can suffice, but you size and specification based on the website's wind map, developing 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 impact windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can meet 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 forecast 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 defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On tasks along hectic corridors like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I've determined interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, sometimes more when paired 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 satisfy a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a fast path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters know this, which is why policies frequently provide credits for impact windows and doors. In my projects, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the provider and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the 3rd pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving noticeable light. That suggests less air conditioning demand, especially on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun punishes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E impact systems. Summer afternoon peak load come by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical power usage fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC efficiency, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated impact glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products are equal.
Most residential cyclone windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, frequently 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers enhance impact resistance and sound control, but they include weight and expense. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, allowing thinner areas to attain greater design pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations fine-tune the polymer to much better take in sound in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows turn up typically in conversations since tempered glass is more powerful in bending than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are typically utilized as the external or inner ply in an impact unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the typhoon sense. When it fails, it explodes into small cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact efficiency comes from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Lots of systems utilize a tempered external 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 variety while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or greater. Go too short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten SHGC and accept a minor tint to handle early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I lean toward greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here since they handle large 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 properly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, but I prevent them for really wide sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look gorgeous in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand mindful maintenance and wise flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces quickly. Look for powder-coated finishes ranked for coastal direct exposure, and demand written service warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break efficiency. An expensive system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the core. 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 building and construction, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells must 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 need to bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage cleanly and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just aesthetic. An effectively sized backer rod and top quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a resilient, flexible seal that deals with thermal growth. Too little a bead and it tears under motion. Too big and it treatments badly. On coastal jobs, I never combine 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 combination with the water-resistive barrier are essential. If you depend on sealant alone, water will find its way in. That moisture may not show up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy hurricane-resistant windows smell 2 cyclone seasons later.
I have nothing versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and lubed, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels stored thoroughly can protect homes effectively. They also help in specific cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where budget is tight sometimes lean on shutters to meet the Florida building code windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is rarely used in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be affordable, particularly if coupling with effect windows and doors somewhere else worries the budget plan. For property owners who prepare 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 released, and they require action at precisely the time you are managing insurance documents, gas cans, and family logistics. Throughout Typhoon Irma, I enjoyed a 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 urgent care waiting room. He survived 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 want to set it and forget it, effect windows give cyclone evidence windows Home hardening upgrades protection while protecting daytime and view. The convenience grows valuable once you have actually experienced one storm season with no prep beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight two battles: latent load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect 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 right coating stacks, you can block a big portion of convected heat and UV. UV blockage in laminated units comes mostly from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, minimizing fading of fabrics and floor covering. Include the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your a/c crazy midafternoon.
I examine glass specifications with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While NOA windows U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by decreasing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to room temperature, which minimizes condensation risk. SHGC drives how much solar heat gets in. VT affects how intense the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners want the crisp, clear appearance of higher VT, even if it implies accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, because their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a more powerful tint for glare control on waterfront lots that reflect extreme light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed units can minimize 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 a/c, and you begin to build strength. If the grid goes down and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load means a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Approval, or NOA, is the document you ask for. It information the authorized setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures evaluated. It is inadequate to hear "these are Miami-Dade authorized windows" in a display room. Validate the NOA matches the exact model and choices you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system supplies FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Speed Typhoon Zone, Florida building regulations windows can count on Florida Product Approval without Miami-Dade specific NOAs. Many top manufacturers bring both. Where spending plans allow, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels manage energy metrics. They won't tell you impact performance, however they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Go for air leakage at or below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, but make certain your home still has stabilized ventilation. Sealing the envelope and ignoring fresh air is a recipe for indoor air quality complaints.
Impact windows cost more in advance than shutters. There's no spin around that. Installed expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and access. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for standard sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you plan to own the home for five years or more, the math often tilts in favor of impact windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of assurance. If you plan to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance rapidly, shutters may make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I take note of hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings improve seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates glide smoother and last longer on sandy outdoor patios. Look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems should 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 movies can run afoul of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare toward neighboring properties. In seaside communities, highly reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros know which finishings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look fantastic on contemporary homes, however in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes provide the very best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for seaside direct exposures whenever budget plans allow.


Historic districts typically 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 contractor acquainted with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations sometimes specify a narrow list of approved products for uniformity. They also care about noise control in between units. If your structure sits directly on Collins Avenue or deals with a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated alternatives. Work with building management on staging and lift gain access to. 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 system that looks tough in a display room satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not depend on catalog maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The best jobs begin with a measured survey and exposure analysis. You map each opening, note the substrate, and identify any framing irregularities or settlement cracks. Throughout proposal, the contractor reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and discusses how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare 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 the house secure. They safeguard floors, pull back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to maintain interior finishes. New units get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The crew checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the license file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to confirm drain courses and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and paperwork in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle during thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller adjustment after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact ranking does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can break under severe effects, but it ought 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. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, but they do not alternative to an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count movies as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows minimize air leakage. That's terrific, but it increases the significance of an effectively sized heating and cooling with good dehumidification. If your system is extra-large, the thermostat pleases quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your heating and cooling pro to inspect practical heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want constant, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware yearly 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 utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget. A deep-set deck with minimal sun direct exposure might do great with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a new roofing system deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you select shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, Financing for impact windows and tempered safety glass motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Designate 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 want to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about enduring the big one. They improve 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 cyclone threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals rather than panels.
For many of my clients, that intangible is the choosing factor. They understand storms will come. They likewise know life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just 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, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your direct exposures to create pressures, pick the ideal laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a team that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: security that never ever asks for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.