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 hauling ladders to install panels. After two decades defining, setting up, and troubleshooting building envelopes from Secret Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine protection with year-round comfort, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows surpass shutters in manner ins which surpass storm day. They change how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living-room remains on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a practical look at why many South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the standards behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what products matter, and how to get the setup right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets among the most difficult criteria in the country for developing elements exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through specific lab tests that replicate genuine typhoon conditions.
First comes large missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is shot at the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That mimics roofing system tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the same unit faces cyclic pressure loading, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that imitate quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass remains in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "meets Florida building code windows" and "Miami-Dade approved windows" frequently resides in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is just stiffer, particularly in High Speed Cyclone Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings differ by opening size and style pressures, signified as PSF worths. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I frequently specify units rated at +60/ -80 PSF or greater. Inland or in more secured direct exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF variety can be sufficient, but you size and spec based on the site's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. An expert understands that a corner direct exposure at the 2nd story needs different support than a protected window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can meet code, and they're much better than absolutely nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a warning 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 place. You get continuous defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You likewise get advantages every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated impact glass is essentially a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a durable 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 variety, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security enhances since laminated glass withstands required entry. A burglar can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the fragments. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane instead of a fast path inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies typically offer credits for impact windows and doors. In my projects, premiums typically drop 10 to 25 percent, depending upon the carrier and how many openings are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient effect windows with contemporary low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while preserving noticeable light. That suggests less air conditioning demand, specifically on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we changed 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect units. Summertime afternoon peak load visited roughly a lots of cooling, and the home's yearly electrical power usage fell in between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC efficiency, however the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated products 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 enhance effect resistance and sound control, however 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 areas to attain higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulations modify the polymer to better soak up noise in the 1,000 to 3,000 Hz range, where traffic and voices sit.
Tempered glass windows come up often in conversations due to the fact that tempered glass is stronger in flexing than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are commonly utilized as the external or inner ply in an impact unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it stops working, it takes off into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening susceptible. The impact performance originates from laminated construction, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered external lite laminated to a hardened inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishes 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, specifically in bigger openings. The sweet area depends on your exterior orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I typically tighten up SHGC and accept a small tint to manage morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater noticeable transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames dominate here because they deal with large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have actually narrowed the energy space with vinyl. Top quality vinyl effect frames, when reinforced effectively, can perform well for standard-sized openings and have better insulating worths, however I prevent them for really broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look lovely in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand careful upkeep and clever flashing. The Florida sun destroys inexpensive vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum surfaces rapidly. Try to find powder-coated finishes rated for seaside exposure, and request written guarantee details in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break performance. A pricey system installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's stress test. The load path is the core. Impact forces need 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 want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into strong material. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you require to hit the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to occur. In wood-framed houses, structural screws must bite into solid trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb alignment matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. An appropriately sized backer rod and high-quality polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant produce a resilient, versatile seal that manages thermal expansion. Too little a bead and it tears under movement. Too huge and it cures poorly. On seaside jobs, I never pair dissimilar 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 essential. If you rely on sealant alone, water will discover its way in. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate slowly, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty odor two typhoon seasons later.
I have absolutely nothing impact window warranties versus properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are kept and oiled, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels saved thoroughly can safeguard homes efficiently. They also assist in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to meet the Florida building regulations windows requirement for safeguarded openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever utilized in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be sensible, specifically if pairing with effect doors and windows elsewhere stresses the budget. For house 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 house when released, and they need action at exactly the time you are juggling insurance documents, gas cans, and household logistics. During Cyclone Irma, I viewed a neighbor attempt 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 room. He survived with stitches. His living-room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under sustained winds, sometimes loosening up fasteners with time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who wish to set it and forget it, impact windows offer hurricane proof windows coverage while preserving daytime and view. The convenience grows valuable once you've experienced one storm season with absolutely no prep beyond locking the sash.

South Florida homes combat two fights: hidden load from humidity and reasonable load from direct solar heat gain. Effect glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.

Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metallic layers to show infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right finish stacks, you can obstruct a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV clog in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which typically filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of materials and flooring. Include the low-E, and you suppress the solar heat that drives your AC insane midafternoon.
I assess glass specs with 3 numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still helps here by lowering nighttime heat flow and keeping the interior glass temperature closer to hurricane windows space temperature level, which reduces condensation danger. SHGC drives just how much solar heat goes into. VT influences how bright the interior feels. Balance is key. Some homeowners desire the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it means accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, since their landscaping and roofing system overhangs already do some shading. Others choose a stronger tint for glare control on waterside lots that show severe light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed systems can decrease peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and an appropriately sized variable-speed a/c, and you begin to build durability. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller generator and fewer gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notification of Approval, 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 model and alternatives you are buying, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will want this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that show code compliance. In the rest of the state outside the High Velocity Typhoon Zone, Florida building regulations windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Lots of top makers bring both. Where budget plans enable, I choose NOA products even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They won't inform you effect efficiency, however they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leak. Go for air leakage at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is much better for humidity control, however 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 vary with size, shape, surface, and access. On simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses typically land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, custom arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover value:
If you plan to own the home for five years or more, the mathematics frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of comfort. If you prepare to offer 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 glide smoother and last longer on sandy patios. Look at the sill design on sliding doors. Weep systems ought to be crafted 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 films can contravene of neighborhood associations or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding homes. In coastal ecosystems, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Regional pros understand which finishes balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a huge deal. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern-day homes, but in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishes supply 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, but lead times lengthen and costs climb. Anticipate extra review by architectural boards, and line up a contractor familiar with these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations in some cases define a narrow list of authorized products for uniformity. They likewise care about sound control between systems. If your structure sits straight on Collins Avenue or faces a hectic beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Work with building management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and minimal parking can add days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, need unique attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks tough in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor terrace. Do not count on catalog optimum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The finest jobs start with a measured survey and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and recognize any framing abnormalities or settlement fractures. During proposal, the specialist reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and discusses 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 eliminate one opening at a time to keep the house safe. They safeguard floorings, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior surfaces. 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 permit file, particularly if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to validate drain paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documents in order.
Six months later on, your windows still close with 2 fingers, locks bite efficiently, and there is no secret rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not have to require a roller adjustment after the very first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can split under severe impacts, but it must stay in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out debris into the glass, you might see star cracks or spidering. The window did its task. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not transform non-impact windows into cyclone impact-resistant windows. They can include shatter resistance, but they do not replacement for an evaluated, anchored system. Your insurer and building department will not count movies as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leak. That's fantastic, but it increases the significance of a correctly sized heating and cooling with excellent dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat satisfies quickly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your a/c pro to inspect practical heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You want consistent, longer cycles, not brief bursts.
Maintenance is straightforward but not optional. Tidy weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lubricate hardware each year with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Little routines extend lifespan.
There are genuine factors to mix options. A set of seldom utilized garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set patio with very little sun exposure may do great with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can also safeguard outside kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, purchase quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual overrides for roll-downs make a difference. Designate duty for deployment and practice as soon as outside of a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the morning you want to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not only about surviving the huge one. They improve daily living. The living-room stays cooler and quieter. The air conditioner 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 typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on individuals rather than panels.

For a lot of my customers, 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 only wakes up in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows offer you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and quiet confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to design pressures, select the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and work with a crew that appreciates the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never ever asks for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.