STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned company based in South Florida that specializes in premium hurricane protection solutions, including impact windows, doors, custom storefronts, and roofing. Combining over 25 years of industry experience with military precision, STS provides expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, backed by a leading 3-year installation warranty. Their comprehensive services ensure security and peace of mind for both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency.
View on Google MapsSTS Impact Windows and Doors specializes in hurricane protection solutions, offering high-quality impact windows, storm-resistant doors, custom storefronts, and professional roofing services. With expert installation, full transparency, and outstanding customer service, the company ensures homes and businesses stay secure and energy-efficient.
STS Impact Windows and Doors is located at 1000 Holland Dr Suite 10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States. The company proudly serves residential and commercial clients across Florida and throughout the United States, delivering reliable storm protection solutions. View their location on Google Maps.
Yes, STS Impact Windows and Doors is a veteran-owned company recognized for its dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This background adds an extra level of trust and reliability for homeowners and businesses seeking storm protection solutions.
STS Impact Windows and Doors provides a wide range of services including the installation of hurricane impact windows, impact doors, custom commercial storefronts, and roofing services. Each project is backed by expert craftsmanship, a 3-year installation warranty, and over 25 years of industry experience.
The company proudly serves both residential homeowners and commercial property owners. From protecting family homes to fortifying businesses with hurricane-rated storefronts, STS Impact Windows and Doors delivers customized solutions that ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
Clients benefit from the company’s focus on quality, reliability, and efficiency. Their impact-resistant windows and doors not only enhance security and hurricane protection but also improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and increase property value. With a 3-year installation warranty, customers can trust in long-term performance and peace of mind.
STS Impact Windows and Doors has been recognized with multiple industry honors, including the South Florida Veteran Owned Business Excellence Award, Best Hurricane Protection Provider 2023 Florida, and the Angi’s Super Service Award for Window Installation. These awards highlight their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
You can reach STS Impact Windows and Doors by phone at 561-600-1018 or visit their website at stswindows.com. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and are available on Facebook and Instagram for updates and project showcases.
Business Name: STS Impact Windows & Doors
Address: 1000 Holland Dr #10, Boca Raton, FL 33487, United States
Phone: (561)-600-1018
Hurricane season shapes life along Florida's coasts. You feel it in the way neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of hauling ladders to install panels. After two decades specifying, setting up, and fixing structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what doesn't. When the goal is genuine protection with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows surpass shutters in manner ins which go beyond storm day. They alter how a home feels in August, how quiet your living-room stays on a Saturday night, and how positive you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a practical take a look at why many South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to cyclone impact-resistant windows, how to read the requirements behind "Miami-Dade approved," what products matter, and how to get the installation right the first time.
Miami-Dade County's Item Control Division sets among the toughest standards in the country for building components exposed to windborne debris. Approval is not a marketing sticker label. It is earned through particular laboratory tests that imitate real hurricane conditions.
First comes large missile impact. A 9-pound 2x4 is contended the glass at roughly 34 miles per hour. That imitates roofing tiles, branches, or pieces of fencing that fly in the eyewall. After the impact, the same system faces cyclic pressure loading, thousands of pressurization and depressurization cycles that mimic rapid wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The distinction between "meets Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade noise reduction windows authorized windows" typically lives in these test thresholds. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, especially in High Speed Typhoon Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings differ by opening size and design 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 greater. Inland or in more protected exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF range can be enough, however you size and spec based on the site's wind map, building height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner exposure at the second story needs different reinforcement than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs impact windows is not a one-to-one comparison. Shutters can meet code, and they're 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 up, the last thing you desire is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get constant defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on US 1. You likewise get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated benefit. Laminated impact glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a resistant interlayer, usually PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps sound. On jobs along busy passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight courses, I have actually measured interior noise drops in the 5 to 10 decibel variety, sometimes more when coupled with insulated glass units.
Security improves because laminated glass resists forced entry. A burglar can shatter the external lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They satisfy a sticky, persistent membrane instead of a fast path inside. Insurance underwriters know this, which is why policies typically offer credits for effect doors and windows. In my tasks, premiums generally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and how many openings aluminum windows are protected.
Energy performance is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with modern-day low-E impact glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while protecting noticeable light. That indicates less cooling demand, 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 units. Summertime afternoon peak load come by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electricity use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Results vary with shading, attic insulation, and HVAC performance, but the instructions is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, however not all laminated products are equal.
Most HVHZ windows domestic cyclone windows use a PVB interlayer glass stack, typically 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or several plies. Thicker interlayers improve impact resistance and sound control, but they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or tall openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, allowing thinner sections to accomplish higher style pressures. For noise-sensitive websites, acoustic PVB formulations fine-tune 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 often in discussions due to the fact that tempered glass is stronger in bending than annealed glass. That holds true, and tempered lites are commonly utilized as the outer or inner ply in an impact system. However 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 effect performance comes from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Many systems utilize a tempered outer lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, but always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E coatings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida typically 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 short on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, specifically in larger openings. The sweet spot depends upon your façade orientation and shading. On east and west elevations, I often tighten up SHGC and accept a slight tint to manage early morning and afternoon blasts. On north elevations, I favor greater visible transmittance for daylighting.
Frames are the other half of the story. Aluminum frames control here due to the fact that they deal with large openings and won't swell. Thermal breaks and enhanced glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. Premium vinyl impact frames, when reinforced appropriately, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating values, but I avoid them for extremely broad sliders or high storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they demand mindful maintenance and clever flashing. The Florida sun destroys low-cost vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Look for powder-coated finishes rated for coastal exposure, and demand written warranty information in salt-air environments.
Window setup can make or break efficiency. An expensive system set up like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the crux. Effect forces need to take a trip from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and then into the structure's framing or masonry.
In cinder block building, you want stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells need to be grouted or you require to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed homes, structural screws need to bite into strong trimmers, not just sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not just visual. An appropriately sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant develop a resilient, flexible seal that handles thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it treatments badly. On seaside jobs, I never ever pair different metals without a barrier, and I always define 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 integration with the water-resistive barrier are important. If you count on sealant alone, water will find its method. That wetness may disappoint up as a drip. It might rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a moldy odor 2 cyclone seasons later.
I have nothing against properly designed shutters. Accordion shutters that are maintained and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even detachable panels kept carefully can safeguard homes successfully. They also assist in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal leasings where spending plan is tight in some cases lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building code windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is seldom used in summertime, a tidy motorized roll-down can be reasonable, especially if coupling with impact windows and doors elsewhere 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 deployed, and they need action at precisely the time you are managing insurance papers, gas cans, and household logistics. Throughout Cyclone Irma, I saw a next-door 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, sometimes loosening fasteners with time if not maintained.
For long-term owners who wish to set it and forget it, effect windows give cyclone proof windows protection while maintaining 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 combat two fights: hidden load from humidity and sensible load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can assist both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass uses microscopically thin metallic layers to reflect infrared energy while letting noticeable light through. With the right finishing stacks, you can obstruct a large part of radiant heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated units comes largely from the interlayer itself, which normally filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, reducing fading of materials and flooring. Add the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your AC insane midafternoon.
I examine glass specifications with 3 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 decreases condensation threat. SHGC drives how much solar heat goes into. VT affects how intense the interior feels. Balance is key. Some house owners desire the crisp, clear appearance of greater VT, even if it implies accepting a couple of degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roofing overhangs currently do some shading. Others prefer a stronger tint for glare control on waterfront lots that show extreme light.
In useful terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to modern-day low-E laminated double-glazed systems can minimize peak solar gains by 30 to 50 percent on the most exposed sides. Couple that with tuned overhangs, light-colored outside finishes, and a properly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to develop strength. If the grid decreases and you change to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, or NOA, is the document you request for. It information the approved setups, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. 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 purchasing, including the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your allowing office will desire this paper trail.

Statewide, the Florida Item Approval system supplies FL numbers that reveal code compliance. In the remainder of the state outside the High Velocity Cyclone Zone, Florida building regulations windows can depend on Florida Item Approval without Miami-Dade particular NOAs. Many leading hurricane shutters makers carry both. Where budget plans permit, I prefer NOA items even outside the zone since the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They will not inform you impact performance, but they reveal U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft ². Tighter is better for humidity control, however make sure your home still has balanced ventilation. Sealing the envelope and ignoring 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 simple single-family homes, per-opening expenses often land in between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Large multi-panel sliders, custom-made arches, and coastal-grade surfaces raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover value:
If you plan to own the home for 5 years or more, the math frequently tilts in favor of effect windows, particularly when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you plan to offer within a year and require to reveal compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on sashes and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates slide smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill style on sliding doors. Weep systems should be crafted to drain 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 watch or produce mirror-like glare towards surrounding homes. In coastal environments, extremely reflective glass can confuse birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros understand which coatings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big deal. Dark bronze or black frames look great on modern-day homes, however in Florida sun inexpensive surfaces chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings offer the best color retention and chalk resistance. I define them for coastal direct exposures whenever spending plans allow.
Historic districts frequently require profiles that mimic old wood sash sightlines. There are impact-rated windows that fit these requirements, but lead times extend and costs climb. Anticipate additional evaluation by architectural boards, and line up a specialist knowledgeable about these submissions.
Condos have another layer of governance. Associations often specify a narrow list of approved items for harmony. They likewise care about noise control in between units. If your building sits straight on Collins Opportunity or faces a busy beach boardwalk, push for acoustic laminated choices. Work with structure management on staging and lift access. Weekend work windows and limited parking can include days and dollars.
Large openings, like a 16-foot-wide slider, require special attention in style pressure, deflection, and running hardware. Not every unit that looks tough in a showroom satisfies the wind loads on a ninth-floor veranda. Do not count on catalog maximum sizes. Use the NOA tables that represent your website's zone, positive and unfavorable pressures, and mullion combinations if any.
The finest jobs start with a measured study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and recognize any framing irregularities or settlement fractures. During proposal, the professional reveals you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, notes anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They prepare for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.
On install day, they remove one opening at a time to keep your house safe. They protect floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames come out with care to protect 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 authorization file, specifically if they will be hidden. After glazing, they water-test with a controlled spray to confirm drainage courses and seals. The inspector sees a neat jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery rattle throughout thunderstorms. You did not need to require a roller change after the first week. That is the standard.
Impact score does not equivalent breakproof. Laminated glass can crack under serious effects, but it ought to remain in the frame and hold together. After a storm that sends out particles into the glass, you might see star fractures or spidering. The window did its job. Change the sash or IGU after the event.
Window films do not convert non-impact windows into typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, however they do not alternative to a checked, anchored system. Your insurance company and building department will not count films as protected openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows decrease air leakage. That's terrific, however it increases the value of a properly sized a/c with excellent dehumidification. If your system is oversized, the thermostat satisfies rapidly and fails to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to check reasonable heat ratio, air flow, and run time. You want consistent, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and oil hardware annually with a silicone-based product that will not gum up in heat. Small practices extend lifespan.
There are genuine reasons to mix options. A pair of rarely used garage windows can keep removable panels to shave budget plan. A deep-set patio with minimal sun exposure might do fine with accordion shutters if you prioritize other upgrades like a brand-new roof deck accessory or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise safeguard outdoor cooking areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age expensive hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with handbook bypasses for roll-downs make a difference. Assign duty for deployment and practice once beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you need 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to find you have 29.
Impact windows are not just about surviving the big one. They improve daily living. The living-room remains cooler and quieter. The AC cycles calmly instead of racing at 4 p.m. You sleep without freight trains of wind noise when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a typhoon threatens, your preparation list gets much shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and concentrate on people instead of panels.
For a lot of my clients, that intangible is the deciding aspect. They know storms will come. They also know life in South Florida is too excellent to live inside a fortress that just awakens in August. Miami-Dade authorized windows provide you both: a clear view of Biscayne Bay on a breezy February morning and quiet self-confidence when the spaghetti models point our method September.
If you are weighing the choice, begin with a site-specific evaluation. Match your exposures to create pressures, select the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, choose frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a team that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient effect windows provide what shutters can not: defense that never ever asks for a ladder and a much better home every day of the year.