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 next-door neighbors track tropical waves, the pre-storm rush to stock up, and the ritual of carrying ladders to mount panels. After twenty years specifying, installing, and troubleshooting structure envelopes from Key Largo to Palm Beach, I have actually seen what holds up and what does not. When the objective is genuine security with year-round convenience, Miami-Dade approved, energy‑efficient effect windows outperform shutters in ways that go beyond storm day. They change how a home feels in August, how peaceful your living-room stays on a Saturday night, and how confident you are when a storm line spins up much faster than predicted.
This is a practical look at why lots of South Florida house owners are moving from shutters to hurricane impact-resistant windows, how to check out the requirements behind "Miami-Dade authorized," what products matter, and how to get the installation right the very first time.
Miami-Dade County's Product Control Department sets among the hardest standards in the country for developing elements exposed to windborne particles. Approval is not a marketing sticker. It is earned through specific lab tests that imitate genuine typhoon conditions.
First comes large missile effect. 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, countless pressurization and depressurization cycles that simulate quick wind gusts over hours. If the glass stays in the frame without letting the envelope breach, it passes. The difference between "satisfies Florida building regulations windows" and "Miami-Dade authorized windows" often lives in these test limits. Miami-Dade is simply stiffer, particularly in High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements, which include Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wind ratings vary by opening size and design pressures, signified as PSF values. On ocean-facing properties or high-rises, I typically specify units ranked at +60/ -80 PSF or higher. Inland or in more safeguarded exposures, scores in the +45/ -60 PSF range can suffice, but you size and spec based on the site's wind map, constructing height, and surrounding structures. A professional understands that a corner direct exposure at the second story needs different support than a sheltered window under a deep porch.
Hurricane shutters vs effect windows is not a one-to-one contrast. Shutters can fulfill code, and they're better than nothing. But they ask you to do operate at the worst possible time. When a watch turns to a caution and the projection track tightens, the last thing you want is a ladder, a dead cordless drill, and a missing wing nut.
Impact windows live in location. You get constant defense, even if a pop-up storm surprises you while you're stuck on United States 1. You likewise get benefits every day of the year.
Noise control is the most underappreciated advantage. Laminated effect glass is basically a sandwich: two panes of glass bonded by a durable interlayer, generally PVB interlayer glass or SentryGlas. That interlayer damps noise. On jobs along hectic passages like Biscayne Boulevard or near flight paths, I've measured interior sound drops in the 5 to 10 decibel range, in some cases more when paired with insulated glass units.
Security improves because laminated glass resists forced entry. A robber can shatter the outer lite with a hammer, but the interlayer holds the shards. They meet a sticky, stubborn membrane rather of a quick path inside. Insurance coverage underwriters understand this, which is why policies typically use credits for effect windows and doors. In my jobs, premiums normally drop 10 to 25 percent, depending on the carrier and the number of openings are protected.
Energy efficiency is the third pillar. Energy-efficient impact windows with contemporary low-E effect glass and warm-edge spacers can cut solar heat gain while protecting visible light. That implies less cooling demand, especially on west and south direct exposures where the afternoon sun penalizes interiors. In one Coral Gables retrofit, we replaced 1980s single-pane sliders with laminated low-E effect systems. Summertime afternoon peak load come by approximately a lots of cooling, and the home's annual electrical energy use fell between 12 and 18 percent. Outcomes differ with shading, attic insulation, and heating and cooling effectiveness, however the direction is consistent.
Laminated effect glass is the heart of the system, but not all laminated items are equal.
Most residential cyclone windows utilize a PVB interlayer glass stack, commonly 0.030 to 0.090 inches thick in single or numerous plies. Thicker interlayers enhance effect resistance and sound control, but they add weight and cost. For oceanfront or high openings, you might see SGP (ionoplast) interlayers, which are stiffer and stronger than PVB, permitting thinner sections to attain higher design pressures. For noise-sensitive sites, acoustic PVB formulas 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 because tempered glass is more powerful in flexing than annealed glass. That's true, and tempered lites are typically utilized as the outer or inner ply in an impact unit. But tempered alone is not impact-resistant in the cyclone sense. When it fails, it explodes into little cubes and falls out of the frame, which leaves the opening vulnerable. The impact performance comes from laminated building, not tempering by itself. Many systems use a tempered external lite laminated to an annealed inner lite, or both tempered, however always bonded through a PVB or ionoplast interlayer.
Low-E finishings matter for convenience. A soft-coat low-E tuned for South Florida generally targets a solar heat gain coefficient in the 0.25 to 0.35 range while keeping noticeable light transmission around 50 percent or higher. Go too low on SHGC and the glass can look gray or green, especially in larger openings. The sweet spot depends on 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 lean toward 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 will not swell. Thermal breaks and improved glazing gaskets have narrowed the energy gap with vinyl. High-quality vinyl impact frames, when strengthened properly, can carry out well for standard-sized openings and have much better insulating worths, however I prevent them for extremely large sliders or tall storefront-style windows in high-wind zones. Wood-clad systems look stunning in older Mediterranean Revival homes, but they require cautious upkeep and smart flashing. The Florida sun destroys cheap vinyl and chalks low-grade aluminum finishes quickly. Try to find powder-coated finishes ranked for seaside direct exposure, and demand written guarantee information in salt-air environments.
Window installation can make or break efficiency. An expensive unit installed like a handyman swap-out will not pass a storm's tension test. The load course is the core. Impact forces need to travel from the glass through the frame, to the anchors, into the substrate, and then Vinyl impact windows into the structure's framing or masonry.
In cinder block building, you desire stainless or hot-dipped galvanized anchors embedded into solid product. Hollow cells must be grouted or you need to strike the bond beam. Tapcons in soft, unfilled block are a failure waiting to happen. In wood-framed homes, structural screws should bite into strong trimmers, not simply sheathing. Shimming and plumb positioning matter so the locks engage easily and the weatherstripping compresses evenly.
The sealant joint is not simply visual. A properly sized backer rod and premium polyurethane or silyl-modified polymer sealant create a long lasting, flexible seal that deals with thermal growth. Too small a bead and it tears under movement. Too big and it remedies improperly. On coastal jobs, I never ever combine dissimilar metals without a barrier, and I always define 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 vital. If you depend on sealant alone, water will discover its way in. That wetness may not show up as a drip. It may rot a sill plate gradually, then betray itself as a buckling flooring or a musty odor 2 hurricane seasons later.
I have nothing against well-designed shutters. Accordion shutters that impact resistant glass are maintained and lubricated, roll-down shutters with battery backups, and even removable panels saved thoroughly can protect homes efficiently. They likewise assist in particular cases.
Second homes or seasonal rentals where spending plan is tight often lean on shutters to fulfill the Florida building regulations windows requirement for protected openings. On specialized openings like a lanai that is hardly ever utilized in summer, a clean motorized roll-down can be reasonable, especially if coupling with effect doors and windows elsewhere worries the budget. For property owners who prepare to move within a year, shutters can be a short bridge to compliance before a sale.
But shutters bring trade-offs. They darken your home when deployed, and they require action at specifically the time you are managing insurance coverage papers, gas cans, and family logistics. During Typhoon Irma, I saw 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 made it through with stitches. His living room window did not. Shutters likewise rattle and can vibrate under continual winds, sometimes loosening fasteners in time if not maintained.
For long-lasting owners who want to set it and forget it, impact windows give hurricane evidence windows protection while maintaining daytime and view. The convenience grows important once you've experienced one storm season with zero preparation beyond locking the sash.
South Florida homes fight 2 battles: hidden load from humidity and practical load from direct solar heat gain. Impact glass upgrades can help both if specified intelligently.
Low-E impact glass utilizes microscopically thin metal layers to reflect infrared energy while letting visible light through. With the right coating stacks, you can obstruct a large portion of convected heat and UV. UV obstruction in laminated units comes mainly from the interlayer itself, which usually filters 95 to 99 percent of UV, decreasing fading of materials and flooring. Include the low-E, and you curb the solar heat that drives your air conditioning insane midafternoon.

I evaluate glass specifications with three numbers: U-factor, SHGC, and VT. While U-factor matters more up north, it still assists here by minimizing nighttime heat circulation and keeping the interior glass temperature level closer to room temperature level, which decreases condensation risk. SHGC drives how much solar heat enters. VT influences how intense the interior feels. Balance is essential. Some house owners want the crisp, clear look of higher VT, even if it indicates accepting a few degrees more heat in late afternoon, due to the fact that their landscaping and roof overhangs already do some shading. Others prefer a more powerful tint for glare control on waterside lots that reflect harsh light.
In practical terms, going from clear single-pane sliders to contemporary low-E laminated double-glazed systems 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 a properly sized variable-speed heating and cooling, and you start to develop durability. If the grid decreases and you switch to a generator, a lower cooling load implies a smaller sized generator and less gallons of fuel.
Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, or NOA, is the file you ask for. It details the authorized configurations, sizes, anchors, and pressures checked. It is not enough to hear "these are Miami-Dade approved windows" in a building code safety glazing showroom. Validate the NOA matches the exact model and options you are purchasing, consisting of the glazing makeup and hardware. If you remain in Broward or Miami-Dade, your permitting workplace will desire this paper trail.
Statewide, the Florida Product Approval system provides FL numbers that reveal 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. Numerous leading makers carry both. Where budget plans permit, I choose NOA products even outside the zone because the testing is stiffer.
NFRC labels deal with energy metrics. They will not inform you effect efficiency, but they show U-factor, SHGC, VT, and air leakage. Aim for air leak at or listed below 0.3 cfm/ft TWO. Tighter is better for humidity control, but ensure 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. Set up expenses vary with size, shape, surface, and access. On straightforward single-family homes, per-opening costs often land between 1,200 and 3,000 dollars for basic sizes. Big multi-panel sliders, customized arches, and coastal-grade finishes raise the numbers quickly.
Where you recover worth:
If you prepare to own the property for five years or more, the mathematics typically tilts in favor of effect windows, especially when you factor the intangible of peace of mind. If you prepare to offer within a year and need to reveal compliance quickly, shutters might make more short-term sense. Context matters.
I pay attention to hardware and accessories. Multi-point locks on casements and awnings enhance seal compression and security. For sliders, robust tandem rollers in stainless real estates move smoother and last longer on sandy patio areas. Take a look at the sill style on moving doors. Weep systems ought to be crafted to drain pipes 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 run afoul of neighborhood watch or produce mirror-like glare toward surrounding homes. In seaside ecosystems, highly reflective glass can puzzle birds or sea turtles in some jurisdictions. Local pros know which finishings balance performance with compliance.
Color stability is a big offer. Dark bronze or black frames look great on contemporary homes, but in Florida sun cheap finishes chalk and fade. AAMA 2605-rated finishings supply the best color retention and chalk resistance. I specify them for coastal direct exposures whenever budget plans allow.
Historic districts typically need 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 review 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 authorized products for harmony. They likewise care about noise control between units. If your building sits directly on Collins Opportunity or faces a busy 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, require special attention in style pressure, deflection, and operating hardware. Not every unit that looks sturdy in a display room 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, favorable and negative pressures, and mullion mixes if any.
The best projects begin with a measured study and direct exposure analysis. You map each opening, keep in mind the substrate, and determine any framing abnormalities or settlement cracks. Throughout proposition, the specialist shows you the NOA and the Florida Item Approval, lists anchor types, and describes how each opening will be flashed and sealed. They plan for stucco or drywall repairs, not pretend no damage will occur.
On set up day, they remove one opening at a time to keep your house safe and secure. They protect floors, draw back window treatments, and cap sprinklers. Old frames bring out care to preserve interior surfaces. New systems get dry-fit, shimmed, and anchored per the schedule. The team checks squareness and diagonals before setting sealant. They picture anchors for the authorization file, especially if they will be concealed. After glazing, they water-test with a regulated spray to confirm drain paths and seals. The inspector sees a cool jobsite, clear labels, and documentation in order.
Six months later, your windows still close with two fingers, locks bite smoothly, and there is no mystery 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 crack under serious effects, but it must remain 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 movies do not convert non-impact windows into typhoon impact-resistant windows. They can add shatter resistance, however they do not replacement for a new construction windows checked, anchored system. Your insurer and structure department will not count films as safeguarded openings.
Interior humidity matters. Tight, energy-efficient impact windows minimize air leak. That's terrific, however it increases the value of a correctly sized HVAC with good dehumidification. If your system is large, the thermostat pleases rapidly and stops working to pull enough moisture from the air. Ask your HVAC pro to inspect practical heat ratio, airflow, and run time. You desire steady, longer cycles, not short bursts.
Maintenance is uncomplicated but not optional. Clean weep holes on sliders, wash salt spray from frames, and lube hardware yearly with a silicone-based item that will not gum up in heat. Small routines extend lifespan.
There are genuine factors to mix services. A set of rarely used garage windows can keep detachable panels to shave budget. A deep-set porch with minimal sun exposure may do fine with accordion shutters if you focus on other upgrades like a brand-new roofing system deck attachment or a fortified garage door. Shutters can likewise secure outside kitchen areas or cabana openings where grease and smoke would age fancy hardware prematurely.
If you choose shutters, invest in quality. Stainless fasteners, smooth tracks, and motors with manual bypasses for roll-downs make a distinction. Designate duty for implementation and practice once beyond a storm watch. Inventory your hardware. The day you require 32 wing nuts is not the early morning you want to discover you have 29.

Impact windows are not only about making it through the huge one. They reshape 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 noise when a squall line passes at 2 a.m. When a hurricane threatens, your preparation list gets shorter. You lock the sashes, set storm mode on the alarm, and focus on people instead of panels.
For a lot of my clients, that intangible is the choosing element. They understand storms will come. They also understand life in South Florida is too good 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 confidence when the spaghetti designs point our method September.
If you are weighing the option, begin with a site-specific assessment. Match your exposures to develop pressures, choose the best laminated glass stack for wind and heat, select frames that fit the architecture and conditions, and employ a team that respects the load course. Done right, energy‑efficient impact windows provide what shutters can not: security that never ever requests for a ladder and a better home every day of the year.