Kevlar and Beyond: The Power of Modern Hurricane Fabric Screens

When you hear the term “hurricane protection,” your mind probably conjures images of heavy, corrugated metal panels or solid aluminum shutters. But in the world of storm safety, a technological revolution has taken place. Today, one of the most advanced and effective solutions is not metal at all, but a flexible, lightweight, and incredibly strong material: hurricane fabric.

Many people search for “Kevlar hurricane shutters,” using the famous brand name as a catch-all for these advanced textiles. While the principle is similar—using high-tensile fibers for immense strength—the technology has evolved. At American Hurricane Shutters, we specialize in a leading-edge product: Alutech United’s StormTex Hurricane Screens, featuring advanced OmegaTex fabric. This guide will explain what this modern solution is, how it works, and why it’s a fantastic choice for Carolina homeowners.

What Exactly is Hurricane Fabric?

Hurricane fabric is not just a heavy-duty tarp. It’s a scientifically engineered, high-performance textile designed to protect your home’s most vulnerable points—its windows and doors. The OmegaTex fabric used in our StormTex screens is a densely woven, basket-weave polypropylene material. This construction gives it a unique combination of properties that make it ideal for storm protection.

The Science of Stopping Debris

Unlike a rigid shutter that blocks an impact with brute force, hurricane fabric works more like a trampoline or a catcher’s mitt. When struck by flying debris, the screen has a slight give, allowing it to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of the impact over a wider area. This prevents the object from penetrating the screen and breaking the glass behind it. It’s a sophisticated approach that leverages flexibility as a strength, allowing it to stop projectiles that could shatter more brittle materials.

The Key Advantages of Choosing Hurricane Fabric

Homeowners from Wilmington to Myrtle Beach are increasingly choosing hurricane fabric for its unique combination of benefits. It solves many of the common complaints associated with traditional shutter systems.

Advantage 1: Lightweight and Easy to Handle

This is perhaps the most significant benefit. A large aluminum storm panel can be heavy and awkward, requiring two people and a ladder to install. A comparable StormTex screen is a fraction of the weight. This makes the pre-storm deployment process significantly faster, easier, and safer, especially for older homeowners or those who have to prepare their home alone. When the storm is over, taking them down is just as simple.

Advantage 2: Translucent – No More “Hurricane Cave”

One of the worst parts of being hunkered down during a storm is the total darkness imposed by metal shutters. StormTex fabric is translucent, allowing a significant amount of ambient light to filter into your home. This makes the experience far less claustrophobic and much safer, as you can still see to move around your home during a multi-day power outage.

Advantage 3: Simple, Compact Storage

Storing a full set of metal storm panels can be a major headache, requiring significant space in a garage or shed. Hurricane fabric screens, once removed from their anchors, can be rolled up tightly and stored in a provided bag. A full set for an entire house can often fit in a small closet or on a single shelf.

Advantage 4: Unbeatable for Large & Unique Openings

Do you have a large lanai, a screened-in porch, or a wall of sliding glass doors? Protecting these large spans with rigid shutters can be extremely difficult and expensive. Hurricane fabric is the perfect solution. We can create large, continuous screens that cover these entire areas effectively and affordably, something you can see in our gallery of past projects.

Cost-Effectiveness: What is the Price of Hurricane Screens?

Hurricane fabric screens represent an incredible value in the world of rated storm protection. The investment for our professionally installed Alutech StormTex system is approximately $44 per square foot. This price is all-inclusive, covering the custom-fabricated screens, the permanent low-profile anchoring system, and the expert installation by our trained technicians.

When compared to other systems, especially for large openings, the affordability is clear. For many homeowners, it’s the most cost-effective way to get a certified, code-approved storm protection system that is also incredibly easy to use. You can get a preliminary estimate using our online Cost Calculator.

Your Trusted Local Expert for Modern Storm Solutions

Choosing the right hurricane protection is a big decision, and it’s important to work with a company that has deep local experience. American Hurricane Shutters is a family and disabled-owned business that has been serving the Carolinas since 2007. We are fully insured, proud members of the Wilmington-Cape Fear HBA, and have a long history of providing the best products and service to our community. We provide a detailed maintenance guide for all our products and are always available to answer your frequently asked questions.

admin

See Full Bio