Flat Polycarbonate (Lexan)
Polycarbonate Hurricane Shutters
Protecting your home from devastating hurricane damage is a top priority for any homeowner. That’s why investing in polycarbonate hurricane shutters is a wise choice. These shutters are crafted with a durable and sturdy material that can withstand heavy winds and debris without breaking or cracking. Flat, clear polycarbonate hurricane shutters offer added benefits such as minimizing heat transfer and offering noise reduction. By investing in these shutters, you’ll not only protect your home from devastating weather but also increase its value and aesthetic appeal. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Upgrade your home’s protection today with these superior-quality hurricane shutters.
Fixed windows can typically only be covered by rolling shutters if you do not wish to use a ladder to operate them. We offer two novel solutions to this issue. While the brand names vary (PalcSun, Lexan, Makrolon) we can utilize a .220″ sheet of polycarbonate as a non-rated protection option. On the other hand, we also offer the only rated flat polycarbonate system- Cleartek Flat Hurricane Panel-, which use a patented bracketing system to achieve impact and pressure resistance that meets Florida Hurricane Codes (as well as North and South Carolina).
Quick Overview
Permanently affixed to home- 24/7 Protection
Improves Insulation
More Cost Efficient than other option- rolldowns
ClearTek provides the only rated system for flat polycarbonate
Clear as Glass
UV Protected- Guaranteed not to Yellow!
Use only over non-operable windows since it covers the entire window and is unable to be broken by a homeowner.
Low to No Maintenence
One of the biggest advantages of accordion hurricane shutters is their ease of use and maintenance. Unlike any other type of hurricane protection, since flat polycarbonate is affixed permanently to your windows, there are no moving parts or labor to be protected. Cleaning the shutters with a non-abrasive cleaner (such as Palmolive) and ensuring to not power wash them, will ensure a long life. (Non-Rated Pictured)
Maintenance
Virtually no maintenance other than cleaning for clarity.
Cost
For fixed openings, there are generally no other options than rolldowns (unless you want to use a ladder or it is reachable on the ground or a deck). There is a significant cost savings associated with polycarbonate vs. rolldowns.
Insurance
Your insurance company may offer a discount if you protect all the openings on your home with a blend of hurricane protection products. Non-Rated does not meet this criteria.
Pressure Rated
We perform design pressure calculations to ensure your shutters will not blow in/out during a storm- which can cause the home to implode. Non-Rated does not meet this criteria.
Energy Efficiency
Rated and non-rated polycarbonate increase the R-Value of your openings, which will help keep your house the correct temperature.
Impact Rated
Shutters meet ASTM 1886E/1996E/e330 and/or TAS 201, 202, 203 to ensure superior protection from flying debris. Non-Rated does not meet this criteria.
Request a Quote Today
Reach Us
Location :
Wilmington, NC
Morehead City, NC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Phone :
+1-910-256-1288
+1-910-256-8656
+1 843-868-1390
Service Areas: Local Hurricane Protection Near You
AHS Carolinas provides certified installation and repair across North and South Carolina. Click your region below to see specific service locations.
Myrtle Beach & The Grand Strand (SC)
We are the premier provider of hurricane shutters in Myrtle Beach, serving the entire Grand Strand. Our team actively installs Bahama and storm shutters in North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Garden City. We extend our wind-rated protection inland to Conway, Socastee, and Carolina Forest, and south to Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. Whether you are in Cherry Grove Beach, Little River, or Arcadian Shores, we have a storm solution for you.
Brunswick Islands & South Coast (NC)
Protecting the Brunswick barrier islands is our specialty. We service Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach with marine-grade shutters. Our technicians are frequently in Southport, Shallotte, and St. James. We also cover inland communities including Leland, Boiling Springs Lake, Winnabow, Navassa, and Lake Waccamaw, ensuring Carolina Shores and Sunset Harbor residents are ready for hurricane season. Includes Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island.
Wilmington & Cape Fear (NC)
Headquartered near the Cape Fear River, we are the top choice for hurricane shutters in Wilmington, NC. We protect coastal properties in Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. Our service radius includes Porters Neck, Figure Eight Island, Castle Hayne, Murrayville, Wrightsboro, Myrtle Grove, and Seabreeze.
Crystal Coast, Topsail & Onslow (NC)
From Jacksonville to New Bern, we secure homes against Atlantic storms. We provide rapid service to Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach, and Surf City, including Hampstead, Sloop Point, and Holly Ridge. Further north, our team installs impact shutters in Emerald Isle, Swansboro, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Havelock, Pine Knoll Shores, and Indian Beach.
Flat Polycarbonate & Lexan FAQ
Learn about our monolithic polycarbonate solutions and our hurricane-rated ClearTek systems for your home.
What is flat monolithic polycarbonate?
Monolithic polycarbonate is a solid, flat sheet of high-impact plastic. In the industry, it is often referred to by the brand name “Lexan.” While extremely tough, standard monolithic sheets are typically used for security and are not hurricane-rated unless specified as a rated system.
Is Lexan the same as a hurricane shutter?
No. Lexan is a brand name for a material, not a shutter style. While these sheets are incredibly impact-resistant, for certified storm protection, we recommend the ClearTek system by Ultratek Worldwide, which is specifically engineered for hurricane forces.
How is the polycarbonate attached to my home?
We use 18-8 Stainless Steel Lag Bolts to ensure the hardware never rusts in our coastal environment. Each bolt is installed with a specialized spacer to allow for essential airflow behind the panel.
Do you offer hurricane-rated clear panels?
Yes. We offer ClearTek by Ultratek Worldwide. Unlike standard “Lexan” sheets, ClearTek is a fully tested and rated hurricane protection system designed to meet strict High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) building codes.
Why do you use spacers during installation?
Spacers are a critical part of our installation process. By creating a small gap between the polycarbonate and your home, we allow air to circulate. This prevents moisture from being trapped and reduces heat transfer to your windows.
Will the polycarbonate panels yellow over time?
Our high-quality polycarbonate sheets and ClearTek systems are manufactured with UV inhibitors. This prevents the material from becoming brittle or yellowing due to sun exposure, keeping your home looking great.
Can I see clearly through these panels?
Absolutely. Flat monolithic polycarbonate is optically clear. It provides the protection you need while allowing 100% of natural light into your home, eliminating the “dark” feeling of traditional metal shutters.
How strong is monolithic polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is roughly 250 times stronger than glass. Even our non-rated sheets provide an incredible security barrier that is virtually impossible to break through with standard tools.
How do I clean my polycarbonate panels?
Simply wash with mild soap and lukewarm water using a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals, ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex), or abrasive brushes, as these can scratch the surface.
Are the stainless steel bolts permanent?
The 18-8 Stainless Steel hardware is designed to stay in place without corroding. While the panels themselves can be removed, many homeowners choose to leave them up year-round for continuous security and storm readiness.
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is flat monolithic polycarbonate?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Monolithic polycarbonate is a solid, flat sheet of high-impact plastic. In the industry, it is often referred to by the brand name ‘Lexan.’ While extremely tough, standard monolithic sheets are typically used for security or light debris protection and are not hurricane-rated unless specified.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is Lexan the same as a hurricane shutter?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “No. ‘Lexan’ is a brand name for polycarbonate resin. While many homeowners use flat polycarbonate sheets for protection, they are not a ‘style’ of shutter. For true storm protection, we recommend the hurricane-rated ClearTek system by Ultratek Worldwide.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How is the polycarbonate attached to my home?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “We use high-quality 18-8 Stainless Steel Lag Bolts for maximum corrosion resistance. These are installed with a specialized spacer between the sheet and the house to allow for necessary airflow and to prevent moisture buildup against the window frame.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Do you offer hurricane-rated clear panels?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes. While standard monolithic polycarbonate is for general impact, we offer ClearTek by Ultratek Worldwide. ClearTek is a fully tested and rated hurricane protection system designed to meet strict building codes.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Why do you use spacers during installation?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Spacers are critical for flat-sheet installations. They create a small gap that facilitates airflow, preventing the ‘greenhouse effect’ that can trap heat and moisture between the polycarbonate and your glass windows.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Will the polycarbonate panels yellow over time?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Standard polycarbonate can yellow if not treated. However, our high-quality sheets and ClearTek systems feature UV inhibitors that protect the material from sun damage and maintain clarity for years.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I see clearly through these panels?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes, flat monolithic polycarbonate is optically clear, providing a view similar to looking through a standard window. This makes them ideal for homeowners who want protection without losing their view or natural light.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How strong is monolithic polycarbonate?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Polycarbonate is approximately 250 times stronger than glass. Even the non-rated versions provide a significant deterrent against smash-and-grab burglaries and accidental impacts.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How do I clean my polycarbonate panels?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a soft cloth or sponge. Never use abrasive cleaners or squeegees, as polycarbonate can be scratched more easily than glass.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Are the stainless steel bolts permanent?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The 18-8 Stainless Steel Lag Bolts are designed for longevity in coastal environments. While the bolts remain, the panels can be removed if necessary, though many customers leave flat monolithic sheets up for year-round security.”
}
}
]
}
Matthew Burns is a storm protection expert and the President of American Hurricane Shutters. Continuing his family’s legacy, he combines 6+ years of hands-on experience with an analytical background from Duke University (B.S., Economics). He specializes in breaking down complex building codes and the long-term financial benefits of hurricane protection, helping Carolina homeowners make safe, informed, and cost-effective decisions.