1. What are storm panels?

Storm panels are corrugated sheets of aluminum, steel, or clear polycarbonate that are attached to the outside of windows and doors during a hurricane warning. They are the most traditional and widely used form of hurricane protection due to their extreme strength and affordability.

Unlike permanent shutters (like Bahama or Rolldown), panels are removable. You put them up when a storm approaches and take them down afterwards, storing them in your garage or shed. They offer HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) rated protection for a fraction of the cost of permanent systems.

2. How much do hurricane panels cost?

Rated Aluminum Panels typically cost $18 per square foot, while Rated Clear (Polycarbonate) Panels cost roughly $22 per square foot. This makes them the most budget-friendly option on the market—significantly cheaper than Accordion Shutters ($34/sq ft).

For a standard home, panels can save you thousands of dollars while providing the same level of impact protection as more expensive systems. Use our Shutter Cost Calculator to estimate your project.

3. Aluminum vs. Clear Panels: Which is better?

Aluminum panels are cheaper ($18/sq ft) and hide your home’s interior, while Clear panels ($22/sq ft) allow light in and look better. Many customers use a hybrid approach: they install clear panels on living room windows to avoid the “cave effect” during a blackout, and use aluminum panels on bedrooms or garage windows to save money.

Both our Bertha Aluminum and ClearTek panels are fully hurricane rated. Clear panels have the added benefit of being lighter and having no sharp edges.

4. How do you install storm panels?

Panels are installed by sliding bolts into pre-mounted tracks (headers and sills) or by using direct-mount anchors (like PanelMates) studded into the wall. You simply align the holes in the panel with the studs and secure them with wingnuts.

While the concept is simple, it requires physical labor. You will need a ladder, work gloves (for aluminum), and a wingnut driver to speed up the process. We recommend doing a “practice run” at the start of every hurricane season.

5. Are storm panels difficult to store?

No, storm panels are designed to “nest” (stack) together very compactly. A stack of 10 panels is only about 2 inches high. You can store an entire house worth of panels in a corner of your garage, shed, or attic without taking up much space.

We recommend marking each panel stack with the window it belongs to (e.g., “Front Bedroom”) to make deployment faster when a storm threatens the Cape Fear coast.

6. Can I install tracks permanently?

Yes, most homeowners choose to leave the top and bottom tracks (headers and sills) permanently installed on the house. We can paint or powder-coat these tracks to match your home’s trim so they blend in.

Leaving the tracks up means you don’t have to drill holes every time a storm comes. You just slide the bolts in, hang the panels, and tighten the wingnuts. This reduces setup time by 50%.

7. Are aluminum panels sharp?

Yes, standard aluminum and steel panels can have razor-sharp edges. We strongly advise wearing heavy-duty leather work gloves when handling them to avoid deep cuts.

If safety is a primary concern, we recommend our ClearTek Polycarbonate panels or Hurricane Screens, which have safe, rounded edges and are much lighter to handle.

8. Can I do DIY installation?

Yes, storm panels are the most popular choice for DIY enthusiasts because they are straightforward to install. However, accurate drilling into brick or concrete requires a hammer drill and masonry bits.

If you are handy, you can buy the panels and tracks from us (“supply only”) and install them yourself. However, for the best fit and to ensure insurance compliance, we recommend professional installation by American Hurricane Shutters.

9. Do clear panels yellow over time?

High-quality polycarbonate panels like our ClearTek brand are treated with UV inhibitors to prevent yellowing and brittleness. Unlike cheap plastic found at big-box stores, our rated clear panels are designed to stay transparent and strong for years, even in the intense Carolina sun.

10. Where to buy storm panels near me?

We serve the entire coast from Jacksonville, NC to Pawleys Island, SC. You can buy direct from American Hurricane Shutters. We custom cut every panel to the exact height of your windows, ensuring a perfect fit that off-the-shelf panels can’t match.

11. What hardware do I need?

The most common hardware includes “H” headers, “U” sills, F-Track, studded anchors (PanelMates), and wingnuts. If you have a direct mount system, you will need a Sidewalk Bolt or a washered wingnut.

We stock all necessary hardware at our Wilmington facility. Never use standard screws from a hardware store; they are not rated for the shear strength required in a hurricane.

12. How long does it take to put them up?

For an average 2,000 sq. ft. home, it typically takes 4 to 6 hours for two people to hang panels. This depends on whether your tracks are already installed and if your panels are organized.

Compared to Bahama Shutters which take minutes, panels are labor-intensive. We advise starting your preparations as soon as a Hurricane Watch is issued.

13. Are they approved for insurance discounts?

Yes, when properly installed, our Bertha Aluminum and ClearTek panels meet wind mitigation standards and often qualify homeowners for insurance discounts. You will likely need a wind mitigation inspection (form 1802) after installation to prove the rating to your carrier.

14. Can I mix aluminum and clear panels?

Absolutely. Because they use the same track and corrugation profile, you can mix them on the same window. A popular “striped” look involves using one clear panel for every two aluminum panels, allowing light in while keeping costs down.

15. How strong are polycarbonate panels?

Rated polycarbonate panels are virtually unbreakable. They are made from the same material used in bulletproof glass and airplane windows. They can withstand the impact of a 2×4 fired at hurricane speeds without shattering.

16. What is the difference between “Mill Finish” and “Galvanized”?

“Mill Finish” refers to raw aluminum, which is silver and won’t rust. Galvanized refers to steel, which is heavier and cheaper but will eventually rust. At American Hurricane Shutters, we primarily recommend Aluminum (Mill Finish) or Clear panels for coastal longevity.

17. Do panels come with a warranty?

Yes, our installations come with a warranty, and the material itself is warrantied by the manufacturer. ClearTek panels typically have a 10-year warranty against yellowing or breakage.

18. Can panels cover sliding glass doors?

Yes, we install track systems specifically for sliding glass doors. However, carrying 8-foot tall metal panels can be heavy and awkward. For large doors, many clients prefer Accordion Shutters for ease of use.

19. Are they safe for second-story windows?

Installing panels on a second story is dangerous and difficult, as it requires carrying metal sheets up a ladder. We strongly recommend permanent shutters (like Rolldowns or Bahamas) for upper floors to avoid the risk of falling.

20. What if I lose my wingnuts?

We stock replacement wingnuts and hardware. We recommend keeping a bag of spare wingnuts on hand, as they are easily dropped in the grass during installation.

21. Will they damage my house?

If installed correctly with permanent tracks, they do not damage the house. The tracks are neat and can be painted. Direct mount anchors are small studs that remain on the wall; we offer white or plastic caps to cover them when not in use so they aren’t an eyesore.

22. How do I clean my panels?

Rinse them with a hose and mild soap before storing them. Salt residue can corrode even aluminum over long periods of storage. Dry them completely before stacking to prevent mildew or oxidation between the layers.

23. Why choose panels over plywood?

Plywood is heavy, absorbs water, rots, and is NOT hurricane rated. It often flies off in high winds. Panels are lighter, easier to store, 10x stronger, and are a one-time investment that adds value to your home.

24. Can panels be installed on arches?

It is difficult to fit rigid rectangular panels onto arched windows. While possible with custom track bending, we usually recommend Colonial Shutters or specialized arched screens for these shapes.

25. What is the lead time for panels?

Panels have the shortest lead time, often 2-4 weeks. Since we cut them locally, we can fulfill panel orders faster than custom-made shutters, making them a great last-minute option before the season peaks.

26. Do panels reduce noise?

Yes, but not as well as insulated Rolldowns. However, they will stop the wind howling and protect the glass from breaking, which is the loudest and most dangerous part of a storm.

27. Can I leave the tracks up year-round?

Yes, the tracks are designed to be permanent. We use powder-coated white or bronze tracks that look like trim, so they don’t detract from your home’s curb appeal.

28. Are there different thicknesses?

Yes, standard aluminum panels are usually .050″ gauge. We only sell panels that meet the thickness and depth requirements for the North Carolina and International Building Codes.

29. Do you offer removal services?

We focus on installation, but we can refer you to handyman services for seasonal deployment. However, most homeowners find panels manageable to install themselves with a helper.

30. Why buy from American Hurricane Shutters instead of a box store?

Box stores sell “stock” lengths (like 88 inches) that you have to cut yourself, which is difficult and dangerous. We cut every panel to your window’s exact spec, provide the correct rated hardware, and offer expert advice. Plus, our panels are professional-grade Bertha and ClearTek, not generic, thinner substitutes.