What are hurricane screens & fabric?
Hurricane screens use high-strength woven fabric — typically aramid fiber (the same material as Kevlar), stainless steel mesh, or reinforced polypropylene — mounted in tracks around large openings. Unlike solid shutters, screens allow air and some light to pass through when deployed, making them practical for covered lanais and pool enclosures where solid protection isn't workable.
They're increasingly popular for Florida lanais and Gulf Coast homes with large outdoor living areas that other shutters can't cover economically.
PhotosSee them on a real home
Pros and cons
✓ Advantages
- Only hurricane protection that allows airflow when deployed
- Best solution for large lanais and patio openings
- Lighter than aluminum panels — easier to handle
- Can cover very large openings economically
- Several systems now qualify for insurance discounts
✗ Limitations
- Lower wind ratings than solid aluminum shutters
- Fabric degrades faster than aluminum — 15-year lifespan
- Less common — fewer local installers in some markets
- Not suitable for every opening type
2026 installed cost
Prices below reflect 2026 contractor quotes across all 13 states we cover — Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.
| Opening size | Low estimate | High estimate | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small window (24×36") | — | ||
| Standard window (36×48") | Most common | ||
| Large window (60×48") | — | ||
| Entry door (36×80") | — | ||
| Full home (avg. 8 openings) | Use calculator → |