Best Protection for Porches & Lanais

Hurricane Screens —
The Best Way to Protect Porches & Patios

Motorized Aramid-fiber hurricane screens provide certified storm protection for large porch and lanai openings — the only system that can span 30+ feet with no center post. Invisible when retracted. Deployed at the touch of a button or controlled remotely by cell phone.

Get a Free Estimate Call +19102561288
$44/sq ft
Starting Price
20+
Color Options
OSHA-30
Certified Installer
Motorized hurricane screens installed on a Porters Neck lanai providing certified storm protection for a large porch opening
Alutech United StormTex Systems
Aramid Fiber Hurricane Protection
Starting at
$44/ sq ft installed
Electric motorized systems: $44/sq ft + $700 per opening. Best for porches, lanais, and large open spans. Not recommended directly against glass.
Free in-home quote
No obligation  ·  Same-week scheduling
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Hurricane Screens

The Only Solution for Large Porch & Patio Openings

Hurricane screens from Alutech United are motorized Aramid-fiber fabric barriers designed for the one problem no rigid shutter can solve: very wide porch, lanai, and patio openings. Rigid aluminum shutters top out at around 10-12 feet per panel before requiring center posts. Hurricane screens span 30+ feet with no center post and no visual obstruction.

This innovative system uses a proprietary “bullet” end retention and weighty stainless steel bottom bar that ensures the screen deploys straight and true every time — unlike typical rolldown screens that can get bound up or look crooked. Combined with the Aramid fiber-reinforced (Kevlar-strength) StormTex fabric, you get best-in-class operation and a long life span.

The system can be manually or electronically operated and can even be controlled remotely by cell phone. When retracted, the entire system disappears into a housing box at the top of the opening. The StormTex fabric is translucent, allowing ambient light to filter into your home during a storm — unlike metal shutters that leave you in total darkness during a multi-day power outage.

We recommend hurricane screens primarily for porch and lanai enclosures and for openings where the screen will have at least a few inches of air gap from any glass surface. For standard windows and doors, accordion shutters, rolldowns, or storm panels are a better fit.

Hurricane screens installed on a Crow Creek Golf Course community home protecting a large porch enclosure
See It in Action

How Hurricane Screens Deploy

Watch a motorized Alutech United StormTex hurricane screen deploy on a large porch opening — from invisible to storm-ready in seconds.

System Options

Mounting Systems: Motorized Rolldown, Grommet & Strap-and-Buckle

Alutech United offers multiple mounting configurations. We help you choose the right one for your opening type, span, and budget.

Motorized Rolldown SystemMost Popular
Deploy at the touch of a button or remotely via cell phone — ideal for large porch openings
Proprietary “bullet” end retention and stainless steel bottom bar for straight, reliable deployment
Completely invisible when retracted into housing box — best aesthetics
Requires power (manual override included) — $700 per opening motor surcharge
Grommet & Strap-and-Buckle SystemsRemovable Option
Grommet System: transparent, lightweight, affordable — anchors directly to building with approved hardware or F-track
Strap-and-Buckle System: unparalleled strength for larger openings — spans up to 24+ feet
Removable — fabric rolls up compactly and stores in a provided bag when not in use
Requires manual installation before each storm — not as convenient as motorized rolldown
All systems utilize U.V. stabilized fabric and thread and are Miami-Dade County and Florida Building Code approved. Choose from various colors including black, white, cream, beige, gray, sand, and custom colors. Our rolldown screens have been tested and passed ASTM/TAS protocols. American Hurricane Shutters will help you decide which color and system best fits your home or business.
Important Guidance

Where Hurricane Screens Excel — and Where They Don’t

We install all seven shutter types. Our recommendation is based on what is right for each opening, not what we happen to have in stock.

Best Uses for Hurricane ScreensRecommended
Porch and lanai enclosures — screens are the definitive solution for large open-air spans
Openings 12+ feet wide where rigid shutters would require a center post
Pool cages, screen rooms, and covered outdoor living areas
Translucent fabric lets ambient light through during storms — no total darkness like metal shutters
Best combined with rigid shutters on windows for full whole-home protection
Important LimitationPlease Note
Not recommended directly against glass — fabric can transmit impact energy to glass and cause breakage during extreme events
Not ideal for standard windows — use accordion, panel, or rolldown shutters instead
Motorized system requires power — manual override included but deploy before outage is best practice
We assess every opening at your free estimate and advise the right product for each one
Hurricane screens protecting a Barefoot Resort golf villa porch with motorized Aramid fabric deployment
Ease of Use

Our Easiest Shutter to Operate on Large Openings

On a 20-foot porch opening, a hurricane screen is the only practical answer. Accordion shutters at that span would require a heavy center post. Rolldowns would need two separate systems. Storm panels would require multiple heavy sections carried and slotted under pressure.

The Alutech United StormTex screen system drops at the touch of a button and latches at the bottom in seconds — one person, one motion, done. The system can even be controlled remotely by cell phone, so you can deploy screens before you arrive at the property. For homeowners with large covered porches who want whole-home storm coverage, screens on the porch combined with accordion or rolldown shutters on the windows is the most complete and practical solution we offer.

The Aramid fiber fabric is engineered for coastal salt-air environments and you can go years without maintenance. We back every installation with our full service commitment. See the Maintenance Guide for screen-specific care.

Product Ratings

Why Hurricane Screens Belong on Your Porch

Minimal Maintenance
Hurricane screens require very little upkeep — you can go years without service thanks to the proprietary bullet end retention system. Operate monthly to keep the motor and fabric moving freely. Clean 1-2 times per year with mild soap and a soft brush, rinsing with fresh water after salt exposure. See our full Maintenance Guide.
Design Pressure Rated
The Alutech United StormTex fabric is Aramid-fiber construction — the same material used in ballistic body armor. Every installation is sized and anchored to the design pressure requirements for your specific address. We perform a site-specific DP analysis on every job to ensure the track system and anchorage are specified correctly.
Impact Rated
Our hurricane screens meet ASTM E1886/E1996 and TAS 201/202/203 impact and design pressure certification standards. The Aramid fiber reduces wind velocity by up to 97% and is certified for Category 5 wind loads. Full product approval documentation is provided at installation.
Translucent During Storms
One of the worst parts of riding out a storm is the total darkness imposed by metal shutters. StormTex fabric is translucent, allowing significant ambient light to filter into your home. This makes the experience far less claustrophobic and much safer — you can see to move around your home during a multi-day power outage.
Everyday Benefits
Beyond hurricane protection, Alutech United screens shield your porch every day of the year: blocking pollen, rain, and wind; reducing solar heat gain; providing privacy from neighbors; and keeping insects out. Many customers use their screens year-round as a porch enclosure system, not just for storm season.
Insurance & Warranty
Rated hurricane screens qualify for wind mitigation credits in NC and SC when used to protect eligible openings. We provide all product approval documentation and complete the wind mitigation form for your insurer. Every installation is backed by our 7-year workmanship warranty and $2M umbrella liability policy.
Our Work

Hurricane Screens Installed Across the Carolinas

Motorized StormTex hurricane screen installations on porches, lanais, and large openings across coastal NC and SC.

Hurricane screens protecting a Morehead City waterfront home porch with Aramid fiber storm fabricMorehead City
Kevlar-strength hurricane screen deployed on a Topsail Beach porch providing storm protectionTopsail Beach
Hurricane screens installed on a Barefoot Resort golf villa lanai in North Myrtle BeachBarefoot Resort
Hurricane screens on a Crow Creek Golf Course community porch providing certified fabric storm protectionCrow Creek
Hurricane screen installation on a waterfront home with classic car display in the Wilmington areaWaterfront
Hurricane screens protecting a coastal pool area and porch at dusk showing translucent fabricPool & Porch
★★★★★

“The team installed kevlar-reinforced rollup hurricane screens all around our porch 5 years ago. They’ve protected our house through tropical storms, snow storms, and hurricanes. Well worth the money.”

Verified Google Review  ·  Oriental, NC (Neuse River Waterfront)

Common Questions

Hurricane Screen FAQ

Real answers from the team that installs hurricane screens across coastal NC and SC. More questions? Visit our full FAQ page or call us.

Hurricane screens start at $44 per square foot installed. Motorized systems add $700 per opening on top of the base price. A typical large porch or lanai enclosure (20-30 feet wide) runs $5,000 to $14,000 depending on the span, height, and site conditions. Use our cost calculator for a personalized estimate, or call for a free in-home quote.
Hurricane screens use woven Aramid fiber fabric — the same material used in ballistic body armor and high-performance safety gear. Alutech United’s StormTex systems feature advanced OmegaTex fabric: a densely woven, UV-stabilized textile with Aramid-fiber reinforcement. The weave is flexible enough to roll into a compact housing when retracted, yet stiff enough under wind load to resist hurricane-force debris. All fabric and thread are UV-stabilized and Miami-Dade County and Florida Building Code approved.
Motorized rolldown is our most popular system — the screen deploys at the touch of a button or remotely by cell phone, and retracts invisibly into a housing box. Ideal for large permanent installations. The Grommet System is a transparent, lightweight, and affordable removable option that anchors directly to your building with approved hardware or F-track — best for windows and smaller openings. The Strap-and-Buckle System offers unparalleled strength for larger openings and uses adjustable straps and buckles for secure attachment. Both removable systems roll up compactly and store in a bag when not in use.
No — this is the most important limitation to understand. We do not recommend installing fabric screens directly against glass. Under extreme wind-borne debris impact, the fabric can transmit energy to the glass surface and cause breakage. Screens work best on porch and lanai openings, or on windows where there is at least 4-6 inches of air gap between the screen and the glass. For windows and doors, accordion shutters, rolldown shutters, or storm panels are the right choice.
Yes — this is one of the biggest advantages of fabric screens over metal shutters. StormTex fabric is translucent, allowing a significant amount of ambient light to filter into your home during a storm. This means you are never left in total darkness the way you would be with closed aluminum rolldowns or accordion shutters — a meaningful comfort and safety benefit during a multi-day power outage.
Hurricane screens can span 30+ feet with no center post — which is the primary reason they are used on large porch and lanai openings where rigid shutters would require an obstructive center track. The exact maximum span depends on the wind load requirements for your specific address and the height of the opening.
Yes. Motorized Alutech United systems can be controlled remotely by cell phone, making it easy to deploy screens before you arrive at the property or when a storm approaches while you are away. This is especially valuable for second homeowners who are not always present when a hurricane warning is issued.
Motorized hurricane screens require power to operate normally. Every Alutech United system includes a manual override that allows you to deploy or retract the screen by hand if power is unavailable. We walk every customer through the manual override procedure at installation. Best practice: deploy screens before you lose power.
Yes, when installed on eligible openings. Alutech United hurricane screens meet ASTM and TAS certification requirements and qualify for wind mitigation credits in NC and SC. We provide all product approval documentation and complete the wind mitigation form for your insurer.
Installation itself is typically half a day to one full day for a single large porch opening. Because every screen is custom-fabricated to your exact opening dimensions, the lead time from signed contract to installation day is typically 4 to 8 weeks. Order before May to ensure coverage before hurricane season.
Yes — significantly. Beyond hurricane protection, Alutech United screens block pollen, rain, insects, and wind from entering your porch year-round. They reduce solar heat gain, provide privacy, and can function as a full porch enclosure system. Many customers use their screens throughout spring and fall to extend their outdoor living season. You can shield yourself and your family every day of the year.
We provide a 7-year workmanship warranty on every installation — the longest in the region. Full Alutech United manufacturer product warranties apply on top of our workmanship warranty. We deliver a signed warranty document at completion and return for paid service at any point during the lifetime of the screens.
Free Estimate

Get Your Free Estimate

Protect your home with the Carolinas’ most trusted shutter installer.

Contact American Hurricane Shutters for a free, no-obligation in-home estimate. We respond within one business day and offer same-week scheduling throughout coastal NC and SC.

Call Us 24/7+19102561288  ·  +18438681390
Email the Owner[email protected]
Visit Us1200 Castle Hayne Road, Wilmington, NC 28401
Send a Message

Service Areas

Local Hurricane Protection Near You

AHS Carolinas provides certified hurricane screen installation and repair across coastal North and South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach & Grand Strand (SC)
Myrtle BeachNorth Myrtle BeachSurfside BeachMurrells InletPawleys IslandLittle RiverCherry Grove Beach
Brunswick Islands & South Coast (NC)
Oak IslandHolden BeachOcean Isle BeachSunset BeachShallotteLelandCaswell Beach
Wilmington & New Hanover County
WilmingtonWrightsville BeachCarolina BeachKure BeachFigure Eight Island
Pender & Onslow Counties
HampsteadSurf CityTopsail BeachNorth Topsail BeachJacksonville, NCEmerald Isle
Crystal Coast
Morehead CityAtlantic BeachNew Bern
Need a Quote? We Come to You.

Don’t see your town? We service all of coastal NC and SC.

+19102561288

Ready to Protect Your Home?

Free in-home estimate. No obligation. Same-week scheduling throughout coastal NC and SC.

+19102561288
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Further Reading

Hurricane Screen & Fabric Brand Comparison

AstroGuard, Armor Screen & StormTex — Which Is Best?

The right hurricane fabric brand depends on your openings, deployment needs, and budget. Here is how the three major systems compare for Carolinas coastal conditions.

AstroGuard Hurricane Fabric

High-tenacity polypropylene fabric panels with Miami-Dade NOA approval. Removable and storable — best for homeowners who want lower-cost deployable fabric protection. Panels store compactly and installation is manageable for one person. Primary limitation: requires storage space and manual deployment before each storm. Edges can fray over years of repeated use if not handled carefully.

Armor Screen Hurricane Protection

Permanently installed motorized retractable screen — deploys like a roll-down shutter. Armor Screen reviews consistently highlight convenience: deployment takes seconds, some light and airflow pass through when partially deployed. Cost typically runs $44–$65/sq ft installed. Higher cost than removable fabric panels but competitive with motorized roll-down shutters. Best for homeowners who want permanent motorized convenience.

StormTex Aramid Screens (AHS Standard)

AHS installs StormTex Kevlar-strength aramid screens for porch, lanai, and large opening applications. Aramid fiber construction provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Recommended for covered porches and screened enclosures where rigid shutters cannot span the opening — spans 30+ feet with no center post while maintaining views. Category 5 rated with dual storm-and-security function daily.

Storm Protection Shutters

Storm Protection Shutters — Impact Ratings Explained

All AHS products are rated under two standards required in NC and SC coastal counties:

ASTM E1886 Test method for performance of exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and impact-protective systems subjected to missile impact and cyclic pressure differentials.
ASTM E1996 Specification for performance of exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and impact-protective systems impacted by windborne debris in hurricanes.

Hurricane Rated Mechanical Screens — How They Work

Hurricane rated mechanical screens operate on a spring-loaded or motor-driven mechanism that deploys and retracts from a housing above the opening. Unlike removable fabric panels, permanently installed mechanical screens deploy in seconds. The housing, drive mechanism, anchor points, and fabric all carry coordinated E-1886/E-1996 certification as a complete assembly — not just the fabric alone.

Hurricane Window Protection Near Me — NC & SC

AHS provides free in-home estimates throughout the entire Carolina coast. We assess your specific openings, recommend the right storm protection combination for your home and budget, and provide a written quote with no obligation. Call 24/7 or use our cost calculator for an instant estimate.

Matthew Burns
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