When it comes to safeguarding your home in the hurricane-prone paradise of Southwest Florida, choosing the right protection is no small feat. Among the options, hurricane screens are a popular choice for their balance of protection and aesthetic appeal. But the market is flooded with different types of hurricane screens. So which type of screen should you choose? Polypropylene or Aramid? Each type of screen offers unique benefits and considerations. So what is the best fabric for hurricane screens? In this article we compare the different types of hurricane screens. The goal is to give you the info you need to make an informed buying decision.
What Are Hurricane Screens
Hurricane screens offer an attractive alternative to traditional shutters and impact glass. Unlike shutters that cover individual windows and doors, hurricane screens blanket large exterior openings and everything behind them. This makes them a good fit for openings like lanais, patios, gazebos, and commercial openings. It creates a protective barrier for entire areas. This approach not only defends against flying debris but also preserves the aesthetic integrity of your property and reduces the amount of hurricane prep needed.
When it comes to hurricane screens, there are two main types available. These include polypropylene screens and aramid screens. Aramid screens are considered a premium option. Polypropylene versions are a lower cost option.
Understanding the different screen types is important to picking the best one for your needs. Below we dive into these two types of hurricane screens and materials so you know the difference.
Polypropylene Screens
Overview of Polypropylene Screens
This type of hurricane screen is made from polypropylene (PP), which is a type of thermoplastic. This screen serves as a more budget-friendly option for homeowners. It provides adequate protection, but may have some long-term durability considerations.
You can learn more about the pros and cons of polypropylene screens below.
2. Pros (Benefits)
- Cost less: These screens have a lower-cost vs aramid screens
- Ease of Installation: The installation process is straightforward, and under some circumstances may be done as a DIY
- Ease of use: all screens, including polypropylene are easy to use.
3. Cons (Considerations)
- Protection: Hurricane screens made from this materials are tested and Florida-approved. However, Polypropylene has lower impact resistance vs aramid so they may be damaged easier. They also may offer lower cut, tear, and puncture resistance compared to aramid screens. This means they may rip, tear, or puncture easier and more often during a storm or during normal use.
- Lower Durability: Plastic screens may not have the same durability and longevity as aramid versions. As we mentioned above, they are more prone to cuts, tears, and rips, both from normal use and from severe hurricanes. This makes them less durable, and may require you to replace them sooner.
- More Prone to UV Damage: Polypropylene has low UV resistance. This means it will become brittle and break down over time from sunlight. This leads to less strength as well as degrading appearance. .
- Limited Visibility: Polypropylene screens do not provide the same clear visibility that aramid screens do, making them harder to see out of
In summary, polypropylene screens can be purchased at a lower cost, which is a benefit. However, the product is not as durable, doesn’t last as long, and may not be as effective as aramid versions in extreme conditions.
Aramid Hurricane Screens will cost more, but they offer better performance and last longer, we look at them in more detail below.
Aramid Hurricane Screens
1. Overview of Aramid Screens
Aramid screens are considered the premium option for hurricane screens. They have exceptional strength, long-lasting durability, and reliability. They also look great.
These screens are made from aramid fiber, a material used in military and aerospace products.
Aramid is very strong. In fact, it is many times stronger than steel of the same weight. It also has high impact resistance. This means it does an exceptional job withstanding high winds, and flying debris. They are also made to have UV resistance, meaning they will not degrade over time under the intense Florida sun.
2. Pros (Benefits)
- High Strength: Aramid screens provide extreme hurricane protection. Their high strength and impact resistance mean they can withstand high winds and flying debris.
- Great Durability: They are very durable as well. They stand up to both storms and normal wear and tear. This is due to their high strength as well as their cut, and tear resistance.
- UV Resistant: They are manufactured to be UV resistant. This prevents degradation from the sun over time.
- See-through: Unlike polypropylene screens, aramid versions have excellent visibility through them. This means you can see out of your lanai/patio when they are closed.
- Cost-Effective Over Time: It is true that aramid screens cost more than polypropylene ones. However, the higher up front cost is offset over time when compared to their plastic alternative. This is because they are more durable and last longer before needing replacement. In other words, these screens provide significant long-term value.
3. Considerations (Cons)
- Higher Upfront Cost: These premium screens cost more than polypropylene screens
- Professional Installation: Due to their higher weight it is generally recommended to have a professional install them.
Longevity: Polypropylene vs. Aramid Hurricane Screens
Upfront cost is one consideration when choosing a hurricane screen type. But expected life of the screen is just as important.
Aramid screens usually last longer than polypropylene screens because they have higher strength, more impact and cut/tear resistance, and more UV resistance.
On the other hand, polypropylene screens typically do not last as long. This is because they have lower strength and impact resistance, lower cut/tear resistance, and lower UV resistance. More frequent replacement makes them more expensive in the long-run.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Hurricane rated screens are available as aramid or polypropylene screens. Aramid offers high strength and durability, along with UV resistance and clear visibility through them. They are a good choice for homeowners in high-risk areas and for those wanting a screen that will last longer. Polypropylene is a lower cost option. However, it does have some performance and durability tradeoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hurricane screen fabric is more durable, polypropylene or aramid?
Aramid screens are considered to have higher durability vs polypropylene ones. They are extremely strong, UV resistant, have higher puncture and tear resistance, and provide excellent impact resistance against hurricane winds and flying debris.
What is the difference in cost between polypropylene and aramid hurricane screens?
Polypropylene screens usually cost less vs aramid screens. However, the higher durability and strength of aramid provides reduced maintenance and replacement costs over time.
Which screens provides protection against severe storms?
Both polypropylene and aramid hurricane screens are Florida Approved. They both offer impact resistance and hurricane protection. However, aramid screens have a higher tensile strength and tear resistance, making them more effective in extreme weather conditions and meaning they may last longer.
