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.
Understanding the different screen types is important to picking the best one for your needs. Below we dive into the two types of hurricane screens and materials so you know the difference.
Polypropylene Hurricane Screens
Overview of Polypropylene Screens
Polypropylene screens are a type of hurricane screen made from polypropylene, a type of plastic. This type of screen serves as a budget-friendly option for homeowners, providing moderate resistance against wind and debris impacts.
2. Pros (Benefits)
- Affordability: They are a lower-cost (cost-effective) solution for basic hurricane protection.
- Ease of Installation: The installation process is straightforward, and under some circumstances may be done as a DIY
3. Cons (Considerations)
- Moderate Protection: They offer limited resistance to tears and punctures and are less robust than aramid screens.
- Limited Durability: Their effectiveness and longevity may be insufficient in high-risk areas prone to severe hurricanes.
- UV Damage: Polypropylene can degrade over time when exposed to UV, degrading mechanical and aesthetic properties
- Performance Trade-Off: The low cost and ease of care come at the expense of lower durability, longevity, and overall protective strength in extreme conditions. Aramid Hurricane Screens cost more, but their benefits may justify the extra cost
- Limited Visibility: Polypropylene screens do not provide the same clear visibility that aramid screens do, making them harder to see out of
Aramid Hurricane Screens
1. Overview of Aramid Screens
Aramid screens are a top-tier solution for hurricane protection. This premium hurricane screen is known for it’s exceptional strength, durability, and reliability. The core material, aramid fiber, is also used in demanding military and aerospace applications. This exceptions material is stronger than steel on a weight-for-weight basis. These screens are highly resistant to flames and ideal for withstanding extreme weather, high winds, and flying debris. They are also UV resistant, meaning they will not degrade over time under the intense Florida sun.
2. Pros (Benefits)
- Superior Strength: Offers extreme hurricane protection, withstanding high winds and heavy impacts from flying debris.
- Long-Term Durability: High strength, cut, and tear resistance make aramid screens extremely durable and long-lasting
- UV Resistant: Features outstanding UV resistance, preventing degradation from sun exposure and ensuring it remains effective for many years.
- High Performance: Withstands repeated impacts and harsh conditions without losing integrity
- Cost-Effective Over Time: The initial investment is offset by low maintenance and less need for replacement. Aramid screens provide significant long-term value.
3. Considerations (Cons)
- Higher Upfront Cost: The initial purchase price is greater than polypropylene screens
- Professional Installation: Although true for both types of screens professional installation is typically recommended to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.
Longevity: Polypropylene vs. Aramid Hurricane Screens
When comparing hurricane screen types, longevity should definitely be considered. How long the screen lasts directly impacts long-term value and protection.
It is important to note that aramid screens commonly outlast polypropylene screens. This is due to their superior durability, strength, and UV resistance. They are more expensive vs polypropylene. But their longer lifespan makes them a better investment for homeowners. This longevity ensures consistent protection year after year, reduces the overall cost of ownership, reduces the need to replace them as often, and provides more peace of mind.
In contrast, polypropylene screens generally have a shorter lifespan. This is due to their lower strength and susceptibility to wear and tear as well as UV degradation. This often leads to more frequent replacements, making them less cost-effective in the long run.
For homeowners prioritizing reliable, long-term safety and better value, aramid screens are the clear choice.
Conclusion and Recommendation
When selecting hurricane screens, the choice comes down to aramid vs polypropylene screens. Aramid screens offer unmatched strength and durability, along with UV resistance and clear visibility. This makes them ideal for high-risk areas and for those wanting a longer-lasting screen. Polypropylene provides a cost-effective solution, but it has performance and durability tradeoffs. The best option depends on balancing your budget against your home’s specific risk level to ensure it is properly protected against storms.
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 are generally lower cost compared to aramid screens. While aramid screens may be pricier upfront, their durability and strength may result in long-term cost savings due to reduced maintenance and replacement costs.
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.
