If you're comparing polypropylene vs Kevlar hurricane screens on a bid, here's the short answer. Polypropylene is our standard hurricane screen fabric and the one we recommend for most openings. Aramid, the fiber family that Kevlar belongs to, is our heavy-duty option for exposed waterfront elevations, and for the same opening it runs roughly 40 percent more. Both are custom roll-down systems made in our Fort Myers factory and installed by our own install crews. The fabric name matters less than three other things: the tested system and its product approval, how exposed the opening is, and the warranty for the exact fabric and color you pick.

What "Kevlar" and "polypropylene" mean on a hurricane screen quote

Aramid is a class of synthetic fiber. Kevlar is one brand of para-aramid fiber, and the trademark is now owned by Arclin. Hurricane screen bids often use the word "Kevlar" loosely, so a "Kevlar screen" isn't necessarily made with that brand of fiber. If a quote says Kevlar, ask what the fabric actually is. We call our heavy-duty fabric aramid, because that's what it is.

Polypropylene is a woven synthetic fabric. It's our standard hurricane screen fabric.

You'll see fiber strength claims in hurricane screen marketing. Those numbers describe the yarn, measured by weight, not a finished screen. How a hurricane screen performs in a storm comes from the whole tested system: the fabric, the side tracks, how the edges are held in the tracks, the bottom bar and the way it's anchored to your home. That's why the product approval for the system tells you more than the fiber name does.

Polypropylene vs Kevlar-type (aramid) hurricane screens at a glance

Both fabrics are woven, so you can see out through them when they're down, and both roll up into a housing above the opening when you don't need them. The easiest way to judge the look and feel is to ask to see both fabrics at the visit.

What each fabric costs installed in 2026

These ranges come from the same pricing our instant estimate uses. Each one spans all three ways to run a screen: pull straps, a wand crank or a motor with a remote.

These are installed price ranges before permit fees, access or removal of an old system. Your exact price is confirmed at the free in-home measure, after we've measured every opening and gone over fabric, color and operation with you.

When aramid is worth it, and when polypropylene is enough

We position aramid for exposed waterfront elevations, the side of a home that faces open water and takes the weather head on. For most other openings, polypropylene is our recommended standard.

Budget is the other half of the decision. The difference between the fabrics grows with the number of openings, so on a home with a slider, a few windows and a lanai, it adds up. We quote each opening at the visit, so you can see the numbers side by side before you decide. If a lanai is most of your project, our guide to hurricane screens for lanais and patios covers those openings.

If you choose polypropylene, the color you pick changes the warranty more than anything else. Our 10-year warranty term is for black, black/white and black/tan polypropylene hurricane screen fabric, and it applies to the screen fabric itself. White and white/tan screen fabric carries a 1-year term. Tubular motors carry 5 years, and other parts of the system carry their own terms. The written AHT Limited Warranty controls. If you're choosing aramid, or a color not named above, confirm the warranty term in writing on your contract before you sign. You can read the details on the AHT warranty page and see the color choices on our custom hurricane screens page.

What matters more than the fabric name

Whatever fabric you choose, a few questions will tell you more about a bid than the word "Kevlar" does.

• What's the Florida Product Approval number for the screen system? A Florida Product Approval is the product's listing in the state's approval system, and it shows what the system was tested and approved for. Ask for the number on any bid and look it up at floridabuilding.org.
• Is it a permanent system or a removable panel? Fabric panels that clip or strap on before each storm and permanently mounted roll-down systems are different products. Check the approval number whichever one you're buying.
• Is a permit part of the job? In Lee County and Collier County, it is. Lee County's Exterior Openings permitting guide says a permit is required to install, alter or replace shutters, and Collier County's permit covers shutters, storm protection and screening systems. Both counties ask for the Florida Product Approval number of each product. Cities such as Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples run their own building departments, so their steps can differ. Every AHT screen is custom-built and installed by our crews under a permit from the local building department.
• How will each opening operate? Pull straps, a wand crank or a motor with a remote, opening by opening. Two bids can look far apart simply because they quote different operation.
• What maintenance does the warranty require? Section 6 of our Limited Warranty calls for maintenance by an authorized dealer every 6 months for homes within 1 mile of water and once a year otherwise. Our guide to hurricane screen maintenance covers the cleaning and checks in between.

Hurricane screens are not mosquito or solar screens

Bug and sun screens are made of mesh too, but they're a different product. Mosquito and solar screens are comfort products that keep insects out and cut glare and heat on a lanai. They are never storm protection. A hurricane screen is a storm product, installed as a permitted system.

Products in this article

Frequently asked questions

Are Kevlar hurricane screens better than polypropylene?

Not across the board. Aramid, the fiber family Kevlar belongs to, is our heavy-duty fabric for exposed waterfront elevations. Polypropylene is our recommended standard for most openings. The tested system, its product approval and the warranty for your fabric and color matter more than the fiber name.

Do Kevlar hurricane screens cost more?

Yes. Aramid runs roughly 40 percent more than polypropylene for the same opening. An 8 by 8 foot slider, for example, is about $1,800 to $3,000 installed in polypropylene and about $2,600 to $4,200 in aramid.

What is the best hurricane screen fabric?

It depends on how exposed the opening is, your budget and the approved system you're buying. For a waterfront elevation that takes the weather head on, aramid is worth pricing. For most other openings, polypropylene is our recommended standard, and its color sets the warranty term.

Should I choose hurricane screens or shutters?

They're different products with their own ratings, warranties, lead times and prices. Our guide to hurricane screens vs hurricane shutters walks through the trade-offs.

The best way to choose is to see both fabrics in person on your own openings. Book a free in-home visit and we'll measure each opening and quote polypropylene and aramid side by side. Ask to see both fabrics while we're there. You can also call us at (239) 251-0856, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Advanced Hurricane Technology · FL Lic. CBC1258522 | SCC131153977