Lexan hurricane panels typically cost $10-$30 per sq. ft. installed, with many homeowners paying $2,000-$6,000 to cover several windows and doors. The final price depends on opening size, sheet thickness, mounting hardware, labor, and whether the panels need custom cutting or storage.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel material | $8 per sq. ft. | $14 per sq. ft. | $22 per sq. ft. | Clear polycarbonate sheet; thickness and brand affect price |
| Installed coverage | $10 per sq. ft. | $19 per sq. ft. | $30 per sq. ft. | Includes typical cutting, hardware, and installation labor |
| Several openings | $1,200 | $3,500 | $7,500 | Often 100-250 sq. ft. of panel coverage |
| Single large opening | $250 | $650 | $1,500 | Depends on area, thickness, and mounting approach |
Assumptions: U.S. residential pricing, standard access, and no major structural or code upgrades.
What homeowners pay for Lexan hurricane panels
A typical multi-window project costs about $2,000-$6,000 installed. A small home with roughly 80-120 sq. ft. of protected openings may fall near $1,200-$3,000, while a larger home with 200-300 sq. ft. may reach $4,000-$8,000 or more. These are broad estimates rather than fixed national rates.
Installed pricing commonly runs $10-$30 per sq. ft. of panel coverage. The low end usually means straightforward rectangular openings, standard hardware, and owner-installed panels or limited labor. The high end is more likely when a contractor measures and installs custom-cut sheets, installs tracks or permanent fasteners, and handles difficult access.
Material-only pricing is often about $8-$22 per sq. ft. for clear polycarbonate sheets. Thicker, UV-treated, branded Lexan and custom-shaped pieces can exceed that range. “Lexan” is a trademark commonly used for polycarbonate; quotes may instead list generic polycarbonate, so buyers should check the specified material and product rating.
Estimates should state whether the price is based on glass opening area, panel area, or total project area. It should also identify thickness, edge finish, fasteners, storage provisions, and installation. A quote that lists only a per-square-foot price may not include measuring, cutting, delivery, or mounting hardware.
How sheet, labor, and mounting hardware shape the quote
Sheets and installation labor usually account for most of the bill, but hardware and custom fabrication can shift the total. The table shows typical shares for a professionally installed residential project. Actual allocations vary by contractor and whether the homeowner supplies labor.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers | Common cost driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate sheets | $8-$22 per sq. ft. | Clear panels, usually cut to opening dimensions | Thickness, UV treatment, brand, and custom shapes |
| Labor and measuring | $40-$90 per hour | Site measurement, cutting, fitting, and installation | Number of openings and access difficulty |
| Tracks and fasteners | $3-$10 per sq. ft. | Anchors, clips, tracks, screws, and protective washers | Mounting system and wall or frame material |
| Equipment and delivery | $75-$400 per job | Transport, ladders, lifts, and handling | Distance, sheet size, and upper-story access |
| Removal and disposal | $100-$500 per job | Taking down old panels or removing damaged material | Quantity and disposal requirements |
Labor can be estimated with . For example, 12-20 hours at $40-$90 per hour produces $480-$1,800 in labor before any minimum service charge. Some installers price by opening or project rather than showing an hourly rate.
Hardware may be quoted separately or bundled with the panels. Confirm that the quote includes fasteners suitable for the home’s substrate, such as wood framing, masonry, or metal. Incomplete hardware packages can lead to additional purchases and may complicate installation when a storm is approaching.
Which panel thickness, opening size, and access raise prices
Panel area and thickness are two of the clearest price drivers, while window shape and access affect fabrication and labor. A basic sheet around 1/8 inch thick may cost less than a thicker 1/4-inch panel, but the appropriate specification depends on the product’s approved use, span, fastening pattern, and local requirements. A contractor should not select thickness by price alone.
Small, simple panels can be relatively inexpensive per piece, but a project with many openings carries more measuring and fitting time. A 3-by-4-foot opening has 12 sq. ft. of coverage; at $10-$30 installed per sq. ft., its rough panel-and-installation share is $120-$360, before project minimums and any unusually costly hardware.
Cutouts for handles, arches, angled tops, and nonstandard frames can add fabrication charges, often $25-$150 per panel depending on complexity. An opening on a second story may add $100-$500 for difficult ladder access or lift equipment. Loose, deteriorated, or uneven frames may require repairs that are not part of a basic panel quote.
Panel ratings and installation details matter as much as dimensions. A product’s approval for impact protection can depend on the full assembly, including anchors, spacing, substrate, and installation. Assumptions: The ranges above cover ordinary residential openings and do not include frame reconstruction or engineering. Ask for the specific product documentation and applicable approval information before comparing prices.
How to cut the Lexan panel bill without weakening protection
Controlling the opening list and comparing equivalent specifications can reduce cost without substituting an unsuitable panel. Measure every window and door, then group openings by size and shape. Standard rectangular dimensions are generally easier to cut than individually shaped pieces, and accurate counts reduce waste and repeat site visits.
Request separate prices for panels, mounting hardware, measuring, and installation. Compare at least two or three quotes using the same thickness, product type, opening coverage, and installation scope. A lower quote may omit delivery, hardware, upper-story work, or removal; ask contractors to identify exclusions in writing.
Homeowners who have safe access and suitable tools may reduce labor charges by installing panels themselves, but the savings should be weighed against handling large sheets, correct fastening, and manufacturer instructions. A contractor can sometimes supply measured, cut panels while the owner completes installation. Confirm that this arrangement does not affect product support or any applicable approval.
Avoid paying for upgrades that do not serve the opening, but do not reduce thickness or alter fastener spacing without verifying the product requirements. Schedule work before emergency demand rises when possible. Storm warnings can tighten contractor availability and prompt rush charges, and last-minute purchases may limit material choices.
How many installation hours a home’s windows may require
A straightforward project covering 10-15 openings may take one crew about one day, while complex layouts can require two days or more. Measuring and installation time varies with panel count, access, mounting method, and whether tracks or permanent hardware must be fitted. A small job may still face a minimum visit or mobilization charge of $150-$400.
A two-person crew may spend roughly 8-16 hours on a typical set of residential openings, including handling and fitting. Larger homes or jobs requiring custom shapes can run 20-40 crew-hours. If a contractor quotes a single project price, the estimate should still explain the number of openings and the assumed scope.
Labor rates commonly fall around $40-$90 per worker-hour, with higher charges possible in expensive metro areas or for specialty access. Ask whether the quoted hours represent clock time for the crew or combined person-hours. Two workers for six hours equal 12 person-hours, not six.
Installation scheduling can affect price as well as convenience. A planned appointment during ordinary business hours is usually less costly than urgent work or a narrow scheduling window. Homeowners can reduce time on site by clearing window areas, securing pets, and making the openings accessible before the crew arrives.
Why coastal metro quotes can differ from inland prices
Local labor and access commonly create a 10%-25% difference between otherwise similar quotes. Coastal Florida and other storm-prone markets may have more installers and product options, but high demand, insurance requirements, and elevated labor rates can push prices above inland averages. Major cities may also charge more than smaller towns because of operating costs.
In a lower-cost inland market, a standard project might price near $10-$20 per sq. ft. installed. In a high-cost coastal metro, comparable work may be closer to $15-$30 per sq. ft., particularly when the contractor supplies custom-cut panels and hardware. These ranges overlap because project scope, not location alone, determines the final bill.
Travel charges may add $50-$250 for properties far from the installer’s service area. Rural locations can also face fewer vendors and longer waits for specialty material. In dense urban areas, parking, building access, and lift requirements may add $100-$500 to a job that would be simple at a single-story home with clear access.
Local building rules can affect the product and installation method. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and by whether the property is in a designated wind-borne debris region. Check with the local building department or ask the contractor which approvals apply. A bid that includes code-related hardware or documentation should be compared with another quote on the same basis.
What tracks, storage, and removal add to panel pricing
Accessories and job preparation can add several hundred dollars, especially when panels need permanent tracks or old materials must be removed. Basic fasteners may be included in the per-square-foot rate, while a track system can add about $3-$10 per sq. ft. depending on its material and layout. Larger openings may need more robust mounting details than small windows.
Custom storage racks or labeled storage bags often cost $50-$300, depending on quantity and design. Storage is practical because panels are seasonal equipment that must be protected from scratches, heat, and bending between storms. Ask whether the estimate includes a place to store the sheets or only the panels themselves.
Removal of an existing system may add $100-$500. Disposal charges can be higher if the old panels are damaged, difficult to carry, or mixed with other construction waste. Frame repair is usually separate; minor work may cost $100-$400, while replacing deteriorated framing or modifying openings can cost substantially more.
Check for separate fees for site measurement, delivery, minimum labor, or rush service. A measurement visit may be included in a signed installation contract or billed at $50-$200 if no work follows. If a quote lists “miscellaneous” charges, request an itemized explanation and clarify whether taxes are included.
Is Lexan less expensive than aluminum storm panels
Polycarbonate often costs more than basic aluminum panels but offers visibility and lower handling weight. Aluminum storm panels commonly run about $7-$15 per sq. ft. installed, while Lexan or similar polycarbonate often falls around $10-$30 per sq. ft. installed. The comparison depends on product ratings, hardware, opening count, and whether the homeowner installs the panels.
Aluminum is opaque and can be noisy in heavy rain, but it is often a lower-cost choice for broad coverage. Polycarbonate lets daylight through and may be easier to handle than metal sheets of comparable coverage. It can scratch, and its long-term condition depends on exposure, care, and storage. Neither material should be treated as interchangeable without checking the required protection system and mounting instructions.
Permanent shutters are another comparison point. Basic accordion or roll-down shutter installation may cost several thousand dollars, often around $15-$40 per sq. ft. of opening, with motorized or custom systems costing more. Shutters avoid seasonal panel handling but require a larger upfront budget and may involve more extensive installation.
Repair can make sense when existing panels are sound and only a few fasteners or tracks need replacement. Replacing a small quantity of lost or damaged sheets may cost $150-$700, depending on dimensions and cutting charges. If many panels are brittle, missing, or incompatible with current mounting hardware, a complete system quote may be more economical than piecemeal replacement.