Florida’s hurricane season runs June through November, and if you have a screen enclosure, it’s worth understanding how it holds up under storm conditions — and what you can do to protect your investment.
How Screen Enclosures Are Engineered for Wind
Modern screen enclosures built to current Florida code are engineered for specific wind load requirements based on your location’s wind zone. The screen mesh itself is actually designed to release from the frame under extreme pressure in some systems — this isn’t a defect, it’s intentional engineering that relieves pressure on the frame rather than letting the whole structure fail. A well-built enclosure with properly maintained frame and hardware is designed to perform well through typical Florida storm conditions.
Pre-Season Inspection Checklist
Check the frame. Look for loose screws, corroded fasteners, or any section that seems less secure than it should be. Tighten what you can; call a professional for anything structural.
Inspect structural gutters. Clogged gutters cause water to back up against the frame, accelerating corrosion right before the season when you need the structure at its strongest. Clear them before June.
Look at screen condition. Torn or degraded screen panels are more likely to fail under wind pressure. Address any damage before storm season rather than during it.
Check door hardware. Latches and hinges should operate smoothly. A door that doesn’t close and latch properly is a weak point.
What to Do When a Storm Is Approaching
There’s generally nothing you need to actively "do" to a well-maintained, properly engineered enclosure before a storm — that’s the point of the engineering. Focus instead on securing loose furniture and items inside the enclosure that could become projectiles, since those are actually the bigger risk factor.
After the Storm
Once it’s safe, walk your enclosure and check for obvious damage: torn screens, bent framing, loose anchors. Don’t attempt repairs on a structurally compromised enclosure yourself — get a professional assessment first.
Get Ahead of Storm Season
Our quarterly gutter cleaning and inspection service is a smart way to catch small problems before hurricane season puts them to the test.
Call Wayne or JT Kish at (904) 805-4343 to schedule an inspection or ask about your enclosure’s storm readiness. Or use our free estimate form online.
FL Certified Specialty Contractor — Lic. #SCC131149801 | Licensed & Insured