Strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris put your porch and patio at real risk during hurricane season. You may focus on windows and roofs, but screen enclosures and outdoor spaces need attention too. They are exposed to storm forces and can suffer serious damage if you skip preparation steps.
Check your structure for weak spots before storm season starts. Look at screens, roofs, and railings for damage.
Steps to take:
These actions can lower your risk of storm damage.
Your screen enclosure faces the highest risk of damage when storms hit. A quick check now can save you money later.
Before hurricane season starts, look for these problems:
If you spot any of these issues, get repairs done right away. Fixing problems before a storm arrives keeps your enclosure strong and reduces the chance of major damage.
Loose branches and overgrown shrubs can turn into dangerous debris during high winds. Cut back limbs close to your patio, remove dead or weak branches, and keep plants trimmed. This lowers the chance of damage to your screens, roof, or frame.
Anything left outside can turn into a dangerous object when hurricane winds pick up. Even small, light items can cause damage once wind speeds rise.
Before the storm arrives, bring these items indoors or secure them tightly:
Take time to walk around your patio and check for anything that could be swept up by strong wind.
Your screen doors and large openings are often the weakest points in a storm. Wind can push through them fast, so give them extra attention.
Here are some ways to strengthen these areas:
If you live in an area that gets hurricanes often, impact-rated screens can be a smart long-term investment for your home.
If you can't bring your furniture inside, you need to tie it down.
Use one of these tools to keep it in place:
These options attach your furniture to the ground or a fixed structure. This stops strong winds from lifting or moving items.
Some outdoor furniture is built for storm-prone areas. If you live in a place with frequent hurricanes, look for furniture with anchoring points already built in. This makes securing it faster and easier when a storm is coming.
If your porch or patio has a roof or overhang, check it before storm season starts.
Make sure it is bolted or fastened tightly to your house.
Look at all panels and fasteners. If any are loose, tighten or replace them.
Fix any damage you find, even small cracks or dents.
A loose patio roof can lift up in strong wind. It can also let water into your home.
Water that pools or floods around your patio can weaken its structure over time. Storms bring heavy rain fast, so your drainage system needs to work well before the season starts.
Check these areas before hurricane season begins:
When your drainage system works properly, it protects your patio's foundation, flooring, and support framing from water damage.
Put together a small emergency kit just for your outdoor space. Store it somewhere easy to reach.
If you live in an area with a high risk of storms, you should think about upgrading your doors and windows. Impact-resistant options give you extra protection when a hurricane hits.
These products are built to handle two big threats:
Standard doors and windows often can't handle this kind of force. Impact-resistant versions use stronger materials and better construction to lower your risk of damage.
This upgrade can help protect your home and the people inside it during severe weather events.
Your patio and porch can be fixed later. Your safety comes first.
If officials tell you to evacuate, act fast. Don't wait to see how bad the storm gets.
Here's what to do:
No supply list or safety plan matters more than getting out when told to. Structures can be rebuilt. People can't.
Regular screens do not stop hurricane damage. But you can lower your risk by keeping your enclosure in good shape.
Impact-rated screen upgrades add extra strength. This makes a real difference when strong winds hit.
Most experts say no. You should not remove your screens before a hurricane.
Instead, focus on making them stronger. Reinforcing your screens is usually safer than taking them off.
Yes, it can. Here's why:
Always secure or store your furniture before a storm.
Yes, it is a good investment. These screens offer:
Start early. Don't wait until a storm is on its way.
Prepare your patio before hurricane season begins each year. This gives you enough time to check for problems and make repairs.
Lafferty Aluminum & Screening helps you get ready for hurricane season with expert repairs, reinforcements, and upgrades built for Florida weather.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection before the next storm.
Move your patio furniture inside if you can. This includes chairs, tables, and cushions.
If you don't have room to store everything, tie down large pieces with straps. You can also use ground anchors to keep heavy furniture from sliding or flipping over.
Cushions and light chairs should always go indoors first. Wind can pick these up easily and turn them into flying hazards.
Close your patio umbrella and store it in a garage or shed. If you can't move it, take it down completely and lay it flat in a safe spot.
For grills, turn off the gas or remove the propane tank. Then move the grill to a covered area or tie it down so it won't tip over.
Small decorations like wind chimes, flags, and statues should come inside too. Here's a quick list of steps to follow:
Yes, bring small and medium pots inside your home or garage. Wind can easily knock these over or blow them away.
For larger planters that are too heavy to move, group them together in a sheltered spot. This can help reduce the chance of them tipping over.
You can also lay large pots on their side against a wall. This lowers their height and makes them less likely to catch wind.
Install storm shutters or hurricane-rated panels over your windows and doors. These are built to handle strong wind and flying debris.
If you have a screened porch, check for weak spots in the screen material. Replace any torn or loose sections before storm season starts.
You can also add extra bracing to porch doors. This helps stop them from being pushed open by strong gusts.
Consider this comparison of protection options:
Start preparing before hurricane season begins, which typically runs from June through November. This gives you time to check your porch and patio without rushing.
Once a storm watch or warning is issued for your area, move quickly. You may only have a day or two to finish securing your outdoor space.
A good practice is to do a full check of your patio each spring. This way, you'll already know what needs fixing before storm season starts.
Some items are heavy enough or built to handle strong wind without needing to be moved. These include:
Even so, check these items each year for wear and damage. Loose bolts or cracks can make them less safe during a storm.
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
