Preparing Your Outdoor Space for Florida’s Rainy Season

What Florida Homeowners Need to Know Before the Storm Clouds Roll In

Florida’s wet season is here, and as Floridians, you know, the rain arrives fast, hits hard, and leaves as if nothing even happened. From May through October, with peak rain from June to September, Florida enters its annual wet season. And while those daily downpours help keep our landscapes lush, they can wreak havoc on your outdoor living space if you’re not prepared.

Whether you have a screen enclosure, a pergola, or a full Florida Room, a few seasonal adjustments can protect your investment and keep your space comfortable, even during the soggiest stretch of summer.

Your Enclosure Isn’t a Rain Shelter

Let’s get this out of the way first, screen enclosures and pergolas are not waterproof. They’re built for airflow, sunlight control, and insect protection, not to keep torrential rain at bay. Even a covered lanai or patio will likely see some water intrusion during side-blown storms.

If you have a fully enclosed Florida Room with patio glass windows, you’ve got better protection, but moisture can still sneak in around doors, vents, or corners if not sealed properly.

So expect water and plan accordingly.

Clean Out Your Seamless Gutters 

Gutters are your first line of defense when those afternoon storms let loose. But if your gutters are clogged with leaves or debris, water can overflow, spilling down your walls or pooling at the base of your enclosure.

Even clean gutters can struggle during intense rain. At certain angles, rain can pound so hard it bounces off the roof or overshoots the gutters altogether, especially around corners and screened-in patios.

Protect Furniture, Cushions, and Décor

Your patio furniture wasn’t designed to live in a swamp. While some materials are weather-resistant, most cushions, pillows, and fabric items will soak up water like a sponge and invite mold, mildew, and musty smells.

• Use weatherproof cushion covers, or store soft goods indoors when not in use.
  
• Bring in rugs, throws, or towels that might otherwise stay damp for days.
  
• If you’ve got a TV or any outdoor electronics, cover them with a fitted waterproof cover, or better yet, bring them inside during multi-day storms.
  

Tie Down or Tuck Away Loose Items

Pop-up storms mean wind, too. An umbrella, potted plant, or side table can quickly become a projectile if winds pick up.

• Store lightweight décor or furniture in a shed or garage.
  
• Use bungee cords or storm straps to secure chairs or tables that live outside year-round.
  
• Keep an eye on overhead fans or lights, if they're not outdoor-rated and sealed, moisture can cause electrical issues or corrosion.
  

Do a Pre-Storm Inspection of Your Structure

Before the wet season, as well as hurricane season, fully sets in, give your screen enclosure or patio a quick check:

• Are there any loose bolts or screws?
  
• Do you see sagging screen panels, or evidence of corrosion at the base?
  
• Has your aluminum framework shifted or settled after last year’s storms?
  

If you spot anything that looks off, especially screen damage. Lafferty can help with panel replacements and enclosure repairs. Taking care of small issues now can help you avoid bigger headaches once the heavy rain starts pouring down.

Plan for the Cleanup, Too

Even the best prep can’t stop nature completely. After a storm, expect:

• Wet floors or carpets
  
• Leaf debris and pollen buildup
  
• Water spots or smudges on screen panels
  

A broom or blower is your best friend, and a gentle pressure wash after the season ends can freshen things up for fall. If you do notice a tear in your screens or any structural shifts, schedule repairs or replacements early before availability fills up.

Consider Hurricane Protection

Florida’s rainy season can bring more than just afternoon showers — stronger storms can catch you off guard. If you're looking to add extra protection, especially around patios or outdoor areas, consider hurricane-rated shutters or screens. Lafferty Hurricane Protection offers:

• Impact-rated shutters for windows, patios, and lanais
• Roll-down, accordion, and Bahama options available
• Custom-fit solutions for any home style
• Professional installation with quick turnaround

Storm shutters are another way to keep your space, and your peace of mind, protected this season.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s wet season is a part of the lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to ruin your outdoor vibes. A little prep work now means fewer headaches (and soggy cushions) later. From keeping your gutters clear to covering your electronics, smart seasonal habits help protect your outdoor living space and ensure it stays a place of comfort even when the skies open up.

And while most summer storms blow through quickly, they can sometimes bring more wind and water than expected. For an added layer of protection, especially during peak storm season, consider hurricane-rated screens or shutters that can help safeguard your space when the weather takes a turn.

Need help getting your enclosure or patio ready for the rainy season? Lafferty Aluminum & Screening is here to help. Whether you need screen repairs or an upgrade to weather-resistant features, we’re just a call away. Call us at (321) 652-1078 or contact us online to get started today!