A hurricane can leave your pool cage or screen enclosure bent, torn, or completely knocked down. What you do right after the storm can affect how much your insurance covers and how fast you can fix the damage.
In the first 48 hours, you should check for safety hazards, take clear photos of the damage, and contact your insurance company before touching anything. This helps protect your claim and gives you a clear record of what happened. Waiting too long can make it harder to prove the damage was from the storm.
This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to check, document, and report. You will also learn common mistakes that can slow down repairs or hurt your claim.
Before you even look at your damaged screen enclosure, check your surroundings for hidden dangers. Downed lines, standing water, and loose panels can cause serious injury if you don't spot them first.
Storms often knock down power lines near screen enclosures, especially if a tree branch or pole fell during high winds. Never touch a downed line, even if you think the power is off.
Floodwater near your enclosure can also carry an electrical charge if lines are submerged nearby. Stay out of any standing water until officials confirm it's safe.
If you see a line touching metal framing or water, keep at least 30 feet away. Call your power company right away to report it. Don't try to move the line or clear debris around it yourself.
Hurricane winds can crack, bend, or fully dislodge screen panels, leaving sharp edges and unstable framing behind. These panels may look secure but can shift or fall without warning.
Keep children and pets away from the enclosure until you've had a chance to inspect it. Loose panels can cut skin or cause a fall if someone leans on them.
Use a physical barrier, like caution tape or a sawhorse, to mark off the area. If wind gusts are still possible, wait until conditions calm down before getting close.
If anyone was hurt during the storm or while inspecting damage, treat that as your first priority. Basic first aid should come before any cleanup or documentation.
Once immediate injuries are handled, take note of any access risks around the enclosure. This includes broken steps, exposed nails, or twisted metal that could trip someone later.
Write down what happened, when it happened, and any visible hazards you noticed. This record helps with insurance claims and gives contractors a clear picture of what to expect on-site.
Before you walk near your pool cage or screen enclosure, look it over from far away. This helps you spot loose parts, bent frames, and other hazards without putting yourself at risk.
Look at the aluminum frame from your yard or a window. Check if any support beams look bent, twisted, or pulled away from the house.
Pay close attention to the corners and the points where the frame meets the roofline. These spots take the most stress during high winds.
If you see gaps between the frame and the house wall, this means the structure has shifted. A leaning or swaying frame is not safe to approach. Write down what you see and take photos with your phone from a safe spot.
Screens often tear first because they catch wind and debris. Look for large rips, flapping panels, or screens that have come loose from the frame track.
Check for missing spline, which is the rubber cord that holds the screen in the frame. You may also notice missing screws or bolts on the frame joints.
Here's what to look for:
Small holes can wait, but large tears or loose panels can become a bigger problem if wind picks up again.
Storm damage rarely stays in one place. Look at your roofline near the enclosure for missing shingles or lifted flashing.
Check gutters close to the cage for dents or disconnection. This can point to impact from flying debris or a falling frame piece.
Look inside your pool for broken screen sections, branches, or frame parts. Debris in the water can scratch pool surfaces or clog equipment.
If you see any of the following, call a professional before doing more:
After you confirm it is safe to go outside, your next job is to stop more damage before it happens. This means covering open areas, clearing debris, and blocking water from getting into your home.
If your screen enclosure tore open or your roof has a hole, cover it right away. Use tarps, plywood, or heavy plastic sheeting to close the gap.
This step matters because wind and rain can keep causing damage even after the storm passes. An open enclosure lets water reach your home's siding, windows, and foundation.
Secure any covering with nails, screws, or heavy-duty tape. Do not use materials that can blow away in strong wind gusts, since loose tarps can become debris themselves.
Take photos of the damage before you cover it. Your insurance company will need this proof later.
Broken screen panels, branches, and other debris often land on pool decks after a hurricane. Walk the area carefully and remove anything that could cause a fall or injury.
Sharp metal edges from broken screen frames are a common hazard. Wear gloves when picking up debris to avoid cuts.
Check the pool itself for large debris that could damage pumps or filters if left in the water. Skim out what you can reach safely.
Stack removed debris in one spot away from walkways. This makes it easier for cleanup crews or insurance adjusters to inspect the area later.
Check all doors and windows near the damaged enclosure for gaps or cracks. Wind-driven rain often finds its way through small openings that seals no longer cover.
Use towels or sandbags along door thresholds to block water from entering. This is a temporary fix, but it can save your floors and interior walls from damage.
Look for water stains or dampness on walls near the enclosure. These signs mean water is already getting in, and you should address it fast.
If you find active leaks, place buckets or towels to catch water. Document everything with photos before you clean up, since this record supports your insurance claim.
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