In this guide, hear from a license contractor exactly what and when to hurricane prep your screen enclosure.
Every enclosure constructed in Florida is an engineered structure, permitted to the Florida Building Code wind-load requirements for its exact location (higher on the barrier island than inland). The post and beams of your structure transfer wind force down into a concrete footer, where embedded anchors hold the whole structure against uplift. The force of the wind pushing up against your cage ins't the worry, it's wind trying to lift your cage.
Furniture, planters, pool toys, grills, anything loose becomes a projectile that tears screens from the inside.
Per your enclosure's design so they don't slam and rack the frame.
Many HOAs require detailed information about the proposed project. We provide product specifications, dimensions, color selections, manufacturer information, and project details that can be submitted with your HOA application. Walk the enclosure and photograph every panel, beam, door, and anchor point, with a timestamp. Doing so can really make the difference for a smooth insurance claim.
Before the storm, not after review all of your warranty and personal home insurance policy so you know what is covered should anything get damaged throughout the storm.
Good news is that most storm damage is repairable, and the enclosure's design intends it that way.
- Torn or blown-out screens can call for a rescreen. The most common damage and the least expensive fix.
- A damaged door or a few bent members can call for replacement. Doors, individual beams, and corroded or pulled fasteners can all be replaced without having the completely rebuild the structure.
- Multiple bent structural beams, leaning points, or compromised anchors are more of a structural conversation. Sometimes partial rebuilds are possible on more recently built cages, on older cages built to outdated codes, a full replacement is the honest answer. You will want your structure to meet the current for today's wind load.
Based on the damage of your enclosure we will tell you where you are at and what we recommend, if it calls for a repair or a rebuild, we'll tell you the right call.
A big mistake most homeowners make is understanding that many Florida homeowners policies treat screen enclosure differently from the house. Alminum-framed structures are often covered under separate limits, subject to different deductibles, or in some newew policies excluded from the wind coverage entirely. Be sure to read your policy and ask your agent directly before season. Clarify if it is covered for windstorm, what the limit is, and document its current condition with dated photos. After a storm: your claim goes much smoother with before and after photos and a licensed contractor's itemized repair quote, which we will provide as part of every storm assessment. One important caveat: we are contractors, we are not insurance advisors. Policy questions will belong with your agent, we can provide documents your adjusters may ask for.
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Florida enclosures are engineered and permitted for the wind loads at their location. The screens are built to tear or blow out first, so the frame doesn't have to hold all of that force. In most storms the frame stays standing and only the screen panels need replacing.
Usually not. Today's enclosures are designed to let screens release under high wind, and cutting them yourself means paying to rescreen even if the storm misses you. Focus on clearing loose items and securing the doors.
It depends on your policy. Many Florida policies limit or exclude screen enclosures, or apply a separate hurricane deductible. Review your policy before storm season and photograph your enclosure so you have a record if you need to file a claim.
Stay out of the enclosure until you know the frame is stable. Photograph all the damage, contact your insurance company, then call our office at (321) 652-1078 to schedule an inspection.
It depends on the extent of the damage and how many homeowners in the area were hit. After a major storm, demand is high. Calling early gets you on the schedule sooner, and we'll give you a realistic timeline during the inspection.
Most storm damage can be repaired. If the frame, beams and anchors are intact, rescreening is usually all you need. Bent or broken structural members may need replacing, and we'll tell you which applies after the inspection.
For Storm & Hurricane Damange to your screen enclosure, please call our office at (321) 652-1078. If you are having an emergency, please call 911.
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.
