Florida living is hard to beat. Warm weather, backyard pools, and outdoor spaces you can enjoy almost every day of the year. But from June through November, hurricane season reminds every Central Florida homeowner that preparation matters. Your screen enclosure is one of the most vulnerable structures on your property, and protecting it before a storm hits is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
At Midstate Construction, we have been designing and installing premium screen enclosures across Central Florida for over 15 years. We know exactly what a well-built enclosure can withstand and what happens when one is not prepared.
Key Takeaways
- Inspect your enclosure before storm season starts every year.
- Remove or secure all loose items around the enclosure before a storm.
- Open screen panels to relieve dangerous wind pressure buildup.
- Have a licensed contractor assess storm damage before making repairs.
- Upgrading to a storm-rated enclosure is the best long-term investment.
- Inspect Your Enclosure Before Storm Season
June is the month to do this. Before the first named storm shows up on the radar, walk your enclosure and really look at it. Not a glance, but actually look. Check the frame for rust, loose areas, or anything that should not move. Look closely at the screen mesh. Even a small tear can become a big problem during strong winds.
Fixing small issues early can save you from needing a full replacement later.
- Clear the Area Around Your Enclosure
Look at everything sitting near your enclosure. The chairs, plants, grill, and pool toys. In a real storm, all of it moves.
Bring it inside. Move the plants. Pull the pool accessories. Take down anything hanging on the frame. You are looking at 45 minutes of work. The repair bill for skipping it can run into thousands.
- Understand Wind Pressure
Your enclosure is not built to block strong winds. During a storm, wind can create pressure inside a closed enclosure. This pressure can damage frames and even lift parts of the roof.
Before the storm arrives, open the screen doors and side panels facing the wind. This allows air to pass through rather than build up inside.
- Review Your Insurance Coverage
Most homeowner insurance policies cover wind damage, but you may need proof that your enclosure was in good condition before the storm. Taking dated photos and videos now can help support your insurance claim if damage happens later.
- Inspect for Damage Before Making Repairs
After the storm, take photos of any damage before making repairs. Then contact a licensed contractor for an inspection. What appears to be a small tear in the screen may indicate hidden damage to the frame or structure.
- Consider Upgrading to a Storm-Rated Enclosure
If your enclosure is ten years old or has needed repairs more than once, patching is probably not the right call anymore.
Current enclosures are built differently. Heavier aluminum, reinforced connections, screen mesh rated for wind loads; older materials were not built to handle them. A properly built enclosure meets current Florida wind load requirements and comes with a warranty that means something.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Hurricane season lasts from June to November. Check your enclosure, clean up your yard, open the panels before a storm, and know who to call if you need help.
Midstate Construction has been doing this work in Central Florida for over 15 years. BBB A+ accredited. Free quotes. Ready to inspect, repair, or build. Reach out before the season starts and get it handled.
This blog is published by editorial staff.