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Contact Fabri-Tech Screens at 941-393-0100 or 239-722-5565 now. We will gladly come to your home or business in Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice, Estero, Punta Gorda, or Lehigh Acres to offer you a no-obligation design quote.
Fabri-Tech Screen Enclosures has been helping homeowners in Southwest Florida since 1985 with high-quality screen enclosures, aluminum railings, custom-built features, and hurricane-readiness solutions. Let our team guide you through proven ways to safeguard your investment this hurricane season.
Here’s your complete guide to making sure your outdoor space is hurricane-ready.
1. Start with a Detailed Inspection
Conduct a full walk-around of your pool cage or screen enclosure. You’re looking for early signs of wear and potential weaknesses that could fail during high winds.
Inspect the following:
- Screws and fasteners: Are they rusted, missing, or loose?
- Aluminum frames: Check for warping, cracks, or corrosion at the joints and posts.
- Screen mesh: Look for tears, holes, or panels that have pulled away from the frame.
- Foundation and anchoring: Inspect concrete footers or anchors for cracks or shifting.
Tip: Take photos and make notes. If you spot anything suspicious, schedule a professional inspection. Fabri-Tech offers expert evaluations to catch these problems early.
2. Clear the Surrounding Landscape
The area around your enclosure can be just as important as the structure itself. During a hurricane, fallen branches and airborne debris are among the top causes of screen damage.
What to do:
- Trim trees and remove any dead limbs that overhang or lean near the enclosure.
- Cut back shrubs or vines growing against the frame.
- Ensure that no part of your landscaping touches or leans on the enclosure mesh or beams.
Bonus: Keeping the area clear not only helps protect your screen—it also improves airflow and drainage around your lanai or pool area.
3. Remove or Secure All Loose Items
Your outdoor space might be filled with décor, furniture, and equipment—but come hurricane season, these items must be removed or secured. High winds can turn them into dangerous projectiles that can tear through screens or dent aluminum frames.
Items to bring indoors or anchor:
- Patio chairs, loungers, dining sets
- Potted plants, umbrellas, and outdoor rugs
- Pool cleaning equipment, floats, and toys
- BBQ grills, side tables, and lighting accessories
Tip: Create a hurricane supply checklist for your lanai, and assign storage locations for quick action when a storm is approaching.
4. Consider Temporary Screen Removal
Most homeowners are surprised to learn that removing screen panels before a hurricane can help relieve wind pressure. During strong winds, screens act like sails and can put tremendous stress on the aluminum frame—sometimes leading to collapse.
In certain cases, removing a few key panels (especially on the wind-facing side) can:
- Reduce internal wind pressure
- Minimize structural strain
- Prevent the entire enclosure from being compromised
Important: This approach depends on the age, type, and condition of your enclosure. Always check with a professional first. Fabri-Tech can advise if this is the right step for your home.
5. Reinforce and Upgrade Structural Integrity
If your enclosure was built years ago, it may not meet current Florida building codes or withstand today’s stronger storms. Thankfully, there are upgrades and reinforcements available.
Consider:
- Hurricane-grade fasteners and brackets
- Cross beams for extra wind load support
- Stronger base anchoring systems
- Reinforced screen mesh designed for impact
Tip: Ask about Fabri-Tech’s hurricane upgrade solutions, including re-anchoring, structural reinforcements, and storm-resistant materials that increase your enclosure’s durability.
6. Schedule a Pre-Hurricane Season Professional Check-Up
Nothing replaces a professional inspection when it comes to hurricane readiness. Fabri-Tech’s skilled team can:
- Identify weak or failing areas that need reinforcement
- Replace worn screens and faulty hardware
- Ensure anchoring systems are stable
- Offer recommendations for hurricane ugrades or repairs
Why homeowners trust Fabri-Tech:
- Over 40 years of experience in Southwest Florida
- Custom aluminum fabrication and enclosure construction
- Friendly, knowledgeable technicians and installers
- Prompt, reliable service before and after storms
Don’t wait until a hurricane is approaching. Schedule your inspection early in the season to beat the rush.
7. What to Do After the Storm
Even with the best preparation, strong storms can still cause damage. If your enclosure is impacted:
- Do not attempt repairs yourself—damaged structures can be unstable
- Take detailed photos for insurance purposes
- Schedule a post-storm inspection with Fabri-Tech
- Ask about re-screening, structural repairs, and replacements
Why homeowners trust Fabri-Tech:
- Over 40 years of experience in Southwest Florida
- Custom aluminum fabrication and enclosure construction
- Friendly, knowledgeable technicians and installers
- Prompt, reliable service before and after storms
Fabri-Tech can restore your outdoor space quickly and safely, and even help you upgrade to a stronger system moving forward.
Ways to Prepare Your Pool and Screen Enclosure
1. Don’t Drain the Pool
It may seem logical, but draining your pool can actually cause more harm than good. Water provides weight and stability, helping to counteract hydrostatic pressure beneath the pool that could cause it to lift or crack.
2. Turn Off All Pool Equipment
Before the storm hits, shut down all electrical equipment—including pumps, filters, chlorinators, heaters, and lights—to avoid electrical damage and short-circuiting.
3. Protect Pool Equipment
Cover exposed equipment using waterproof tarps and thick plastic sheets. Secure them tightly with rope or straps to keep them in place during heavy wind and rain.
4. Store Loose Poolside Items
Remove and store all unsecured pool equipment and accessories. That includes floats, skimmer nets, hoses, umbrellas, grills, and awnings. These items can become dangerous airborne hazards during a storm.
5. Avoid Using a Pool Cover
While it may seem like a good idea to cover your pool to keep out debris, it’s not recommended during hurricanes. High winds and flying branches can easily rip the cover, resulting in higher replacement costs. Cleaning your pool after a storm is far cheaper than replacing a damaged pool cover.
6. Create Ventilation in Your Screen Enclosure
To prevent your enclosure from acting like a giant sail and tearing apart, allow wind to pass through freely. You can do this by:
- Removing both screen doors
- Temporarily pulling out some screen panels from the windward side
- Pulling the spline (rubber cord) at the bottom of select panels to release the screen tension without damaging the frame
This reduces stress on the structure and lowers the risk of collapse.
Why Hurricane Preparation Is Worth It
Your screen enclosure is more than just a structure—it’s a part of your Florida lifestyle. Whether you use it to relax, entertain, or keep bugs away from your pool, protecting it means preserving your comfort, safety, and property value.
Taking the time to prepare now helps you:
- Avoid thousands in repairs or replacement
- Protect your family and home from hazards
- Stay stress-free during hurricane watches and warnings
- Prolong the life of your enclosure and aluminum framing
Prepare Your Screen Enclosure for Hurricane Season Today!
Your pool screen enclosure is more than just a home feature—it’s an extension of your Florida lifestyle. Taking the time to prepare now can mean the difference between peace of mind and costly repairs after a storm. From simple steps like storing loose items and trimming branches to more advanced protection like structural reinforcements, every effort counts when it comes to hurricane readiness.
At Fabri-Tech Screen Enclosures, we’re proud to be your trusted partner in protecting what matters most. Whether you need a pre-season inspection, storm-resistant upgrades, or post-storm repairs, our team is here to help you weather the season with confidence.
Get your pool screen enclosure hurricane-ready—call Fabri-Tech today at 239-722-5565 or connect with us online for a professional inspection or free estimate!
