In many homes, a screened-in porch or lanai is a haven where you can enjoy fresh air and the sights and sounds of nature without the bugs or getting soaked from Florida rain. However, hurricane season brings high winds and torrential downpours, making your cozy space vulnerable to the elements. But how do you prep your screened-in porch for a hurricane?
Follow these steps to make your screened-in porch hurricane-ready, and then call Eurex Shutters for a consultation to add extra protection!
Clear the Area – Remove Furniture and Decorations
While screened-in porches are somewhat protected from the elements, the screens are vulnerable. High winds can penetrate mesh and launch projectiles, like tree limbs, to rip screens and shatter glass.
So if your screened-in-porch is not protected you will need to clear the porch. Remove outdoor furniture, potted plants, and décor. Remove candles, cushions, and small belongings that could be picked up. If you can pick it up, it needs to be brought inside or tied down. In severe hurricane winds, your belongings could cause significant damage if launched.
Large planters and heavier furniture should be anchored down or covered with an anchored tarp or cloth. This will prevent damage to your screened-in porch and belongings from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Secure the Screens – Protecting Against Wind and Rain
Screened-in porches are designed to keep out a certain amount of rain and bugs. However, they aren’t designed to withstand the intense force of a hurricane. If you do not have hurricane shutters or protection you should work to minimize damage and reinforce screens with frames, additional screws and brackets, and tighter fastenings. You could also add wooden braces for hurricane-readiness, which help keep screens in place while the storm rages.
Install Hurricane Shutters or Panels For Protection
Hurricane shutters are the most effective method for protecting your screened-in porch from hurricane damage. Aluminum shutters are solid and shield your screened-in porch from the dangers of the hurricane. Eurex Shutters offers various hurricane shutters designed to fit different needs and budgets and are easy to deploy when a storm approaches. Shutters are a practical addition to your Florida home, adding safety and security during hurricane season.
Seal Windows and Doors – Secure Entry Points
If you don’t have hurricane shutters then your screened-in porch’s windows and doors are weak spots in a hurricane. That is of course unless they are impact windows and doors.
If your windows are unprotected you can take some precautions to improve their performance. Here are some quick tips:
- Check the seals around the door and window frames, ensuring no cracks or gaps where water could leak and flood your porch
- Use caulk or window stripping to create tighter seals
- Check for broken glass and fix or replace the windows if broken
Lastly, consider installing storm doors or hurricane-rated windows to combat extreme conditions. They are an investment, but they have many benefits, the biggest being hurricane protection.
Minimize the Risk of Falling Branches – Trim the Trees
Trees are hazards in a hurricane. Limbs can become projectiles, flying through the air at 50+ miles per hour to shatter your windows and wreak havoc on your home. Strong winds can topple some of the tallest, most solid trees in the world. This is especially true for non-native plants that do not do well in hurricanes.
To minimize the risk you should trim the trees regularly. At the very least, trimming them before hurricane season is important. Make sure low-hanging or large branches are cut back from your screened-in porch. Make sure any dead or lose branches are cut off.
Regular tree maintenance is imperative for hurricane preparation and home safety. Unsure which branches to trim? Consult an arborist and hire a professional service. Request trims annually.
Reinforce Any Foundational Weak Spots
A high-wind hurricane will exploit vulnerabilities in the sturdiest structures, and screened-in porch framing is no exception. Most screened in porches / lanais in Florida are framed with aluminum framing. And these can become weak or have structural vulnerabilities over time.
It is a good idea to inspect your aluminum framing for signs of weakness, like corrosion, cracks, insect infestations, loose or rusted out fasteners, and decay. If you have weak spots you can either replace or reinforce them. If reinforcing, you can use additional framing or add supportive metal brackets, to strengthen your screened-in porch’s framework.
You can also consider hurricane straps, braided wire, or clips to help tie the structure down. If done correctly, this may reduce the risk of the porch structure being knocked over during brutal hurricane winds.
After the Storm – Inspect and Repair
Every hurricane passes eventually, but they may leave you with damage to your home. Conduct a thorough inspection of your screened-in porch. Look for loose or damaged screens or broken, cracked, or splintered windows. Check for structural damage like cracked porch framing. Even if damage appears minor, you should make plans for repairs as soon as possible. Waiting too long can cause further deterioration.
Check the screens and aluminum frames (including screen doors) first. Then move on to broken seals or potential cracks in windows or doors. Water leaks can cause significant damage so you will want to make sure these are addressed.
How does your screened-in porch look overall? Assess the structure. Has the frame shifted or been damaged? Is your elevated porch leaning to one side? Structural damage requires immediate repairs to prevent further damage. Your main aim should be a safe, secure, sturdy screened-in porch.
Personal Prep for Hurricane Safety
If you are sheltering in place during a hurricane never hunker down on your screened-in porch unless it has hurricane shutters. You will want to secure your porch, then find somewhere safe, without windows, to shelter until the storm passes. You can even evacuate to a safe zone or head to a Florida hurricane shelter. Stock a backpack with non-perishable snacks, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit. Each person in your household should have a well-stocked backpack.
Keep the kits in an accessible location, and practice hurricane drills to prepare your loved ones for dangerous weather. Don’t step outside or onto your screened-in porch until the storm passes entirely.
Conclusion
Hurricane preparation is essential for Florida homeowners. And preparing your screened-in porch is part of the prep process. Clearing the area, securing screens, installing hurricane shutters and panels, sealing windows and doors, trimming trees, and reinforcing porch structures will reduce the risk of storm damage. Taking these steps can save you from expensive repairs and stress. Protecting your screened-in porch and home means investing in high-quality hurricane shutters.
One of the best decisions you can make is to choose Eurex Shutters, which offers various options designed to provide optimal protection during hurricane season. Contact Eurex Shutters today to ensure your screened-in porch is hurricane-ready to keep your household safe and secure.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
