Hurricane Season Pool Screen Prep Checklist

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 in Central Florida. Your pool screen enclosure is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during tropical weather. Here’s how to prepare it before the storms arrive.

Pre-season inspection checklist

Screen condition

• Check for faded, gray, or silvery mesh — indicates UV degradation and reduced strength
• Look for sagging panels that aren’t sitting taut in the frame
• Find and note any existing tears, holes, or patches
• Test screen tension by gently pressing — it should spring back firmly
• Check spline (rubber gasket) for gaps, crumbling, or pulling away from frame

Frame condition

• Inspect all joints and connections for looseness — tighten any loose bolts
• Look for corrosion, pitting, or oxidation on aluminum members
• Check that all frame members are straight — bent sections are weak points
• Verify the enclosure is securely attached to the house and footers
• Test screen doors for proper closing and latching

Surroundings

• Trim any tree branches within 15 feet of the enclosure
• Remove dead or dying trees near the pool area
• Secure loose patio furniture and pool equipment that could become projectiles
• Clear gutters and drains around the enclosure

Upgrade recommendations

If your inspection reveals concerns, consider these upgrades before hurricane season:

Rescreen aging panels

If your screen is 8+ years old and showing signs of degradation, rescreening before storm season is smart insurance. Fresh, properly tensioned screen handles wind significantly better than old, brittle mesh.

Upgrade to Super Screen

Super Screen handles 3x the wind load of standard fiberglass. If you’re rescreening anyway, the material cost difference is modest compared to the improved storm resistance. This is the single best hurricane-related screen upgrade.

Repair frame weak points

Loose joints, corroded connections, and bent frame members are where enclosures fail first during storms. Fix these before they’re tested by a tropical system.

Reinforce attachment points

Ensure the enclosure’s connection to the house and to the concrete footers is solid. These are the primary structural anchors.

Insurance review

Before hurricane season:

• Know your hurricane deductible — it’s typically 2-5% of your home’s insured value
• Understand what your policy covers for screen enclosure damage
• Document your enclosure’s current condition with photos (useful for claims)
• Keep your contractor’s contact information accessible for post-storm calls

Timeline

• April-May: Best time for pre-season inspections and repairs
• June 1: Hurricane season officially begins
• August-October: Peak storm activity
• November 30: Hurricane season officially ends

Don’t wait until a storm is named to inspect your pool cage. The best time to address screen and frame issues is during the dry season (December-May) when demand is lower and scheduling is easier.

What we offer

We provide pre-hurricane-season inspections and can identify weak points in your enclosure before they become post-storm repair bills. Send us photos or schedule a walkthrough, and we’ll give you an honest assessment of your enclosure’s storm readiness.