Preparing Your Patio Cover for Hurricane Season

Your patio cover, carport, or sunroom faces unique challenges during hurricane season. Proper preparation can mean the difference between weathering the storm and expensive repairs—or worse, damage to your home from a failed structure.

Why Patio Covers Are Vulnerable

Outdoor structures face wind differently than your home:

• Large, flat surfaces catch wind like sails
• Open sides allow wind to enter and create uplift
• Attachment points must resist tremendous forces
• Lighter construction than main home structure
• Debris impact can damage panels and supports

Understanding these vulnerabilities helps prioritize preparations.

Before Hurricane Season

Complete these tasks before June 1:

Structural inspection:

• Check all posts for rot, rust, or damage at ground level
• Inspect beam connections for corrosion or loosening
• Verify anchor bolts in concrete are tight and intact
• Look for any structural damage from previous weather

Roof inspection:

• Check panel seams for lifting or gaps
• Inspect fasteners for rust, loosening, or missing screws
• Look for dents or damage that could become failure points
• Verify flashings where cover meets house are sealed

Attachment points:

• Examine where cover connects to your home
• Check ledger board attachment and flashing
• Verify hurricane straps or clips are in place
• Ensure bolts and fasteners are tightened

Any issues found should be repaired before storm season, not during a storm warning.

Standard Aluminum Cover Preparations

Standard aluminum panels require specific attention:

Panel security:

• Check all exposed fasteners for tightness
• Replace any rusted or stripped screws
• Add screws at any loose or lifting panels
• Consider adding hurricane clips at panel edges

Structural concerns:

• Standard aluminum has less wind resistance than insulated
• Verify post and beam connections are solid
• Consider reinforcement if you're in a high wind zone
• Some homeowners remove lightweight covers before major storms

Insulated Panel Preparations

Insulated panels are generally more wind-resistant but still need attention:

Panel and seam check:

• Inspect concealed fastener seams for integrity
• Check panel-to-frame connections
• Verify thermal blocks at structure connections
• Look for any damage from previous weather

Structural advantages:

• Insulated panels are more rigid and less likely to lift
• Heavier weight resists wind better
• Fewer seams mean fewer potential failure points
• Still requires proper anchoring and attachment

Screened Enclosure Considerations

If your patio cover includes screens:

Screen protection options:

• Remove screens before major hurricanes (store safely)
• Some screen systems are designed to blow out (preventing structural damage)
• Verify screen track and frame condition
• Check door latches and closures

Why removal may be wise:

• Screens can act as sails, increasing wind load
• Debris can tear screens regardless
• Blown-out screens can damage other property
• Easier to replace screens than repair structure

Consult with your installer about your specific screen system's wind rating.

When a Storm Is Approaching

48-72 hours before:

• Clear all furniture and objects from under cover
• Secure or store anything that could become a projectile
• Document your structure with photos for insurance

24-48 hours before:

• Perform final inspection of attachment points
• Remove screens if recommended for your system
• Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear
• Store any removable components

Just before the storm:

• Final check that nothing is loose
• Photograph current condition for insurance
• Evacuate as directed (structures can be replaced, you cannot)

After the Storm

Post-storm inspection and safety:

Immediate safety:

• Don't enter under damaged structures
• Watch for downed power lines
• Be cautious of weakened structural elements

Damage assessment:

• Document all damage with photos and video
• Note water intrusion points
• Identify structural damage vs cosmetic damage
• Don't attempt repairs until professional assessment

Insurance and repairs:

• Contact insurance promptly
• Get professional assessment of damage
• Temporary tarping if needed to prevent further damage
• Professional repair of structural damage

Building for Hurricane Resistance

If you're planning a new cover or replacing one, build for storms:

Code compliance:

• All structures should be engineered for your wind zone
• Permits ensure proper construction
• Don't cut corners on connections and anchoring

Design considerations:

• Insulated panels perform better than standard aluminum
• Hip roofs shed wind better than flat
• Proper anchoring is critical
• Quality fasteners and connections

Professional installation:

• Experienced installers know Florida codes
• Proper engineering calculations
• Correct attachment methods
• Inspection and approval

Pro Specialty Services builds and repairs patio covers and outdoor structures throughout Lake County. Our installations are engineered for Florida wind codes. We also provide storm damage restoration when repairs are needed after a storm.