Living in Florida comes with its own set of unique challenges, especially when you’re preparing for hurricane season. One of the most effective solutions for protecting your home is installing hurricane screens. In this blog, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of hurricane screens, their advantages, and what you need to know about Florida hurricane screen installation.

What Are Hurricane Screens?

Hurricane screens are protective barriers designed to safeguard homes against high winds and flying debris during storms. These screens can be made from various materials, including mesh and fabric, and are available in different styles to suit any home.

We make ours in Fort Myers: the fabric is cut on our CNC table and sewn on our own factory floor.

Benefits of Hurricane Screens

1. Enhanced Protection Against Storm Damage

One of the primary benefits of hurricane screens is their ability to protect your home from storm damage. These screens are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris, providing a strong barrier that helps protect your windows and doors.

2. Cost-Effective Solution

Installing hurricane screens can be a cost-effective alternative to other hurricane protection options. Compared to roll-down shutters or impact windows, screens often come at a lower initial investment while still providing significant protection. Insurance is worth asking about too: Florida’s wind mitigation inspection form documents the protection on your home’s openings, and your insurance carrier decides whether any discount applies. Our guide to hurricane screens vs. hurricane shutters walks through the trade-offs.

3. Ease of Installation and Use

Florida hurricane screen installation is straightforward on your end, because a professional crew handles it. Each screen is custom made for its opening, and our own crews install it. Our hurricane screens typically take 40 to 60 days from measure to installation.

Once they’re in, retractable options make it simple to deploy and store the screens when they are not in use.

4. Versatile Designs

Hurricane screens come in various designs and materials, making them suitable for different architectural styles. Whether you live in a modern condo or a classic Florida home, you can find screens that complement your property while providing essential protection. If you have a lanai, our guide to hurricane screens for lanais and patios covers those openings.

5. Improved Home Aesthetics

Beyond functionality, hurricane screens can enhance the visual appeal of your home. With various colors and designs available, you can choose screens that blend in with your exterior while ensuring safety.

6. What About Energy Efficiency?

If heat and glare on a sunny lanai are what you want to fix, exterior solar screens are made for that job: they cut glare and solar heat gain while keeping a view outside, and the heat the screen absorbs stays outside the home. Solar screens are a comfort product, not storm protection, so they don’t replace hurricane screens.

7. Peace of Mind

Finally, one of the most significant benefits of installing hurricane screens is the reassurance they offer. Knowing your home is protected against the elements allows you to feel more secure during hurricane season, reducing stress for you and your family.

What to Consider for Florida Hurricane Installation

When considering hurricane screens for your Florida home, here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Material Choice: Choose screens made from durable, weather-resistant materials to ensure long-lasting protection. We offer polypropylene, our standard fabric, and aramid, our heavy-duty fabric, and our guide to polypropylene vs. aramid hurricane screens explains how to choose. Check the warranty for your exact fabric and color, too. Our black and black/tan polypropylene hurricane screen fabric carries a 10-year warranty on the screen fabric itself, and the written AHT Limited Warranty controls. It calls for maintenance by an authorized dealer every 6 months for homes within 1 mile of water and once a year otherwise.
• Local Regulations: Check local building codes and regulations regarding hurricane protection to ensure compliance. In unincorporated Lee County and in Collier County, installing shutters or storm screening on a home requires a building permit, and the application lists each product’s Florida Product Approval number (its listing in the state’s product approval system) or its Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance number. Cities such as Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples run their own building departments, so their steps can differ.
• Professional vs. DIY: Hurricane screens are made to measure for each opening, so leave the measuring and installation to a professional rather than doing it yourself.

Installing hurricane screens is a smart investment for any Florida homeowner. With enhanced protection against storm damage, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and added aesthetic appeal, hurricane screens provide a comprehensive solution to safeguard your home during hurricane season. Since our hurricane screens typically take 40 to 60 days from measure to installation, it pays to plan them when there is no storm in the forecast.

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Ready to see your options? Book your free in-home consultation, or call (239) 251-0856. We’ll measure each opening and go over fabric, color and operation with you.

Advanced Hurricane Technology · FL Lic. CBC1258522 | SCC131153977