As a homeowner in storm-prone areas like Florida, investing in hurricane screens is essential to protect your home during hurricane season. However, just installing hurricane screens isn’t enough—regular maintenance is crucial to ensure they perform at their best when storms arrive.

Here’s why maintaining your hurricane screens should be a priority, and some simple steps you can take to keep them in top condition year-round.

Why Maintenance Matters

Hurricane screens are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, but over time, salt, moisture, and debris can accumulate and weaken the screens. This is especially true in coastal areas like Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island, where salt and moisture exposure is higher. Regular maintenance ensures your screens remain durable, reliable, and ready for the next storm.

Failing to maintain your screens could lead to:

• Corrosion or rust: Particularly in coastal areas where salty air accelerates damage.
• Weak points in the material: Small tears or frayed edges can worsen during high winds, reducing protection.
• Blockages in moving parts: If you have motorized screens, dirt and debris can clog the mechanism, causing them to malfunction.

Simple Maintenance Tips for Hurricane Screens

Here are some simple but effective ways to maintain your hurricane screens and extend their lifespan:

1. Clean Your Screens Regularly Over time, dust, dirt, and salt can accumulate on the screens, especially after a storm. To clean your hurricane screens:
   • Use mild soap and water.
   • Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could damage the screen material.
   • Rinse the screens thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
   • Clean the frames to prevent rust from forming, especially in salty air.
2. Inspect for Damage Regularly inspect your screens for any wear and tear. Key areas to focus on:
   • Look for any tears, holes, or fraying in the screen material.
   • Inspect the zippers, grommets, and tracks for blockages or corrosion.
   • Ensure there are no sagging areas, which can reduce effectiveness during a storm.
3. Remove Debris After Storms After a storm, inspect your screens for debris that may have become lodged in the zippers, tracks, or screen material. Even small branches or leaves can cause damage if left unaddressed. Remove any debris to ensure the screens continue functioning properly.
4. Lubricate Moving Parts If your hurricane screens are motorized, regular lubrication of moving parts is essential to keep the system running smoothly. Use a non-oil-based lubricant to prevent clogging, and apply it every six months.

Need a More Detailed Checklist?

We’ve put together a comprehensive Hurricane Screen Checklist to guide you through every step of screen maintenance. Contact us or call 239-594-7722 to request your free copy!

When to Schedule Professional Maintenance

While some maintenance tasks can be done yourself, scheduling an annual professional inspection is crucial—especially before hurricane season begins. A professional can check for any potential weak spots or damage that might not be immediately visible.

In areas like Southwest Florida, where storms are frequent and the salt exposure is high, this professional maintenance can be the difference between having fully functioning screens and facing costly repairs after a storm.

Residential Service Plan for Southwest Florida Locals

To help ensure your hurricane screens are always in peak condition, we offer a Residential Service Plan for Southwest Florida homeowners. Starting at just $39.99 per month, this bi-annual maintenance plan covers inspection, cleaning, and minor repairs for all brands and types of shutters.

Interested? Contact our team or call us at 239-594-7722.

Why Hurricane Screen Maintenance Matters Now More Than Ever

With an approaching storm, your hurricane screens could be the first line of defense for your home. If you haven’t inspected them in a while, don’t wait until the last minute. Proper maintenance ensures your screens are ready to protect you, and if you need repairs or replacements, acting now could save you time and money.

Don’t Wait Until the Next Storm Hits – Contact AHT Today!

If you have any questions or concerns about your hurricane screens, or if you’re interested in learning more about our products and services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you weather any storm.