Living in Southwest Florida means enjoying sunny days, warm nights, and beautiful outdoor living spaces like lanais. But it also means preparing for hurricane season, which can bring powerful winds, rain, and flying debris. If you have a lanai screen enclosure in Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, or Fort Myers, storm-proofing it should be part of your home maintenance routine.
Here’s how to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs when a storm rolls through.
1. Inspect Your Screens Regularly
The first step to storm-proofing your lanai is prevention. Check your screens twice a year—once before hurricane season (June–November) and once after. Look for:
- Tears or holes in the mesh
- Loose spline (the rubber that holds the screen in place)
- Rust on the frame or fasteners
Even small issues can turn into major damage when winds pick up.
2. Upgrade to Stronger Screen Materials
Standard fiberglass screens may hold up in regular weather, but hurricane-force winds can tear them easily. At Best Rescreen Company, we recommend upgrading to:
- Polyester Super Screen – durable and tear-resistant
- Pet Screen – stronger mesh for homes with animals
- Florida Glass (Laminated Vinyl Screen) – keeps out water and debris
These materials offer better resistance to both wind and impact.
3. Reinforce the Screen Enclosure Structure
Your screens are only as strong as the aluminum framing that supports them. Consider having a licensed professional inspect and reinforce:
- Fasteners and bolts – tighten or replace rusted parts
- Roof beam connections – critical to keep your screen roof intact
- Anchoring systems – secure the entire enclosure to the foundation
If your enclosure is over 10 years old, a structural inspection is especially important.
4. Add Storm Panels or Roll-Down Shutters
Many homeowners in Collier and Lee Counties install clear storm panels or roll-down shutters over their screens. These add:
- Wind and debris protection
- Privacy
- An extra layer of waterproofing
They’re easy to roll up during calm seasons and can be deployed quickly before a storm.
5. Trim Nearby Trees and Remove Loose Items
A common cause of screen damage during storms isn’t the wind—it’s what the wind throws around. Make sure to:
- Trim back trees and branches near your lanai
- Remove or secure patio furniture, grills, flower pots, and tools
- Keep the yard clear of any loose items that could become projectiles
6. Consider Detachable Panels
If your screens are older or not built to withstand storms, you might want to install removable screen panels. These can be taken down quickly when a hurricane is approaching and stored until it’s safe to reinstall them.
7. Get a Professional Evaluation Before Hurricane Season
A trained technician can point out structural weaknesses and recommend the best protection strategies. Best Rescreen Company offers free inspections in the Naples, FL area and surrounding cities like:
- Marco Island
- Bonita Springs
- Cape Coral
- Estero
- Fort Myers
We’ll give you honest advice and offer practical solutions to help you protect your enclosure.
Storm-proofing your lanai screens isn’t just about avoiding repairs—it’s about protecting your home and family. Taking action before the storm hits can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of stress.
📍 Business Info
Best Rescreen Company
5660 Strand Ct Unit A244, Naples, FL 34110
📞 (239) 344-7774
🌐 www.bestrescreenco.com
Need help storm-proofing your lanai?
Get in touch with us today for a free inspection and expert advice. We’ll help you protect what matters—your home, your time, and your peace of mind.
