Florida storms are hard on screen enclosures. Here is what to do once the weather has passed and it is safe to go outside.
1. Safety first
Stay away from downed power lines and do not climb on a damaged cage. If the frame is visibly bent, leaning or broken, keep people out of the enclosure.
2. Take photos
Photograph every side of the cage, wide and close-up, before you move anything. Photos help any contractor quote quickly.
3. Clear debris gently
Remove branches and leaves from the roof panels only if you can do so from the ground with a soft broom. Heavy debris sitting on roof screens stretches them.
4. Sort the damage
- Torn or blown-out mesh: screen repair.
- Spline pulled out: usually quick to fix.
- Bent, cracked or separated aluminum: structural repair. This may need a licensed contractor and permit under the Florida Building Code.
5. Prepare for next time
Before hurricane season, fix small tears, check door closers and trim trees near the cage. NOAA's hurricane preparedness page has a full home checklist.
Need help with the screens? Call (689) 378-0760, Monday–Saturday 9–7.