10/07/2024
PSA. Hurricane News
With another major hurricane bearing down upon Florida we wanted to take a moment and try to answer some of the most common questions.
Q: My screen enclosure is designed for 150 mph wind speed, will it survive a major hurricane?
A: Enclosures that are designed to the ASCE wind speed charts for 150mph regions are applied to the engineering as a Ultimate Design Wind Speed Vult (3 second gust). The Nominal Design Wind Speed Vasd is 116mph (sustained). If the winds exceed this your enclosure is at risk of catastrophic failure. Each wind region scales and the Exposure level for each site is critical.
Q: Should I cut out the screens on my pool enclosure and if so when?
A: This is a personal choice. Generally we advise to remove the screens if you are in the direct path of a major hurricane, & if you're trying to save the structure itself. While the enclosure is designed to support the pressures with the screen remaining in place, most major hurricanes exceed the design criteria of the enclosure (see above). When to cut them is also a personal choice. We generally advise as close to the last minute as possible. However safety is paramount.
Q: Will cutting my screens save my Pool Enclosure?
A: Serveral factors can apply to this question. Each Enclosure is designed differently and are subject to different site conditions. The age of the enclosure, the quality of the engineering, installation, and maintenance can all be deciding factors. Also enclosures are not designed to sustain impacts from windborne debri.
Q: Should I remove the screen door(s)?
A: It's generally recommended to tie the doors shut top and bottom. Removing them could be an option, the intent is to reduce drag/pressures on the enclosure and prevent them from causing additional damage.
Q: Should I remove my vinyl (or acrylic) windows?
A: By definition these are Vinyl or Acrylic Wind Break Panels. Yes you should remove them if the winds are expected to exceed 75mph. Otherwise these could cause catastrophic failure of the structure or become windborne debri and present life threatening conditions.
Q: If my enclosure starts to come down in the storm should I attempt to brace it or prop it up?
A: We would advice against it as it could present a life threatening condition and your safety is paramount.
Q: If I cut the screens will my insurance company cover it?
A: No, if you cut your screens and turn it into your insurance company that is technically Insurance fraud as you intentionally cut them.
Q: Will cutting my screens affect my insurance claim if the enclosure is destroyed?
A: We have seen no circumstances of this ever.
Q: Should I park my car under my aluminum carport?
A: We generally advise against parking under or in any aluminum patio structure during a major hurricane if the storm exceeds the design criteria of the structure.
These are just some of the most common questions we see during these events. The answers on this page are opinions based on the experience of industry leaders and professionals. First and foremost we want everyone to stay safe. Please don't risk your personal safety for a material asset no matter how much you value it. Please feel free to forward any further questions to us and we'll be happy to try to answer them and add them to the thread.
