Is Your Lanai Hurricane-Ready?

How to Ensure Your Lanai Is Hurricane-Ready

Living in hurricane-prone areas like Southwest Florida means preparing your home for severe weather, including your outdoor structures like a lanai. Ensuring your lanai is hurricane-ready can protect your property and loved ones while minimizing damage during a storm. Follow these tips to strengthen and secure your lanai for hurricane season.

1. Inspect the Structure Regularly

Conduct regular inspections of your lanai to identify any weak points or damage that could worsen during high winds. Key areas to check include:

• Frame: Look for rust, corrosion, or loose bolts in the aluminum structure.

• Screens: Check for tears, holes, or weakened mesh that could tear under pressure.

• Connections: Ensure all connections to your home or foundation are secure and sturdy.

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2. Reinforce the Frame

Aluminum frames are durable but may need reinforcement in areas with strong hurricane activity. You can:

• Add extra bracing or supports to improve structural integrity.

• Replace old or weakened aluminum with higher-grade, corrosion-resistant materials.

• Ensure the anchors securing your lanai to the foundation are strong and meet local building codes.

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3. Use High-Quality Materials

If you’re building or upgrading your lanai, invest in materials designed to withstand extreme weather:

• Hurricane-Resistant Screens: Opt for heavy-duty screens that can withstand strong winds without tearing.

• Sturdy Roofs: A solid roof made of durable materials like aluminum or polycarbonate can offer added protection.

• Impact-Resistant Glass: If your lanai includes glass enclosures, choose impact-resistant glass that can handle flying debris.

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4. Remove Potential Hazards

Before a hurricane arrives, clear your lanai of any items that could become projectiles:

• Furniture and Decorations: Store outdoor furniture, potted plants, and decor items indoors.

• Loose Objects: Remove grills, umbrellas, or anything that isn't securely fastened.

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5. Install Hurricane Shutters

For lanais with glass or open areas, installing hurricane shutters can protect against wind and flying debris. Roll-down or accordion-style shutters are effective and easy to deploy when needed.

6. Ensure Proper Drainage

Blocked drainage systems can lead to water buildup, increasing the risk of damage:

• Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent clogs.

• Ensure the lanai floor is properly sloped to allow rainwater to flow away from the structure.

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7. Follow Local Building Codes

Hurricane readiness starts with compliance. Ensure your lanai meets Florida’s stringent building codes for hurricane resistance. Consult a professional to confirm:

• Proper anchoring to the foundation.

• Adequate wind load capacity for your area.

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8. Schedule a Professional Inspection

A professional can assess your lanai for structural integrity and recommend upgrades or repairs to ensure it's hurricane-ready. Experts can identify issues you might overlook and provide tailored solutions.

9. Consider Insurance Coverage

Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it covers damage to outdoor structures like lanais. This added protection can save you significant costs in case of hurricane-related damage.

Protect Your Lanai with Re and Re Services

At Re and Re Services, we specialize in repairing and reinforcing aluminum structures, including lanais, to withstand hurricane conditions. We proudly serve homeowners in Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Pine Island, Estero, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port, Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, and surrounding areas. Contact us at (239) 961-3926 to schedule an inspection or learn more about our hurricane-proofing solutions!

Bonus Links:

• Hurricane season is approaching—are you prepared? Learn more about hurricane preparedness tips from the National Hurricane Center.

• Ensuring your lanai meets the Florida Building Code can protect your home and family during storms.

• For hurricane-resistant screens, consider products from Phifer or SuperScreen.

• Ready to hurricane-proof your lanai? Contact us for a free consultation today!

• Home Hurricane Prep Kit!