Understanding Florida’s Storm Season Reality
Every year, Florida homeowners brace themselves for storms that can arrive with little warning. From strong afternoon thunderstorms to tropical systems and the occasional hurricane threat, the weather here demands preparation. While most people focus on shutters, generators, and emergency kits, there’s another part of your home that deserves attention as storm season approaches: your outdoor shading systems.
High-quality products like SunPro awnings and motorized screens offer daily comfort, but they also play an important role during storm season. When maintained properly and used responsibly, they help protect your outdoor spaces and contribute to the overall readiness of your home.
At Made in the Shade North Central FL, we walk homeowners through simple steps to make sure their awnings and screens are ready for whatever the season brings. Most of these steps are easy and take only a few minutes, but they offer peace of mind all summer long.
Start With a Seasonal Inspection
Before storm season begins, take a few moments to inspect your awning or screen system. Look for signs of wear, loose mounting hardware, frayed edges, or anything that might need tightening or cleaning. If you have a motorized system, operate it fully to make sure everything moves smoothly.
Most issues are minor and easy to correct. If anything catches your eye that feels out of place, a professional can evaluate it quickly. A simple checkup goes a long way toward ensuring everything performs the way it should.
Retract Awnings Early When Storms Approach
While SunPro awnings are engineered with strong aluminum frames and durable fabrics, they are not meant to remain open during severe winds. The great news is that these systems are incredibly easy to retract. With a quick press of a button, the awning folds safely into its cassette housing, which protects the fabric and arms from flying debris or damaging gusts.
Retracting the awning is one of the simplest storm prep tasks you can take, and it should happen as soon as a storm watch or warning is issued. If your system includes an automatic wind sensor, it can even retract itself if conditions change suddenly.
Motorized Screens Offer Extra Flexibility
Motorized screens are a little different. When lowered, they help block debris, reduce wind exposure, and keep outdoor items a bit more protected. During mild storms or passing showers, a screen can serve as a shield that keeps your patio or lanai cleaner and more usable once the weather clears.
However, for more serious storms or any situation involving high sustained winds, the screen should be raised completely. SunPro systems are strong, but even the best screen can be damaged if left exposed in hurricane-level conditions. Retracting them removes stress on the tracks and prevents unnecessary wear.
The key is simple: enjoy the protective benefits when weather is mild, but retract the system when stronger conditions are expected.
Securing Outdoor Furniture Helps Protect Your Shading System
One important but often overlooked step is to remove or secure anything around your screens or awnings that can become airborne. Outdoor furniture, lightweight planters, toys, umbrellas, or garden décor can shift or blow into your shading system during a storm.
Taking a few minutes to tidy up your patio keeps both your belongings and your exterior shade systems safer. It’s a small effort with big impact.
Storm Season Reinforces the Value of Quality Engineering
SunPro products are designed for Florida’s climate. Powder-coated aluminum frames resist rust. Fade-resistant fabrics stand up to intense sunlight. Reinforced tracks on motorized screens help reduce deflection. These systems are built to handle daily weather challenges better than most outdoor products on the market.
Even so, proper use during storms is essential. A little care and attention make sure your investment continues to serve you year-round.
Be Ready Before the First Storm Hits
Storm season preparation isn’t just about protection. It’s about confidence. When your outdoor systems are maintained and secured, you can focus on keeping your family safe and comfortable.
If you’d like a professional inspection or guidance on storm-season preparation for your awnings or screens, Made in the Shade North Central FL offers complimentary evaluations. These steps ensure that your outdoor shade systems look great, function correctly, and are ready for the changing seasons.
