How to Identify Motorized Screen Damage Caused By Hurricane Halene.

Our Hearts Go Out To Those Directly Affected.

Hurricane Helene devastated Florida’s Big Bend region, making landfall as a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds and a destructive storm surge. The storm caused extensive flooding, destroyed homes, and left millions without power.

Tragically, lives were lost due to the storm’s severity, with several fatalities reported as rescue crews were unable to reach all those in need during the chaos. The aftermath has left communities in shock, and rebuilding efforts are underway as the region recovers from this catastrophic event.​

Five Different Types of Motorized Screen Damage Cause By Hurricane Force Winds.

High winds and storms can cause significant damage to motorized screens, especially if they are left down during such events. These screens are typically only designed to withstand hurricane-force winds if they are specifically built for storm protection, like hurricane-rated screens. Motorized screens left down during high winds are prone to several issues:

Tearing or Rippign of Fabric:

The wind can create extreme pressure on the screen's fabric, especially if the screen lacks a tensioning system. This can cause the fabric to tear or the edges to rip from their tracks. Simply put, The wind can quickly overpower the mesh for standard screens, leading to costly repairs or complete replacements.

If your motorized screens were damaged, contact the manufacturer. Understand that the screen size and mesh within motorized screens are often manufacture-specific. Below are the links to the most popular Manufacture of Motorized Screens:

Progressive Screens:
Fenetex
SunPro
Phantom
Mirage Screens System:
Genius Screens
SunSetter

Now, If you still do not know the manufature, contact Florida Living Outdoor and we do are best to get you pointed in the right direction.

Damage to the Mechanism:

High winds can dislodge or bend the motorized components, leading to jammed or broken mechanisms. Systems that aren't designed for high winds may experience issues with tracks bending, motors burning out, or screen misalignment. Systems like MagnaTrack have magnetic tensioning to reduce these issues, but many other systems do not offer this level of protection.

If your motorized screen is making weird noises, such as grinding within the housing unit or clunking, call a professional and have them inspect the unit. Do not operate.

Debris Impact:

Flying debris in storms can hit the screens, causing punctures or more severe damage to both the screen and its housing. The windborne debris, such as branches, can weaken the structure of the screen, making it unsafe and unusable.

Inspect your unit. Look for apparent damage, such as dents or dings to the tracks or housing. Encsure the bottom weight bar is not bent and still inside the left and right tracks. If you discover damage, call a professional and have them inspect the unit. Do not operate.

Track Misalignment:

Traditional motorized screens that rely on fixed tracks are often pulled off their rails by high wind forces. If the screen remains deployed during a storm, it can become misaligned and require significant repair or realignment afterward.

If you notice the following symptoms, track misalignment has likely occurred: The weight bar travels diagonally, catches, jerks, or jitters as it traverses up and down the side track.

Wind Pressure:

Standard motorized screens are not equipped to handle the direct wind pressure generated during severe storms, which can cause the frame or tracks to warp.

Excessive wind pressure can cause the screens to stretch. Understand that components are replaceable, but it is often cheaper to replace the motorized screens as a whole.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. High-end systems, such as those with self-correcting or interlock tracks like MagnaTrack, are built to handle stronger winds by dampening the pressure on the screens, preventing damage.

For homeowners with regular motorized screens, it is crucial to retract them before high winds or storms. Most manufacturers recommend screens are fully retracted before winds reach 20 MPH.

On the other hand, hurricane-rated systems like Fenetex or MagnaTrack screens are specifically designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, offering protection from both wind and debris while maintaining durability even during extreme weather events.

In any case, timely maintenance and ensuring the screens are retracted during storms will help prevent costly damage and prolong the life of your motorized screen system.