Motorized Screens: How to Diagnose Hurricane Damage.

Question: "How do I fix my motorized screen? I left it down during the hurricane."

At Florida Living Outdoor, we understand motorized screens better than anyone. If your screen was damaged during the recent hurricane, you’re probably wondering what went wrong and how to fix it. This comprehensive guide will help you identify the six key components of your motorized screen system and diagnose common problems. Whether it's a misaligned track or a motor burnout, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Let us help you restore your outdoor space and get your motorized screen back in top shape.

But before we dive in lets get a general overview of a motorized screen: A motorized screen system consists of six key components. The housing is the protective casing that holds the screen and motor. The roll tube is the part around which the screen wraps as it retracts. The motor powers the screen’s movement. The tracks guide the screen up and down, keeping it aligned. The weight bar at the bottom ensures smooth operation by maintaining tension. Finally, the screen mesh itself is the fabric that serves as the screen, varying in material based on its function—such as insect, solar, or hurricane-resistant.?

The Six Steps To Diagnose Problems With Your Motoried Screen:

1. How to Identifying Damage Motorized Screen Housing Units

If the motorized screen or housing is improperly installed or knocked out of alignment during a hurricane, it can cause various issues. To fix this, you first need to diagnose the problem. If the screen won’t move but you hear the motor, it likely needs a rewrap. If the screen moves but there are loud clunking noises, check for movement in the hood—this could indicate a bent roll tube. If the weight bar moves unevenly, the roll tube may be warped. In either case, it’s best to seek a professional for repairs.

Why does this occur? Here are a few possible reasons: An uneven hood is often the result of improper installation. The installation team likely used a traditional level instead of a laser line level to ensure precise alignment. Another possibility is that the incorrect type or amount of fasteners was used, leading to improper support. Always ensure professionals follow manufacturer guidelines for installation.

If you're experiencing any issues with your motorized screen and need expert assistance, feel free to contact us through our service form here. We're happy to help!

2. Identifying Warped roll tubes in Motorized Screen.

A bent or warped roll tube can cause various issues with your motorized screen, such as clunking noises, uneven retraction, or sagging. Diagnosing roll tube problems typically requires removing the housing hood for a closer inspection, which is best handled by a professional due to safety concerns, especially for large screens. However, homeowners can assist by paying attention to when and where the noise occurs, recording video of the screen in action, and identifying whether the noise is centralized (indicating a bent tube) or occurs throughout (suggesting a poor connection between the motor and mounting bracket).

Why does this occur? One of the most common causes of a bent or warped roll tube is wind pressure stress or improper material strength. To diagnose this, a professional will remove the hood and measure the distance from the roll tube to the top of the housing at three points: left, center, and right. Ideally, these measurements should be consistent, with up to a 1/8-inch variation being acceptable. Visible sagging may also indicate a bent tube, but precise measurements will give the most accurate diagnosis.

3. Identifying issues with the Motors in a Motorized Screen.

Motors used in outdoor motorized screens are built to be durable, but they are not immune to problems. To diagnose motor issues, start by using your senses—listen for grinding or straining sounds, smell for burnt plastic or chemical odors, and feel for excessive heat near the motor. If you detect these signs, turn off the screen at the service switch immediately and call a professional. If the screen struggles only when moving downward, the problem likely lies in the tracks, not the motor.

Motor problems often occur when the motor is overworked due to friction from the screen or misalignment of the weight bar. This extra strain can cause the motor to overheat, leading to operational failure or burnout. In addition, jerking or stuttering screen movements could be signs that the motor is struggling to perform. Pay attention to any unusual behaviors while the motor is running, as these can signal underlying issues that need professional attention.

Water damage is another common culprit for motor issues, especially after storms. Improperly sealed or unlooped power cords can allow rainwater to run down the line and seep into the motor housing. This can cause short circuits or overheating, leading to a dead motor. If your motor stops working immediately after a storm, this could be the cause. It’s crucial to ensure the power cord is correctly looped and sealed during installation to prevent water from entering the motor in the future.

But, before you pronounce the motor dead. It could be in sleep mode. Want to learn how to wake up a Gaposa Motor watch the following instructional video on Florida Living Outdoor's YouTube Channel.

4. Diagnosing Damage and Loose Tracks on Motorized Screens.

Damaged or misaligned tracks can cause a variety of issues with your motorized screen, from jamming to uneven movement of the weight bar. You can easily diagnose loose or compromised tracks by applying gentle pressure to them. If the tracks can be moved or feel unstable, the fasteners may have become loose or degraded. This often occurs due to the wrong fastener type or improper installation depth. According to Progressive Screens, fasteners should be placed every 20 inches, embedded at least 1 3/4" into concrete and 2 3/4" into wood, using stainless steel anchors in marine environments.

Why does this occur? Track issues usually stem from fasteners losing their hold due to poor embedment or using the wrong materials. Over time, weather conditions, such as wind and rain, can also loosen the tracks, especially if the wrong fasteners were used during installation. Homeowners can attempt to re-secure loose tracks using a power drill with a 1/4" nut driver, but care must be taken not to overtighten, as this can cause the fasteners to lose grip. For long-term solutions, it's often wise to consult a professional.

If you want to advoide track issues, MagnaTrack by Progressive Screens uses a patented self-correcting tension system, ensuring the screen stays aligned and functional even under high wind conditions. Their Defender Hurricane Screens are designed to remain secure and functional during extreme weather, minimizing track-related problems. Other Systems like Fenetex Hurricane Screens Fenetex Hurricane Screens are built with high-grade materials designed to meet strict building codes, including high-wind zones, making them less prone to track damage.

It’s important to note that not all motorized screen systems are designed for hurricane conditions. For example, Phantom Screens, Mistral Shield, and New Horizons are not built for hurricane resistance and should be rolled up before a storm to prevent damage.

5. Diagnosing Damage Weight Bars on Motorized Screens.

Weight bar issues can cause significant problems with your motorized screen, such as jamming or uneven movement. To check for damage, raise the screen above head level and look up at the weight bar—if it appears bowed, you'll need to contact the installation company for a replacement. Additionally, inspect the ends of the weight bar where it meets the tracks and ensure the probe guides are still attached. You'll often see a small black rectangle pinching the screen; the weight bar is likely compromised if it's missing or damaged.

Why does this occur? A bowed weight bar can result from stress over time, especially after heavy use or storms. If the probe guides detach, the screen may not move smoothly within the tracks, exacerbating the problem. There is no temporary fix—leave the screen in its current position and contact a professional for replacement. You can provide measurements from the back or inside edges of the tracks to assist the installer. Preventive maintenance is simple: Call for service immediately if you see anything loose.

If you're experiencing any issues with your motorized screen and need expert assistance, feel free to contact us through our service form here. We're happy to help!

6. Diagnosing Damage Screen Mesh on Motorized Screens.

The screen mesh can be one of the most vulnerable parts of a motorized screen, especially after severe weather. Damage is often visible, manifesting as rips or tears along the edges where the side weld attaches the zipper or kedar system to the tracks. You may also notice missing parts of the screen or punctures from debris during storms. For screens with stitched seams, look for loose threads that indicate deterioration. Unfortunately, once these issues occur, there's no quick fix—replacing the screen is the only option.

Why does this occur? Screen mesh damage can be attributed to various factors, including the screen type and external conditions. Insect screens, for example, are more fragile and prone to punctures, especially if you have pets or active children. Solar screens tend to be more durable due to polyester threads coated with vinyl, making them better suited for high-use areas. Hurricane screens, such as those made with ballistic fibers like OmegaTex, offer superior resistance to storm debris. Choosing the right screen for your environment is crucial for avoiding frequent repairs or replacements.

What if I don't know who the manufacture is?

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

When it comes to motorized screen systems, choosing the right installation company and product is crucial for long-term durability and performance. At Florida Living Outdoor, we not only specialize in identifying and repairing issues but also in installing the best systems on the market, like MagnaTrack. Known for its patented self-correcting technology, MagnaTrack ensures that your screen withstands even the harshest conditions, including hurricanes. Don’t settle for less—trust the experts at Florida Living Outdoor to provide the highest quality solutions that last.

If you need help with your motorized screen, contact us here.