Florida Engineering

Hurricane Season Engineering Tip – Day 5

Should You Cut Your Screens Before a Hurricane?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer is more nuanced than most people expect.

• Screens transfer wind loads to the frame. Engineering models show that removing screens can reduce structural stress by 40 to 60 percent depending on enclosure type and wind exposure.

• Cutting screens is not the same as removing them. Partially attached or flapping screens still transfer loads and can introduce unpredictable forces into the structure.

• Design intent matters. Some enclosures are engineered to remain intact during hurricane events, while others are designed for screen removal above certain wind speeds.

Visible damage is not the only concern. Decisions made before a storm can affect structural performance, safety, and insurance outcomes. The safest approach is verifying how your enclosure was engineered and following those design assumptions rather than guessing during a rapidly changing storm event.

Read our in-depth article here:
https://flengineeringllc.com/should-i-cut-the-screens-on-my-screen-room-or-pool-cage-before-a-hurricane/