Shopping for hurricane patio screens can feel like comparing apples to oranges. Every company has a slightly different pitch, the quotes look different, and it’s hard to tell what actually matters once a storm is headed your way. The good news: a handful of straightforward questions will tell you almost everything you need to know.
Here’s what we’d ask if we were in your shoes, and what a good answer sounds like.
1. Is this screen actually built for hurricanes?
Not every patio screen is a hurricane screen. Plenty of screens are designed for shade, privacy or bugs, and they do those jobs well. A hurricane screen is a different product. It’s made to handle wind and wind-driven debris, and it’s installed with that in mind.
Ask the company to show you which of their systems are storm rated and which are for everyday shade. If they can’t clearly separate the two, that’s a red flag. You want to know exactly what you’re buying before the first storm, not during it.
2. Who does the measuring and the installation?
A hurricane screen is only as good as its fit and its anchoring. Gaps along the sides or a track that isn’t secured properly can undo the whole point of the system.
Ask who comes out to measure, and whether the same company handles the install or hands it off to someone else. At Awning Stars, we measure, sell and install our own systems, so the people who quote your patio are accountable for how it performs.
3. How do the screens open and close?
This one matters more than most people expect. When a storm is a day or two out, you don’t want to be wrestling with panels in the heat.
- Motorized screens roll down with a switch or remote, which makes deploying them quick. They’re also easy to use every day for shade and privacy.
- Manual screens cost less up front and still do the job, but plan for the time and effort it takes to lower them before a storm.
Think about who in your household will actually be closing them, and how quickly. That usually points you to the right choice.
4. What happens to the screens the rest of the year?
Hurricane season runs June through November, but you live on your patio twelve months a year. A good retractable system disappears into its housing when you don’t need it, so you keep your view and your breeze. Many homeowners also use their screens for afternoon sun, rain and bugs, which makes the investment work harder for you.
Ask how the screens look when they’re rolled up, and whether they can double as everyday shade.
5. What does the quote include?
Quotes can vary a lot, and it’s usually because they aren’t covering the same things. Before you compare prices, make sure you know whether each quote includes:
- Measuring and a custom fit for each opening
- The screen fabric, tracks and housing
- Motors and controls, if you’re going motorized
- Installation and cleanup
- A walkthrough showing you how to operate everything
If one quote is much lower than the others, check what’s missing from it.
6. What should I expect for timing?
Custom screens are made to fit your openings, so there’s a gap between measuring and installation. The closer you get to peak season, the more that timeline matters. Ask for a realistic schedule up front, and if you’re watching the tropics in August, get your measurements scheduled sooner rather than later. We cover timing in more detail in our post on when to install hurricane screens.
7. Does the company know South Florida homes?
Patios here come in every shape: screened lanais, open covered patios, balconies, pool decks, and older homes with odd openings. Local experience helps. A team that works across Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade every day will have seen setups like yours and will know how to handle them.
You can see the areas we serve on our Palm Beach County and Broward County hurricane screen pages.
Putting it together
The right hurricane patio screen is the one that fits your openings, deploys quickly when you need it, and stays out of the way when you don’t. If a company answers these seven questions clearly and without pressure, you’re in good hands.
Want to see the options for your patio? Take a look at our hurricane screen systems, read our patio hurricane prep guide, or contact us for a free in-home estimate. You can also call us at 561-909-8068.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all patio screens hurricane screens?
No. Many patio screens are made for shade, privacy or insects. Hurricane screens are a separate category built and installed for storm conditions, so ask which systems are storm rated before you buy.
Should I choose motorized or manual hurricane screens?
Motorized screens are faster and easier to lower before a storm and handy for daily shade. Manual screens cost less but take more time and effort to deploy. Think about who will be closing them and how quickly.
Can I still use my patio with hurricane screens installed?
Yes. Retractable screens roll up into a compact housing when you don’t need them, so your view and airflow stay open most of the year.
Does Awning Stars install its own screens?
Yes. We measure, sell and install our systems across Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
