If your pool enclosure was damaged during a hurricane or tropical storm, you’re not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Southwest Florida homeowners dealing with storm-damaged aluminum structures.
Step 1: Document Everything
Before touching anything, take photos and video of all damage from multiple angles. Document the overall structure, close-ups of specific damage points, any damage to your pool, deck, or home caused by the enclosure failure, and the general condition of surrounding structures. This documentation is critical for insurance claims.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
File your claim as soon as possible. Most homeowner policies cover storm damage to screen enclosures, but the specifics vary. Your insurance adjuster will want to see the damage documentation and will typically provide an estimate for repair or replacement. Important: your insurance company’s estimate may not reflect actual market costs for quality reconstruction, especially if building codes have been updated since your enclosure was originally built.
Step 3: Get Professional Estimates
Get estimates from licensed contractors — not just handymen or storm-chasers. Look for established local companies with aluminum-specific experience. Ask about their approach to current building code requirements, because post-storm rebuilds typically must meet current code, which may be more stringent than when the original structure was built. This can actually be a positive — your rebuilt enclosure will be stronger than the one that failed.
Step 4: Rebuild Right
This is your opportunity to upgrade. Consider hurricane-rated construction, better screen materials, improved roof design, and addressing any issues you had with the original enclosure. A proper rebuild with engineered drawings and current-code construction means your new enclosure should survive the next storm.
Need help with hurricane damage repair? Contact SAS Aluminum for a free assessment or call (239) 264-5914.
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