Screen Mesh vs. Structural Aluminum — Know Which Is Which
Replacing torn screen fabric or spline: no permit. Replacing aluminum posts, beams, purlins, or rafters — even one: permit required. This distinction matters and many contractors accidentally skip the permit on structural work they think is routine maintenance.
Post-Hurricane Permit Offices Are Backed Up — Get Your Package Ready Early
After a major storm, building department permit queues can stretch weeks or months. Having your PE-sealed engineering package ready before you schedule the repair contractor puts you ahead of the line.
Insurance Claims Are Stronger With PE Documentation
Many Florida homeowners insurance claims for storm-damaged screen enclosures require an engineer's assessment of what was damaged and what needs to be replaced. Our PE documentation of the damage scope is accepted by major Florida insurers.
Replacing 'Like for Like' May Not Be Code Compliant
If your enclosure was built under older code, the replacement members may need to be larger or stronger to meet current FBC requirements. A PE verifies compliance — your contractor doesn't have to guess.
Unpermitted Repair Work Can Void Future Insurance Claims
If you repair structural aluminum without a permit and the next storm damages the same area, your insurance company can argue the prior repair wasn't done to code — and deny the claim. Permitted, PE-engineered repairs are protected.
The Connections Are Usually What Failed, Not the Members
In most storm failures, screen enclosures fail at their connections — base anchors, ridge connections, purlin-to-rafter joints — not in the middle of a member. Our repair drawings specifically address connection adequacy at every critical point.
⚠️ Insurance May Deny Claims for Unpermitted Repair Work
If your screen enclosure sustains storm damage and you repair it without permits, your insurance may refuse to cover future storm damage — arguing the work wasn't done to code. Permitted, PE-engineered repairs are protected.
