Living in Central Florida, hurricanes are a fact of life. As homeowners, we must prepare for these natural disasters as best we can. One of the most important ways to do that is to make sure our outdoor living spaces are safe and secure. But can pergolas withstand hurricane-force winds? Let’s find out!
Make Your House a Home with a Custom Pergola
Understanding What Makes a Hurricane-Proof Pergola
Not all pergolas are created equally. Most Floridians know that when a major storm rolls into town, you need to be prepared. With a bit of extra preparation, you can help safeguard your pergola from the destructive effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. By taking simple preventative steps during construction, you can make sure that your outdoor structure will be able to withstand whatever nature throws its way!
Pergola Construction Factors
Pergolas are usually constructed with either wood, vinyl, or aluminum. All three materials are known for their strength and durability, which means they can withstand even the strongest of winds associated with hurricanes. It’s important to keep in mind that not all materials are created equal—wood will typically require more maintenance than vinyl or aluminum. Additionally, certain types of wood may be better suited to withstand hurricanes than others—for example, pressure-treated pine or cedar is a great option because it has been treated to resist rot and insect damage.
When Combatting Hurricane Force Winds, Materials Matter
In addition to construction factors, the materials used in your pergola will make a difference when it comes to withstanding hurricanes. For example, vinyl pergolas are even more secure than wood since vinyl won't warp or rot over time like wood will. And aluminum or steel are even sturdier options—they won't rust due to exposure from rain and they're resistant to chipping and cracking from flying debris during storms. Additionally, if you're concerned about debris flying through your outdoor space during a storm, consider adding screening material such as durable mesh fabric or insect netting between the slats of your pergola’s roof for extra protection.
Pergola Anchoring Systems = Wind Resistant Pergola
The anchoring system used to install the pergola is just as important as the material used to construct it. When installing a pergola using an anchoring system, it’s important to make sure that the anchors are properly secured into the ground so that your structure will remain stable during high winds and storms. The best way to ensure that your pergola is securely fastened is by having an experienced professional install it for you; this way, you can rest assured that your structure has been properly anchored into place.
Accessories That Can Withstand Heavy Winds
The final factor when determining whether or not your pergola is hurricane-proof is accessories such as curtains and covers. Accessories like these can provide additional protection from wind and rain during storms; however, they should be removed after the storm has passed since they can hinder air circulation and lead to mildew growth on wooden surfaces.
Florida Pavers & Pergolas: Your Local Pergola Experts
While no structure is completely immune to the damaging effects of hurricanes and tropical storms, there are steps you can take when building your pergola that will help ensure its safety in high-wind situations. Choosing sturdy materials like pressure-treated wood, anchoring it well into the ground with concrete footings, and adding hurricane straps or bracing systems for extra reinforcement are all great ways to keep your outdoor space safe during strong storms.
With proper planning and preparation beforehand, you can rest assured knowing that you have done everything possible to protect yourself and your home during hurricane season! If you live in the Central Florida area and are looking to add a custom-designed "hurricane proof" pergola to your property, feel free to contact Florida Pavers & Pergolas for a free custom estimate.
Florida Pavers & Pergolas services the following areas:
Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, Osceola County, Volusia County, and Broward County. Our team commonly operates in Metro West, Doctor Phillips, Windermere, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Gotha, Oviedo, Oakland, Apopka, College Park, Winter Park, Sorrento, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Heathrow, & Sanford.