Central Texas storms can bring high wind and hail with very little warning, and outdoor structures take the brunt of it since they're directly exposed. The good news: structures engineered for local wind loads — which is every structure we build — hold up well when properly prepared. Most storm damage we see comes from things that could have been secured or retracted in the minutes before a storm arrived.
Retractable Awnings: Always Retract Before a Storm
A retracted awning is essentially invisible to wind; an extended one is a sail. Manual awnings should be retracted any time you're not actively using them during storm season, not just when a specific storm is forecast — Texas weather changes fast. Motorized awnings with wind sensors add a layer of automatic protection, but don't rely on them exclusively if severe weather is in the forecast.
Patio Covers and Pergolas: What to Check
Our patio covers and pergolas are engineered for Texas wind loads as permanent structures, so there's no active prep needed for the structure itself in most storms. What's worth checking seasonally: that fan blades are secure, lighting fixtures are firmly mounted, and any furniture or decor hanging from the structure is removed before a severe storm. Loose items are what typically cause damage, not the structure itself.
Screen Enclosures: The Most Vulnerable Feature
Screen mesh is the one component genuinely at risk during high wind or hail, since it's designed to flex rather than resist impact. If a specific severe storm or hail event is forecast, there's not much to do proactively for a fixed screen system — but after any major storm, inspect screens for tears or frame damage. Individual panels can be replaced without rebuilding the whole enclosure.
After the Storm: What to Inspect
Once weather clears, walk the property and check for loosened fasteners, hail damage to screen mesh or awning fabric, and any water pooling near sunroom or patio cover foundations that could indicate a drainage issue. Most of what we build shrugs off a typical Texas storm without issue — but catching small damage early is always cheaper than catching it after it's spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Every structure we build is engineered to meet local wind load requirements as part of the standard permitting and engineering process — this isn't an upgrade, it's baseline.
Move or secure lightweight furniture and cushions, and remove anything hanging from a pergola or patio cover structure. Heavier furniture is generally fine to leave in place under a covered structure.
Our aluminum patio covers and pergolas are built to withstand typical hail without structural damage; cosmetic dimpling in a severe hail event is possible but rare. Screen mesh and awning fabric are more susceptible and are the components worth inspecting after a hail storm.
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