7 Common Lanai Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid in Cape Coral & Fort Myers

Lanai Maintenance Mistakes

Your lanai is one of the best features of your Florida home! It lets us enjoy the sunshine, breeze, and beauty of the outdoors without the bugs or debris. However, like anything exposed to the elements, our lanai needs regular maintenance to stay strong and beautiful for years to come.

Unfortunately, many homeowners unintentionally make mistakes that lead to premature wear, corrosion, or costly repairs. Here are the most common lanai maintenance mistakes we see — and how to avoid them.

1. Using Harsh Chemicals or Pressure Washers

While it’s important to keep our lanai clean, using bleach, acid-based cleaners, or high-pressure washers can damage the screen mesh and strip protective paint from the aluminum frame.

Instead: Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush or sponge. A gentle rinse with a garden hose will remove dirt and salt buildup without harming the finish.

2. Ignoring Rusted Screws or Corroded Fasteners

Rusted or corroded screws don’t just look bad — they weaken our structure. Over time, they can cause joints to loosen, allowing wind and stress to twist or pull our lanai apart.

What to do: Inspect screws and fasteners at least twice a year. Replace rusted hardware with stainless steel or coated screws designed for coastal environments. When we restore lanais, we always replace old hardware before repainting or rescreening.

3. Failing to Check Anchors and Tension Cables

Our lanai’s strength depends on how it’s anchored to our home and concrete slab. If bolts loosen or tension cables slacken, the entire structure can shift during high winds or storms.

Tip from The Lanai Guys: Before hurricane season, make sure your anchors are secure and rust-free, and that all tensioners are tight. We can inspect and reinforce your structure to keep it storm-ready.

4. Cutting Screens Before a Storm

This is one of the most damaging myths in Florida. Some homeowners think cutting the screens before a hurricane reduces wind pressure — but it’s the opposite!

Screens actually strengthen our frame by distributing pressure. Cutting them weakens the entire cage and makes it far more likely to twist or collapse.

If a storm is coming, call us instead — The Lanai Guys can inspect, secure, and prep your lanai the right way.

5. Letting Mold, Dirt, and Debris Build Up

Florida’s humidity can quickly lead to mold, algae, or oxidation on our screens and frame if we skip regular cleanings. Beyond appearance, that buildup eats away at our paint and metal over time.

Keep it clean: Rinse your lanai monthly and do a deep clean every few months to prevent damage. We also recommend repainting or refinishing every 7–10 years for long-term protection.

6. Painting Over Old, Flaking Surfaces

Repainting a lanai isn’t just about looks — it’s about protection. But painting over oxidation, rust, or peeling paint without proper prep will cause the new paint to fail.

At The Lanai Guys, we:

• Remove all screens

• Clean, sand, and prep every inch of aluminum

• Replace any damaged screws

• Then apply Direct-To-Metal paint with a 10-year warranty

  
  

That’s the right way to make our lanai look brand new and last for years.

7. Waiting Too Long to Call the Pros

Small issues like a loose screw or a torn screen can turn into major structural repairs if ignored. Many homeowners wait until panels sag, paint peels, or doors stick — but by then, damage has spread.

The Lanai Guys can inspect our structure, identify early problems, and restore our lanai before repairs become expensive. Regular professional checkups save us money long-term and keep our outdoor space safe.

Keep Your Lanai Strong, Beautiful, and Worry-Free avoid These Lanai Maintenance Mistakes!

Our lanai is an investment — let’s treat it like one! With the right maintenance, we can enjoy years of bug-free comfort and peace of mind.

If we’re not sure what condition our lanai is in, we’re here to help.📞 Call or text The Lanai Guys at (239) 522-2378 to schedule a free inspection or maintenance service today.

We’ll make sure our lanai stays strong, secure, and beautiful — the way Florida living should be.

Additional Tips for Lanai Care

Regular Inspections

It's crucial to conduct regular inspections of our lanai. We should look for signs of wear, rust, or damage. This proactive approach can help us catch issues before they escalate.

Seasonal Maintenance

Each season brings different challenges. In the spring, we can focus on cleaning and inspecting for damage from winter storms. Summer might require us to check for wear from the intense sun and humidity.

Professional Help

Sometimes, we might need a little extra help. That’s where The Lanai Guys come in! Our expertise ensures that our lanai remains in top shape, ready for all our outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Maintaining our lanai doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By avoiding these common mistakes and following our tips, we can ensure that our outdoor space remains a beautiful and functional part of our home for years to come. Let’s keep enjoying the Florida sunshine together!