What is hurricane fabric and how effective is it for storm protection?

• <div><p>Hurricane fabric is a temporary form of hurricane protection that offers an alternative to boarding up windows or installing traditional storm panels. Unlike hurricane screens, which are permanently attached to your home, hurricane fabric is installed over your windows and other openings before a storm.</p><p>In terms of effectiveness, hurricane fabric is tested and proven to protect homes from Category 5 hurricanes, which can have winds over 157 miles per hour. When installed properly, it is designed to block the majority of wind and rain and protect against water, debris, and projectile damage.</p><p>While the fabric is exceptionally durable, windows can still break if hit directly by flying debris at high velocity. However, it is a good protective measure against an impending storm. For comparison, hurricane fabric is more protective and durable than hurricane window film. While boarding up windows is easier than installing the fabric, it is more labor-intensive and requires storing heavy plywood.</p><p>To further increase the chances of your windows surviving a hurricane, you can take additional steps like securing outdoor items, elevating HVAC units, and fortifying your home's foundation.</p></div>

What is the cheapest way to enclose a patio for winter?

• <div><p>Creating a screen room is one of the most cost-effective ways to enclose a patio so you can still use it in the winter. Most screen rooms aren’t insulated, so you’ll need to wrap up warm or use patio heaters in winter. Also, be aware they might not hold up well if you live in a location where heavy snow is common.</p><p> </p></div>

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Q: What is the least expensive way to enclose a porch?

• <div><p>The least expensive way to enclose a porch is with screens. These protect the room by preventing insects from entering and, if you live in a warm climate, provide excellent airflow during hot summer months. Screens cost far less than any other alternative, so if you are against getting permits, spending too much, or enclosing your porch in walls or glass, screens are the best choice. </p></div>

Q: Why should I install metal awnings over fabric?

• <div><p>Metal awnings last much longer than fabric thanks to their durability and resistance to fading, sun damage, and damage from the outside elements. They also need less maintenance than fabric options. Both items add curb appeal to your home, but you shouldn't expect either type of awning to add property value to your home.</p></div>

Q: Should I install retractable awnings myself?

• <div><p>If you're handy, it might be worth trying to install retractable awnings yourself. Just keep in mind that motorized retractable awnings require much more know-how, and the risk of something costly going wrong (such as damaging your new awnings) is higher.</p><p>Mechanical awnings should be easy to install for the average person with some handyman skills.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Patio Cover Service pros in Lowry, MN

*The Angi rating for Patio Cover Service companies in Lowry, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Patio Cover Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Patio Cover Service companies in Lowry, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Patio Cover Service needs.

Last update on June 06, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
We had a big oak tree that was right over our home removed. It was doing a number on our shingles. The two men who removed the tree were very professional. They always cleaned up after themselves. It was amazing to see. I’m trying to add pictures but it won’t let me. Bottom line we were...
D's Trees & Property Services, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2023
Jaden and team created two fantastic turf play pads in our backyard ensuringwe had adequate slope, drainage, and material, eliminating any chance of standing water. Their commitment extended to seamlessly restoring torn-up areas with fresh grass, leaving our outdoor space both functional and...
Apex Excavating
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Reviewed in August 2022
This company was phenomenal! They worked tirelessly to get us the best price for our roof job. The crew was professional and polite, on time and cleaned up everything when the job was completed. I highly recommend this company to anyone that needs a roof and gutters done!
Snap Construction Inc
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Reviewed in February 2022
I would highly recommend this company. They were friendly, quick, thorough and did a great job. Their pricing is reasonable considering the depth and detail of work they did with my home.
Sistaz Cleaning and Organizing
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Reviewed in September 2021
Amazing!! We are so happy. We had them paint the outside front of our store, Creations , in Alex. They did a great job, customer service was outstanding, and pricing was so fair. I Highly recommend !!!! Lois
Colors United Painting
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Reviewed in November 2018
The process went really fast, including warranty paperwork. Kurt showed up, checked out our original water heater and gave us his expert advice. We chose to replace the water heater since the warranty still covered the appliance. They showed up the next day and swapped it out in no time (note -...
Koegel Plumbing & Heating Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2013
Overall project went well. Carpet One Sales and Estimator were very helpful and knowledgeable. <br /> Installer was prompt and did a good job. Thought they could of laid down drop clothes outside the door of the condo to protect hallway carpet. Stirred adhesive and patching cement with out...
Alex Carpet One Floor & Home
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Reviewed in May 2011
I called Suburban Wild life Control about mole removal. I had part of my backyard ruined by mole tunnels and holes. They sent someone out to he house and set three traps in the tunnels areas. The traps were covered so I didn't have to worry about my dog getting into them so that was a relief....
SUBURBAN WILDLIFE CONTROL
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Reviewed in April 2011
Everything was done very well. The installation is completely invisible. I have noticed other yards where a path must be cut through the driveway in order to cover the whole yard. This installer was able to work between the seem of our driveway and street. As a result, there is nothing...
Invisible Fence Co. of Minnesota
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Reviewed in September 2010
Things started well and our main contact at Jefco seemed knowledgeable and helpful. We had to push a little bit to move things along in the quoting stage. The real problem was in the execution. The sink was not mounted properly, there were small areas of damage on the stone pieces, and one...
JEFCO OF VIRGINIA INC
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Find Patio cover pros in Lowry

Garden Structures & More

4.6(

)

Fabric Awning or Patio Cover - Install or ReplaceFabric Awning or Patio Cover - RepairMetal Awning or Patio Cover - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Lowry, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I found him hard to work with (e.g. doesn't listen, pushy about doing it his way.) I was really hesitant after the estimate but he just kept pushing about it and I didn't have any other options - but I was sorry afterwards. I don't really like it, the quality doesn't seem great - but most important, it's not level. Drives me crazy and looks bad - just three panels and it's not level! Makes me nuts looking at it - feels like I threw my money away."

+10

Recommended by95%of homeowners

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Betterliving Sunrooms By Portico

3.7(

)

Fabric Awning or Patio Cover - Install or ReplaceFabric Awning or Patio Cover - RepairMetal Awning or Patio Cover - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Lowry, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Credit card accepted

"They tore off the old, put on the new and it went beautifully."

Recommended by69%of homeowners

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Rough Cut Renovations - Moorhead, Minnesota Facebook

5.0(

)

Metal Awning or Patio Cover - Install or Replace

Serving Lowry, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"After a washing machine malfunction, our home suffered extensive water damage. We hired Rough Cut Renovations to handle the repairs and we're SO glad we did! Derek was personable, reliable and steady through the entire renovation. When he said he would be there on any given day, you could bet he'd be true to his word. Our bathroom is now a one-of-a -kind showpiece. The tile work is beautiful and the new flooring and woodwork installation throughout the main floor is perfection! It was extremely refreshing to watch such a talented and honest professional do such an amazingly excellent job to anything he set his hand to. Our house feels like a home, again. Thank you, Derek!!!!"

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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J & J's Welding and Fabrication

New to Angi

Metal Awning or Patio Cover - Install or Replace

Serving Lowry, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all of our projects no matter how big or small. We are experts in our trade and will always keep you educated on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

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Patio Covers questions, answered by experts

Hurricane fabric is a temporary form of hurricane protection that offers an alternative to boarding up windows or installing traditional storm panels. Unlike hurricane screens, which are permanently attached to your home, hurricane fabric is installed over your windows and other openings before a storm.

In terms of effectiveness, hurricane fabric is tested and proven to protect homes from Category 5 hurricanes, which can have winds over 157 miles per hour. When installed properly, it is designed to block the majority of wind and rain and protect against water, debris, and projectile damage.

While the fabric is exceptionally durable, windows can still break if hit directly by flying debris at high velocity. However, it is a good protective measure against an impending storm. For comparison, hurricane fabric is more protective and durable than hurricane window film. While boarding up windows is easier than installing the fabric, it is more labor-intensive and requires storing heavy plywood.

To further increase the chances of your windows surviving a hurricane, you can take additional steps like securing outdoor items, elevating HVAC units, and fortifying your home's foundation.

The least expensive way to enclose a porch is with screens. These protect the room by preventing insects from entering and, if you live in a warm climate, provide excellent airflow during hot summer months. Screens cost far less than any other alternative, so if you are against getting permits, spending too much, or enclosing your porch in walls or glass, screens are the best choice.

Creating a screen room is one of the most cost-effective ways to enclose a patio so you can still use it in the winter. Most screen rooms aren’t insulated, so you’ll need to wrap up warm or use patio heaters in winter. Also, be aware they might not hold up well if you live in a location where heavy snow is common.

Metal awnings last much longer than fabric thanks to their durability and resistance to fading, sun damage, and damage from the outside elements. They also need less maintenance than fabric options. Both items add curb appeal to your home, but you shouldn't expect either type of awning to add property value to your home.

If you're handy, it might be worth trying to install retractable awnings yourself. Just keep in mind that motorized retractable awnings require much more know-how, and the risk of something costly going wrong (such as damaging your new awnings) is higher.

Mechanical awnings should be easy to install for the average person with some handyman skills.

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