FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ATLAS HURRICANE SCREENS

Q: Do I have to register the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens before the warranty takes effect?

A: Yes. We only sell through our dealer network, so we do not know where the screens are being installed. We do not have any of your contact information, so we cannot contact you.

If you are either the original owner, or a new owner by means of having ownership transferred to you as part of the home where the screens were originally installed and warranted, you need to provide us with your contact information to activate or continue with your warranty.

Please provide us with your name and contact information for our records. Each set of new screens comes with a registration form in an envelope that identifies the terms of the warranty, the screen sizes, and the types of motors. Be sure that your dealer provides your registration form to you. Your original installing dealer’s name will also be on the warranty.

You have 60 days (2 months from the date the screens have been shipped from our factory) to register your screens by sending in your filled-out form directly to Atlas Armor (not your dealer). You will then receive an acknowledgment from Atlas Armor that we received your registration form. If we do not receive your completed registration form within 60 days from purchase, you will not be registered for any future warranty work, and will be billed for any future work at the current materials and labor rates. Please send in your warranty form ASAP. If you do not receive your notice from us within several days, assume that we did not receive your registration form. You must then contact us by phone or email before the 60-day registration period has elapsed.

Q: What type of warranty do the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens carry?
A: We believe that we have the industry’s strongest warranty. We offer a Transferable 10-year warranty on our FABRIC and either a 4-year warranty on Somfy or Gaposa motors or a 5-year warranty on our motors. The warranty is only available to those that have registered with Atlas Armor within the allotted time periods.
Q: Is your Atlas Armor Hurricane Screen warranty transferable?
A: YES. Only Atlas Armor offers a transferable warranty. The new owner of the property must first register with Atlas Armor so that we know there has been an ownership change, and then the new owner’s screen will be covered for the balance of the original 10 years based on when the screen was first installed.
Q: What is covered by the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens warranty?

A: Our 10-year FREE replacement fabric warranty covers our fabric from any loss of strength due to damage caused by: sun, mold, mildew, air pollution, or rot to registered customers. We also offer a FREE WIND-DAMAGE-ONLY screen replacement should the fabric should come out of its side tracks, bottom weight bar or top take-up reel, or if the horizontal seam split.

We also include a 4 or 5-year motor replacement warranty (only for roll down screens) based upon the motor of your choice. By replacement, we mean that Atlas Armor will provide your dealer with a free replacement for the damaged items (fabric or motors) during your warranty period. Your dealer may charge you for their installation labor and any other miscellaneous expenses such as shipping, handling or other fees. Before the items are replaced, all damaged items (old motors and fabric) must be returned to Atlas Armor by the dealer, who may charge you for the shipping charge. After Atlas Armor has received the items, the damage will be assessed and at Atlas Armor’s sole discretion, either a new or repaired screen will be returned and/or new motor will be returned to the dealer. Damage to the very bottom or outside perimeter areas of the screen can be repaired. Center screen damage cannot be repaired. If the damage was caused only by wind, Atlas Armor will return a new fabric screen. If there is evidence of damage other than by wind alone, the customer will be notified and will have the option to have a new screen made at his expense or not to do anything about the damage. The old screen can be returned to the customer at his expense.

Q: Are the fabric screens covered by the warranty if they are damaged by a hurricane?
NO. If there is evidence of abrasion, puncture, cuts, rips, or other types of holes the damage will be considered as “Acts of God”. Like all other hurricane products, damage by “Acts of God” is not covered by any warranty including ours. Our warranty is analogous to an impact glass window warranty. If the window is damaged during a storm and the glass breaks while protecting your home, the window did its job but you will need to buy a new piece of glass. Our warranty is the same, if the screen gets damaged during the storm while protecting your home, our screen did its job but you will need to buy another screen. However, if the screen fabric is damaged by wind-only, it will be replaced for FREE by Atlas Armor. Wind damage is considered as no signs of physical damage other than coming out of the side tracks, bottom weight bar, top take-up reel or if the horizontal seam splits.
Q: What type of repair service does Atlas Armor offer on non-replacement damage such as storm, neglect, or installation-related damage?

A: All maintenance is through your authorized Atlas Armor dealer. We can repair many types of damage, but some storm (hurricane) related, misuse (knife cuts or damage of some sharp object, cigarette burns, melted screen areas resulting from a heat sources such as a outdoor grill), neglect (side tracks not being lubricated or screens not being cleaned on a regular basis), or resulting installation-related damage (such as being installed too close to an abrasive surface such as a column header or countertop or any sharp edge) may require a repair or new screen. The decision to repair or build a new screen replacement is at Atlas Armor’s our sole discretion. We will try to give you several options, but sometimes there is only one option. If you do not approve of our choices, we will not do anything. If you agree, we will either build a new replacement screen or repair the existing screen for a lesser fee based on our assessment of the problem. In either case, the current screens must be returned to Atlas Armor for evaluation. All to and from shipping and installation costs are at the owner’s expense.

Note: screen repairs can only be made along the outside edges of the screen. The center area cannot be repaired without seeing the patched area.

Q: What type of warranty do other companies offer?

A: First of all, NO manufacturer offers a free replacement on any product that is damaged or lost during a hurricane. All manufacturer warranties only cover non-hurricane-related problems. Some are prorated over time (i.e., 5 or 10 years, but the warranty value loses 1/5 or 1/10 of its value each year until it’s value becomes $0). Then warranty value can only be used as a discount when you buy a replacement screen from the original manufacturer at the current selling price. Some other manufacturers offer “lifetime” warranties. Still, they EXCLUDE the fabric screen from the warranty because they know that their fabric will be DAMAGED by the sun’s UV light, or they will replace the screen fabric with another one just like the one that just failed. The major problem is that you cannot just look at a screen and tell if it is no longer a viable hurricane screen. You will, however, notice when it shreds during hurricane winds. Even if they have UV inhibitors in their fabrics, those UV inhibitors wear off over time, and then the fabric shrinks, becomes stiff, and cracks. Do you want that type of protection when a hurricane is coming? Our screens have been tested by Miami-Dade (ASTM G155 – see below) and have been certified to be an effective hurricane product while being exposed to continuous UV for at least 10 years. Note: All dealers may charge for installation labor, shipping, and handling, and some companies only offer a 30-day labor warranty. IN SHORT, ALWAYS READ THE WRITTEN SCREEN WARRANTY BEFORE YOU PURCHASE. NEVER ACCEPT A VERBAL WARRANTY; ALWAYS GET IT IN WRITING.

Q: Are the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens also solar screens?
A: Yes, they are. The fabric used in the Atlas Armor hurricane screens reflects up to 95% of the heat, glare, and UV rays from the sun. Result: you are cool and protected from UV rays.
Q: Are the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens also insect screens?
A: Yes, they are. If you live next to the water, you are aware of the importance of bug protection. With the increase of the West Nile disease, health concerns are just as important as protection from annoying bugs. Atlas Armor hurricane screens offer protection from mosquitoes as well as no-see-ums.
Q: Who certified the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens as hurricane protection?

A: Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens have been certified by Miami-Dade for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). Reference NOA 23-0120.02. To receive the NOA, this screen has exceeded the requirements of Testing Protocols TAS 210 (Impact Test), TAS 202 (Uniform Static Air Pressure Test), and TAS 203 (Cyclic Wind Pressure Loading Test). Additionally, it has passed the required ASTM tests: D1929-96, D635-06, DD638-10, D1683-11A, D2843-99, D5034-09, D5035-11, and G155-05a. The above combination of tests meets all Florida Building Codes, International Building Code, and Texas Department of Insurance requirements.

Please note that our last test ASTM G155-05a is an accelerated 10-year weathering test to ensure that it will retain its hurricane protection strength for at least 10 years. Our screen was first tested for strength and then placed into a chamber for 10 months and then tested again for strength. Each month is the equivalent of 1 year. It was subjected to 24/7, FULL SPECTRUM sunlight generated by Arc Lights designed to simulate full OUTDOOR sun conditions plus water mist intended to accelerate product breakdown. The criteria are that the product cannot degrade more than 10% to pass as a viable hurricane protection product. We only degraded 7% as a hurricane product after a simulated 10 years in full sunlight. Miami-Dade conducted the test as part of our NOA testing. You can see the results on the last page of our NOA. As a side note, our installed 10-year old screens show no signs of aging and after a washing, they look as good as new screens.

Other competitive fabric products (if they are tested) are tested using a different standard, ASTM G154, designed to test INDOOR products. G154 is NOT fullspectrum sunlight, and the test uses florescent lights generating limited specific wavelengths, NO water mist, and is designed to test products normally found INDOORS where sunlight is coming through a window. Think carpet or drapes. Not exactly a real-world hurricane product test unless, perhaps, you are using their screens as indoor drapes.

Q: Can you use the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens on sunny days without causing UV damage to the fabric like the other hurricane fabric screens?
A: Absolutely. Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens can be used 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in direct sunlight, without suffering any significant UV damage, air pollution, mold, mildew, or rot that will weaken its hurricane protection properties. We warranty our fabric screen against sun UV damage. See our warranty. Then compare our warranty to other fabric warranties.
Q: Are the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens Water Proof?
A: No, they are not solid, our screens that have holes. Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens are made out of a woven screen it is NOT waterproof. The screen is 95% solid but there are 5% holes that allow you to see through the screen and to let in outside air. A solid surface becomes exceedingly hot during the summer. Visualize being inside of a closed plastic bag, it becomes very hot in a short amount of time. Our screens let in fresh air and allow the temperature to remain very comfortable all year long. When it rains, the rain water will hit the screen and fill in the small holes which then causes a temporary water barrier allowing most of the following rain to flow down the screen and onto the floor. Wind hitting the screen, however, will clear the holes and cause the water, that was trapped in the holes, to pass to the inside in the form of a water mist. During a hurricane, that mist will extend about 3-4 feet beyond the screen. The bottom weight bar also has a brush that is designed to protect against insects, dirt and debris. It will slow but not stop water from flowing either in or out of the protected area. If your floor is pitched inward from the edge of the floor, water will flow into the protected area.
Q: Will the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens Help Water Proof My High Rise Condo?
A: YES. In the down position, Atlas Armor screens will keep most rain water from entering the protected area behind the screen, but because the screens have holes, they cannot keep all moisture off your patio. During a rain, the holes in the Atlas Armor screens will fill with water forming a solid wall, but wind can blow the water out of the holes to form a fine mist creating a moist floor 3-4 feet from the screen. Even in a hurricane, the resulting mist is VERY UNLIKELY to form any type a pool of water on your floor. Any water accumulation will be the result of water coming in from under the bottom weight bar. Water source that is coming under the weight bar may be a floor slab that is not pitched correctly or external pooling of water.
Q: Are Atlas Armor hurricane screens HURRICANE PROOF?

A: NO, nothing is hurricane PROOF. Our screens are hurricane RESISTANT meaning that given the right circumstances, our screens will fail. Given the right circumstances, every product will fail such as a microburst occurring in front of our screens. Our screens are very hurricane RESISTANT meaning that we have designed and built them to successfully protect your home during typical hurricane circumstances. Our current track record is that we have successfully performed 100% protection on all of our covered openings since our very first sale in 2013.Since 2013. we have had ZERO (0) FAILURES defined as the screen fabric coming out of the side tracks leaving that opening unprotected. NO OTHER HURRICANE FABRIC MANJUFACTURER CAN TRUTHFULLY MAKE THAT STATEMENT. Are we perfect? No, but we have the strongest hurricane fabric protection system on the market.

Q: Who manufactures Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens?

A: ATLAS ARMOR is the ONLY manufacturer authorized by Miami-Dade to label (NOA 23-0120.02) to build the Atlas Armor Hurricane Screens as a certified rolldown HURRICANE SCREEN. Our product has been proven to be highly effective in hurricane protection in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), consisting of Florida’s Miami-Dade and Broward counties, since 2013. If you or your insurance company require A Miami-Dade approval for a roll-down hurricane fabric screen, WE ARE THE ONLY SOURCE FOR THAT TYPE OF PRODUCT. Need help? Have your insurance company call us direct. We can answer all of their questions regarding our product certification. WE OFFER ONLY THE TESTED, CERTIFIED, and LABELED MIAMI-DADE ROLL DOWN HURRICANE FABRIC SCREEN ON THE MARKET.

Q: Screen Cleaning and Maintenance

A: Cleaning is easy and keeps your screens looking new. If you are within one mile of saltwater, you should hose down your screens at least once every two weeks to prevent salt build-up. Otherwise, hose down your screens once every 6 months. A good rule of thumb is to clean your screens whenever your windows need cleaning. The recommended cleaning solution is 3 gallons of water, 6 good squirts of a mild detergent such as Dawn liquid detergent, and a cup of household bleach. Applied this solution with a soft sponge, NOT A BRUSH (use a car sponge with terry cloth on one side).The screens are tough, but they need to be cleaned to get maximum wear. Wash off all cleaning solutions off with clear water, and leave the screens in the down position until dry.

Without cleaning, your screens will darken over time because of the dirt and mold in the air. A cleaning will bring your screen back to its fresh factory color. If your screens are around a cooking area such as an outdoor kitchen or BBQ, the cooking smoke or cooking vapors/steam will be full of grease or other organic food-related particles, which will cause mold growth on your screens. The mold is not harmful to the screens but should be cleaned off to preserve the screen’s appearance and keep the screen’s holes from closing, which will reduce airflow.

The side tracks also need to be lubricated with “Dry Lube” or T-9. Both comes in a spray can at most hardware stores, such as Lowes or Home Depot. DO NOT use WD40 or any other type of oil based lubricant. When using Dry Lube, be sure to shake the can for several minutes before spraying to mix the can’s contents. With the screen fully raised, spray Dry Lube into the side tracks starting at the top of the tracks. If you spray too much, a white “puddle” will form at the bottom of the track, which can be removed with a paper towel. This should be done every time the screens are cleaned or as often as required.

WHAT ARE YOUR SCREEN FABRIC COLOR OPTIONS?

Our Colors
Our Listed Below

WHITE |  WHITE + TAN |  BLACK + TAN  |  BLACK

OUR COLORS

All Fabric’s Colors Are All the same price & the same protective qualities.

Our Black Screens are the easiest to see thru and keep clean.

SCREEN CLEANING and MAINTENANCE

If you are within one mile of saltwater, you should hose down your screens at least once every two weeks to prevent salt build-up. Otherwise, hose down your screens once every 6 months. A good rule of thumb is to clean your screens whenever your windows need cleaning.

A good cleaning solution is 3 gallons of water, 3 good squirts of a mild detergent (Dawn), and a cup of household bleach. Applied with a soft sponge, NOT A BRUSH (try a car sponge with terry cloth on one side) or sprayed on by a hose attachment. The screens are tough, but they need to be cleaned to get maximum wear. Hose all cleaning solutions off, and leave them in the down position until dry. Without cleaning, your screens will darken over time because of the dirt and mold in the air. A cleaning will bring your screen back to its fresh factory color.

If your screens are around a cooking area such as an outdoor kitchen or BBQ, the cooking smoke or cooking vapors/steam will be full of grease or other organic food-related particles, which will cause mold growth on your screens. The mold is not harmful to the screens but should be cleaned off to preserve the screen’s appearance and keep the screen’s holes from closing, which will reduce airflow.

The side tracks also need to be lubricated with “Dry Lube” or T-9. Both comes in a spray can at most hardware stores, such as Lowes. DO NOT use WD40 or any other type of silicone lubricant. When using Dry Lube, Be sure to shake the can for several minutes before spraying to mix the can’s contents. With the screen fully raised, spray Dry Lube into the side tracks. If you spray too much, a white “puddle” will form at the bottom of the track, which can be removed with a paper towel. This should be done every time the screens are cleaned or as often as required.