If you live in Florida or anywhere along the Coast, hurricane season isn’t just a line on the calendar — it’s something you plan your life around. From June through November, we all keep an eye on the weather reports, listening for that one word we hope not to hear: hurricane.
But when meteorologists say “Category 3” or “Category 5,” what does that really mean for your home? Let’s find out.
What Are Hurricane Categories?
Hurricanes are measured using the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranks storms from Category 1 to Category 5 based on sustained wind speeds. Each jump in category doesn’t just mean stronger winds — it means a much greater risk of damage. Even a Category 1 storm can tear shingles from roofs, knock out power, and turn yard furniture into dangerous projectiles.
Knowing what each category represents helps you understand what kind of protection your home really needs.
What Is a Category 1 Hurricane?
Category 1 hurricanes bring winds between 74 and 95 mph. At this level, you’ll see trees sway, branches fall, and gutters come loose. It might not sound severe, but if wind gets inside your home through a cracked window or a broken door, it can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.
What Happens During a Category 2 Hurricane?
When wind speeds climb between 96 and 110 mph, roofs can peel, siding can rip, and power lines often go down. Flying debris becomes a real danger, and unprotected windows are often the first thing to give way.
What Defines a Category 3 Hurricane?
A Category 3 storm, with winds of 111 to 129 mph, is officially considered a major hurricane. These storms can remove entire sections of roof decking, snap trees in half, and make homes unlivable for weeks. Flooding and storm surge usually follow, adding even more destruction.
How Bad Is a Category 4 Hurricane?
At 130 to 156 mph, Category 4 hurricanes are devastating. Well-built homes may lose roofs, trees and power poles fall, and flying debris can pierce walls and shatter glass. Entire communities can be left without power or access for days or even weeks.
What Makes a Category 5 Hurricane Catastrophic?
Once winds exceed 157 mph, the storm becomes a Category 5 — the most extreme level. Entire buildings can collapse, and recovery can take months, even years. It’s not the kind of storm you prepare for at the last minute. You prepare for it long before it appears on the radar.
The Smarter Way to Protect Your Home
When it comes to hurricanes, you can’t control the forecast — but you can control how well your home is protected. Atlas Armor hurricane screens are built from DuPont™ Kevlar®, the same material used in body armor, and designed to stay in place even during extreme wind and flying debris. They provide certified, real-world protection that can make all the difference when a storm hits.
If you’d like to learn more about these impact-rated screens or find out which system best fits your home, you can contact Atlas Armor for expert guidance.
What Makes Atlas Armor Screens Different
Material: DuPont™ Kevlar® (UV-protected)
Design: Engineered to hold steady during extreme wind
Function: Stops debris and resists wind pressure
Versatility: Works on patios, lanais, doors, and large openings
These aren’t just screens — they’re tested, certified protection that works. Atlas Armor systems are also rated to defend against EF0, EF1, and EF2 tornadoes (65–135 mph winds), which are common during tropical storms. Few other products offer that level of defense.
Atlas Armor screens do more than protect homes from hurricanes. They can also enhance everyday comfort and safety by acting as a privacy barrier, keeping mosquitoes and insects out, and even helping to reduce the impact of floating debris during flooding events. This makes them a smart, year-round solution for homeowners who value both protection and comfort.
Fast Shipping, No Delays
Orders ship to your dealer within 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes even faster. Whether you’re protecting a family home or a commercial property, you won’t wait months for coverage.
Why Atlas Armor?
- 12+ years in storm protection
- Zero failures in 58 major windstorms including 2 in Bermuda in 2025, 20 tropical storms, 31 hurricanes, and 7 tornadoes (EF0, EF1 and EF2)
- Only company with a wind-only damage warranty
- Certified by Miami-Dade and TDI
- Fast dealer delivery in 4–6 weeks
You can reach out to Atlas Armor to learn more or start your order before hurricane season begins.
Stay Ready Before the Next Storm
Every step up in hurricane category means more pressure, more debris, and more danger for unprotected homes. Preparation isn’t about fear — it’s about peace of mind. The right protection lets you focus on what truly matters when the weather turns unpredictable.
Before the next storm forms offshore, take the time to contact Atlas Armor and learn how Kevlar® hurricane screens can help secure your home. Tested, certified, and trusted — because every season is another chance to be ready.
Call Us
+1 (561) 206-0813
Email Us
service@atlasarmor.com
