Should I Close My Cover During a Storm?

A Touchless Cover® remained lowered amid storm damage near Pier Logic Marina and Storage in Michigan. This example reflects one storm event and does not guarantee the same outcome under different conditions.

Keep the Cover Down Before Central Florida Weather Turns

When wind starts moving across a lake, a lowered cover can look like the most exposed part of the setup. That appearance can tempt an owner to raise it so air can pass underneath. Yet, better preparation may just be the opposite. Unless the fabric can be removed before conditions become dangerous, the cover should remain down according to the approved procedure for that installation.

This question matters in Central Florida because a calm afternoon can change quickly. Heavy rain, lightning, and strong gusts may arrive before a boat owner has time to work around a dock. Preparation needs to happen while the water, structure, and access route are still safe. That short window makes advance preparation more useful than improvisation.

A real example from Pier Logic Marina and Storage in Michigan showed why the operating position deserves attention. The marina reported serious storm damage around one of the lakes it serves. Boat lifts were twisted beyond repair, boats were destroyed, and families expecting a Fourth of July weekend fun, found themselves cleaning up instead. A Touchless Cover® remained in place amid that damage.

The example is useful, but it is not a controlled test or a promise about another installation. It does not establish the wind speed at the cover, the direction of the strongest gusts, the condition of the frame, or what could happen at a different dock.

A raised cover lessens surface to wind, however...

When the cover is raised, more fabric and supporting structure may be exposed to moving air since the folded material invites crevices for the wind to work . Gusts can press against the fabric and transfer force through the frame and attachment points.

That does not make the system immune to damage. Dock design, frame configuration, maintenance, exposure, and approved storm procedures vary. Owners should confirm the correct operating position with Touchless Cover® Orlando or the appropriate dealer before threatening weather enters the forecast.

Watch how rain leaves the fabric

Central Florida rain can be intense even when a storm does not last long. If water collects on the fabric instead of running off, it holds the load. That pressure may cause sagging and place more stress on the supporting frame.

Observe the cover during ordinary rain from a safe location. Look for sections where water repeatedly sits, fabric appears loose, or drainage differs from the rest of the roof. Those observations give the dealer something specific to inspect.

Do not step onto a dock during lightning, severe wind, flooding, or unstable conditions to push water away. The National Weather Service lightning guidance advises moving indoors when thunder is heard. Property preparation stops once personal safety becomes the concern.

Confirm tie-down procedures before using straps

Some installations may use tie-down straps during weather preparation. Strap quantity, placement, tension, and attachment methods depend on the approved setup. Improvised ropes or guessed attachment points can shift force to parts of the dock or frame that were not intended to carry it.

Ask Touchless Cover® Orlando to identify the procedure for your specific installation. Inspect authorized straps and hardware during calm weather for wear, missing components, or previous modifications.

Remove the fabric only while conditions remain safe

If extreme weather is predicted for your area, removing the fabric of your Touchless Cover® all togther may be the preferred preparation when enough notice is available and the work can be completed safely.

Owners who have not performed the procedure should not attempt it for the first time while weather approaches. The task may require installation-specific steps, tools, or more than one person. Arrange a demonstration before storm preparation becomes urgent. Or work with our team to create a storm plan so that one of our team of professionals can remove the cover's fabric, ahead of a storm.

Severe weather can exceed any cover

The Pier Logic account provides one observed result under one set of conditions. It cannot predict the outcome of a tropical storm, hurricane, tornado, falling tree, large debris impact, flooding, or structural failure at another property.

Severe storms can overwhelm any cover. Owners should follow official emergency instructions, leave vulnerable waterfront areas when directed, and place personal safety ahead of equipment.

Before the next period of unsettled weather, consult with Touchless Cover® Orlando and confirm the approved position, fabric removal procedure, tie-down method, and inspection needs for the installation.

Don't get caught uncovered during the next storm. We are here to help!