MaxForce™ hurricane screens: approvals, specifications and warranty

Q: Is MaxForce™ approved for use in Miami-Dade County?

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens are engineered and certified for protection in Miami-Dade County's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). They hold Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15, demonstrating compliance with applicable Florida Building Code requirements for approved configurations. Each installation must follow the approval, approved installation drawings, anchoring requirements and local building codes.

Q: Is MaxForce™ built for 185 MPH winds?

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens are engineered and certified for protection in demanding hurricane environments, including Miami-Dade County's HVHZ, where design wind zones can reach 185 MPH. Building codes evaluate wind resistance by design pressure, not wind speed. MaxForce™ is rated for design pressures of up to ±200 PSF, and the allowable pressure for each screen depends on its size, configuration and approved installation conditions.

Quick answer

MaxForce™ hurricane screens are motorized retractable screens approved for use in Miami-Dade County and the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) under Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15, where design wind zones can reach 185 MPH.* They are approved for specific configurations, with design pressure ratings of up to ±200 PSF depending on screen size, configuration and approved installation conditions.* Since 2026 they use Quiet Spring Technology™, a spring-tensioned track with nearly an inch of self-adjustment, and OmegaTex™ fabric made with Kevlar® fiber.

*See the Fenetex® Wind Statement for details.

FL8637-R15

Florida Product Approval

Up to ±200 PSF

Design pressure, varies by screen size, configuration and installation

Quiet Spring Technology™

Self-adjusting spring-tensioned track

Large missile impact

Tested to Missile Level D, Wind Zone 4

Approval

How is MaxForce™ approved for hurricane zones?

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens hold Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15, demonstrating compliance with applicable Florida Building Code requirements for approved configurations. Florida Product Approvals are issued through the Florida Building Commission’s product approval system, and R15 is the approval’s current revision.

Under Florida Statute §553.842, a Florida Product Approval carrying HVHZ designation is a valid path to code compliance in the HVHZ. A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance is one route; it is not the only one.

The HVHZ covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

View Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15

Why the drawings say "FL 8637.1". FL8637 is the approval; ".1" identifies the product listing within it. If you search BCIS for MaxForce™ installation drawings, that is the number you will see on each sheet.

MaxForce™ self-adjusting spring retention track closeup

Term	What it means
Tested	A laboratory measured how the product performed against a named standard. A test result alone is not code compliance.
Approved	A jurisdiction has accepted the test results as meeting its building code. FL8637-R15 is an approval.
Certified	A general marketing term, not an instrument Florida issues for opening protection. MaxForce™’s instrument is Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15.

Testing

What tests does a hurricane screen have to pass?

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens undergo independent laboratory testing designed to evaluate their ability to withstand the forces and impacts associated with hurricane conditions. Testing includes Florida/Miami-Dade protocols (TAS 201, 202 and 203) and applicable ASTM standards (E1886, E1996 and E330). It evaluates three performance characteristics: large-missile impact resistance, uniform static air pressure resistance, and cyclic wind pressure resistance. Successful completion of the applicable testing demonstrates the system’s ability to provide hurricane protection under the specified test conditions.

The FL8637-R15 approval rests on six named standards. Here is what each one asks of the product, in plain terms.

Standard	What it is	In plain terms
TAS 201	Miami-Dade impact test protocol	A large wooden missile is fired at the product to simulate windborne debris.
TAS 202	Uniform static air pressure test	Steady pressure pushes on, then pulls on, the product, the way wind loads the front and back of a building.
TAS 203	Cyclic wind pressure loading	Subjects the screen system to repeated positive and negative pressure cycles to evaluate its ability to maintain performance under fluctuating wind loads associated with hurricane conditions.
ASTM E1886	National test method for impact and cyclic pressure	The national procedure for running the missile and cycling tests.
ASTM E1996	National specification for missile levels and wind zones	Sets which missile and how much cycling a product must survive for a given location.
ASTM E330	Structural performance under static air pressure	Measures how the product holds up under a uniform load.

Source: FL 8637.1 installation drawings, general notes. Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023).

Missile Level D, Wind Zone 4. These are ASTM E1996 classifications for the test missile and the pressure cycling used. They describe how MaxForce™ was tested. They are not a wind speed the screen withstands.

Design pressure

What design pressure is MaxForce™ rated for?

While hurricane strength is commonly described in terms of wind speed, building codes and structural engineers evaluate the wind resistance of building products using design pressure, measured in pounds per square foot (PSF).

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens have design pressure ratings of up to ±200 PSF, covering both positive pressure (wind pushing against the screen) and negative pressure (wind suction pulling away from the screen). The allowable design pressure depends on the specific screen size, configuration and approved installation conditions.

Wind loads vary with the building and the location of the opening. Before a hurricane screen is specified, the required design pressure must be calculated from:

geographic location and applicable design wind speed
building height, dimensions and roof configuration
exposure category, including surrounding terrain and proximity to open water
location of the opening on the building, including proximity to corners and roof edges
applicable building code requirements

These calculations set the positive and negative design pressures the system must resist.

Fenetex® provides engineering tables identifying allowable design pressures for different screen dimensions, together with approved mounting configurations and anchoring requirements. Architects, engineers, contractors and building officials use them to verify that the selected system meets the structural requirements for each opening.

The FL8637-R15 schedules cover screens up to 252 inches (21 feet) tall and spans up to 300 inches (25 feet). Those are the limits of the approval, not what every opening can take.

Wide openings are divided with end and interior mullions, each sized from its own schedule.

Your site, your engineer. The approval is a non-site-specific evaluation. A design professional is responsible for applying it to each actual installation, an authorized MaxForce™ dealer installs to the approval, and your local building department permits and inspects the work.

See the Fenetex® Wind Statement for details. (place this directly under the ±200 PSF paragraph)

Wide outdoor opening protected by a MaxForce™ hurricane screen — Illustrative only. MaxForce™ is rated up to ±200 PSF; allowable design pressure depends on screen size, configuration and approved installation conditions. Actual values come from the FL8637-R15 schedules for each span.

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

Contact an Authorized MaxForce™ Dealer Today

Every opening gets its own span, mount and design pressure. A dealer measures yours and specifies the screen to the approval.

Quiet Spring Technology™

How does Quiet Spring Technology™ work?

In 2026 MaxForce™ moved from a fixed track to a self-adjusting one. Springs inside the side track press outward on the screen edge, holding it at even tension with nearly an inch of total self-adjustment. When a gust pushes the screen, the inner track compresses against the springs; when the gust passes, the springs return it.

It is the same spring tensioning One-Track™ screens have used since 2020, now built into the hurricane track.

Why springs, not magnet

Michael Murray, Fenetex® Co-Founder and President, on magnetic tensioning

Already own MaxForce™? The self-adjusting track works with existing MaxForce™ systems, so an upgrade does not mean replacing the whole installation. Your dealer can confirm for your openings. Building updates that work with earlier installations is one of the seven principles of Fenetex® Blue™, the design philosophy behind every Fenetex® product.

"The closer they get together, the stronger they pull."

Michael Murray, Fenetex® co-founder and President, on magnetic tensioning

Already own MaxForce™? The self-adjusting track works with existing MaxForce™ systems, so an upgrade does not mean replacing the whole installation. Your dealer can confirm for your openings.

Spring inside a MaxForce™ Quiet Spring side track — Spring inside the side track

Quiet Spring track profile

Behaviour	Springs	Magnets
Force	Rises evenly with compression	Climbs sharply as the gap closes
Under a gust	Compresses and returns smoothly	Separates, then snaps back together
Adjusting tension	Add or remove springs, no special tools	Reposition magnet arrays along the track
Corrosion exposure	No magnets in the track	Iron-based magnets rely on a protective coating

Keder edge

What is a keder, and why does it keep the screen in its track?

A keder is a PVC cord wrapped in low-friction, PVC-coated fabric, welded along the screen's edge. Fenetex® has used welded keder edges since its first screens in 2007. With approximately 20 years of experience manufacturing hurricane screens, Fenetex® has refined MaxForce™ for demanding coastal environments.

Cut and insert

A precisely cut screen edge is inserted into the keder.

Clamp

Welding bars above and below close on the materials at a set pressure.

Weld

10 kW of radio-frequency energy is pulsed through the PVC, heating it from within so keder and screen fuse.

Set

A cooling phase under pressure sets the weld into a single piece.

Why it stays in the track

The keder bead rides inside a channel whose opening is narrower than the bead. Under wind load, the screen pulls against the inner channel, but the bead cannot pass through the slot. With Quiet Spring Technology™, the spring tension in the track allows the inner track to move forward and absorb external pressure on the fabric.

Because the edge is welded, there is no zipper to break, no stitching to wear and no adhesive to fail.

Cross-section of the MaxForce™ Quiet Spring side track, traced from a cut sample. Movement is simplified.

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

Already Own MaxForce™? Ask About Quiet Spring

The self-adjusting track works with existing MaxForce™ systems. A dealer can tell you what your openings need.

Comparison

How do motorized screen tensioning systems compare?

How each type of track holds a screen under load. Use these criteria to evaluate any system you are considering.

System	How tension is held	Self-adjustment	Under a gust	Field adjustment	Corrosion exposure	Hurricane approval	Patent status	Works with earlier systems
MaxForce™ with Quiet Spring (2026)	Springs inside the track press outward on the screen edge	Nearly 1 inch	Compresses and returns; no snap	Add or remove springs	No magnets in the track	FL8637-R15, HVHZ	Track patent pending	Yes, existing MaxForce™ systems
MaxForce™ fixed track (legacy)	Fixed track holds the edge rigidly	None	Track holds; no travel	Not applicable	No magnets in the track	FL8637-R14 (superseded by R15), HVHZ	See Fenetex® patents	Upgradable to the self-adjusting track
Magnetic self-tensioning tracks	Neodymium magnets pull the edge into position	Varies by product	Magnets separate, then snap back together	Reposition magnet arrays	Iron-based magnets protected by a coating	Check that product’s approval	Varies	Check the manufacturer
Non-adjusting tracks (zipper or fixed)	Zipper or fixed retention	None	Fabric carries the load directly	Not applicable	Varies	Check that product’s approval	Varies	Check the manufacturer

Mechanism descriptions from Fenetex® engineering publications, as of October 2026. Other products vary; check each manufacturer’s documents.

Standard features

What features come standard on MaxForce™ hurricane screens?

Feature	What it means
Florida Product Approval	FL8637-R15 with HVHZ designation, for approved configurations.
Self-adjusting track	Quiet Spring Technology™ keeps the screen flat with nearly an inch of travel
Welded keder edge	No zipper; the screen edge is RF-welded to the keder
No hurricane clips	No extra clips or retainers needed for storm deployment
Motorized	Three motor brands, specified for each order
Obstacle detection	Every motor brand stops on contact
Home automation	Handheld remote with every motor; phone app via Bond Bridge Pro hub; Alexa, Google Assistant, Control4, Crestron, Savant
Built to order	Made to fit each opening exactly
Works with existing systems	The self-adjusting track fits existing MaxForce™ installations
Heavy weight bar	Two cavities for steel weights, for windy locations
Screen pre-feeder	Guides the screen from the reel into the side track; a Fenetex® Smart Motor™ stops descent before the screen can leave the tracks
Contour cut	Bottom edge cut to match sloped floors
Reinforced corners	Toughened nylon guide ties the weight bar and screen together
Automatic wind deployment	Deploys from a wind sensor, so screens are down before a storm arrives

OmegaTex™ fabric

What is MaxForce™ hurricane fabric made of?

MaxForce™ uses OmegaTex™ hurricane screen fabric, woven in Dothan, Alabama by Twitchell Technical Products. Current OmegaTex™ combines vinyl-coated 1500-denier polyester core yarns in one direction with vinyl-coated 2000-denier Kevlar® core yarns in the other. Screens made before 2025 may use an earlier yarn.

The weave is 91% cover and 9% open: solid enough to stop debris, open enough to see through and let air move. It blocks up to 91% of UV rays.

The fabric meets NFPA 701 and NFPA 101 Class A fire standards, carries GREENGUARD Gold for low emissions, and passes ASTM E2180 and G21 for bacteria and fungal resistance. These are standards for the fabric itself.

Colors

White

White/Tan

Black/Tan

Black

Granite

Bronze

Manufacturer-reported results from single test samples, not specifications. Source: Twitchell OmegaTex™ technical data, January 2025.
Property	Typical value
Weight	19.5 oz/yd²
Grab tensile strength	711.3 lbf warp, 748.9 lbf fill
Puncture resistance	364 lbf
Bursting strength	1,250+ psi
Openness	9% open, 91% cover
Weave	22 × 13.5

Kevlar® is a trademark of affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. OmegaTex™ is a trademark of Twitchell Technical Products, LLC.

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

See OmegaTex™ Colors in Person

Six fabric colors, built to order for each opening. Ask a dealer for samples and a quote.

Construction

How is a MaxForce™ hurricane screen built and mounted?

Each screen is built to order for its opening in Jacksonville, Florida, from a storage hood, roll-up assembly, Quiet Spring side tracks, welded screen and weight bar.

Welded keder edge

The screen edge is welded to a keder that rides in the side track. No zipper and no stitching.

Screen pre-feeder

A guide at the top of each track feeds the descending screen smoothly from the reel into the side track. With a Fenetex® Smart Motor™, the motor stops downward travel before the screen can leave the tracks.

Heavy weight bar

A heavy bottom bar with two cavities for steel weights, for screens installed in windy locations.

MaxForce™ reinforced nylon corner bolted to the weight bar and hurricane screen track

Reinforced corners

A flexible guide of toughened nylon ties the weight bar and screen together, reinforcing the corner where wear concentrates.

Mounting options

Because hurricane protection systems must withstand extreme forces, proper product selection and installation are essential to achieving their approved performance ratings. All MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens must be installed in accordance with the applicable Florida Product Approval, approved installation drawings, anchoring requirements and local building codes. Installation must be performed to the approval by a trained, authorized MaxForce™ dealer.

Wall mount

Track fastened to the face of the wall beside the opening.

Inset mount

Track set inside the opening, on a tube or angle.

Alternate inset

A second inset detail for openings with different jamb conditions.

Build-out mount

Track on an aluminum build-out tube where the wall needs depth.

Approved substrates

Concrete

Grout-filled block

Hollow block

Wood

Steel

Wide openings and second screens

Openings wider than one screen use end and interior mullions. A separate everyday insect or shade screen track can attach to the hurricane track; its anchors sit outside the hurricane calculations.

Motors and controls

What motors and controls run MaxForce™ screens?

Three motor brands

The motor is specified for each screen when it is ordered, matched to its size and use.

Stops on contact

Every motor brand used on MaxForce™ has obstacle detection: the screen stops if it meets an obstruction.

App and home automation

A handheld remote comes with every motor. Add the phone app through a Bond Bridge Pro hub, voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant, or run screens through Control4, Crestron or Savant. Each screen operates independently.

Warranty

What does the MaxForce™ warranty cover?

MaxForce™ is covered by the Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Each part has its own term.

Source: Fenetex® warranty, revision 03.08.2023.
Part	Term	Fine print
Aluminum (extruded, fabricated, cast), proprietary components, welded screen seams	Lifetime	Lifetime means while the system or a compatible system is in production and parts are available.
Fenetex® Smart Motors™ and operators	5 years	Somfy motors carry Somfy’s own 5-year warranty.
Non-electronic, non-proprietary components	5 years	Against manufacturing defects.
Standard paint finishes	5 years, or 3 years within 1 mile of a coastline	Custom finishes excluded. A claim applies when more than 20% of the painted area is affected.
Hurricane fabric	10 years, UV stability	Covers significant loss of strength, discoloration, or the screen becoming unserviceable from UV exposure.

Storm damage is an insurance matter, not a warranty claim
The Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage, deterioration or accelerated wear caused by wind, storms, severe weather, or prolonged or repeated exposure to wind and other environmental conditions. It also excludes damage from water, fire, corrosion, mold or mildew, wear and tear, and acts of God. Published wind-performance information does not constitute a warranty against wind or weather-related damage or expand the coverage provided by the warranty. Talk to your homeowners insurer about storm coverage.

Two fabric warranties, one for you

Twitchell warrants OmegaTex™ for 15 years to the company that buys the fabric, which is Fenetex®. Your coverage on the fabric comes from Fenetex®.

Twitchell15-year limited warranty, to the material buyer
Fenetex®Builds the screen; holds the fabric warranty
You10-year fabric coverage from Fenetex®

Keeping coverage valid

Clean the fabric at least twice a year. Sponge with one cup of mild detergent and one cup of household bleach in three gallons of water, rinse with clear water and air-dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Failure to install in accordance with the applicable Florida Product Approval, approved installation drawings, anchoring requirements and local building codes may compromise the screen system’s performance and may affect warranty coverage under the Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Making a claim

Coverage belongs to the original owner and does not transfer when the home is sold. Claims are made in writing to Fenetex®; the claimant covers shipping and installation, and Fenetex® decides whether to repair or replace.

Register your warranty

Download the warranty (PDF)

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

Protect Your Home with Coverage You Can Read

A dealer walks you through the warranty, the installation and how to register your system.

Field record

How have MaxForce™ screens performed in real storms?

Single-storey beachfront home with MaxForce™ hurricane screens lowered over the openings beside a pool

Hurricane Dorian, 2019. Legacy fixed-track MaxForce™. Photo courtesy of Fenetex®.

A beachfront home on Great Abaco

Fenetex® customer Shawn Fay’s home sits on the beach on Great Abaco in the Bahamas. After Hurricane Dorian, he reported that his MaxForce™ screens were still in place while metal roll shutters on neighbouring homes had torn away. Several neighbours later installed MaxForce™ on their own homes.

Owner-reported outcome on the fixed-track system that preceded Quiet Spring Technology™. No wind speed was measured at the home.

"We were able to combine both our sun and shade as well as the hurricane protection all with one product."

Jennifer R., Naples, Florida

For specifiers

Where can I find MaxForce™ approval documents and specifications?

FL8637-R15 product approvalFlorida Building Commission product approval listing.

http://floridabuilding.org/

Fenetex® Technical LibraryProduct information and design documents from the manufacturer.

fenetex.com

Fenetex® Wind StatementThe manufacturer's statement on wind performance.

fenetex.com

OmegaTex™ technical dataConstruction, test values and colors, January 2025.

twitchellcorp.com, PDF

OmegaTex™ fabric warrantyTwitchell's 15-year limited warranty, May 2025.

twitchellcorp.com, PDF

Fenetex® intellectual propertyGranted patents US 9,458,666 and US 12,018,527.

fenetex.com

Frequently Asked Questions

MaxForce™ hurricane screen FAQs

Is MaxForce™ approved for use in Miami-Dade County?

Yes. MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens are approved for use in Miami-Dade County and the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) under Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15, demonstrating compliance with applicable Florida Building Code requirements for approved configurations. Each installation must follow the approval, approved installation drawings, anchoring requirements and local building codes.

Is MaxForce™ built for 185 MPH winds?

It describes the wind zone covered by the FL8637-R15 approval. It is not a wind speed the screen is guaranteed to withstand. Building codes evaluate wind resistance by design pressure, not wind speed. MaxForce™ is rated for design pressures of up to ±200 PSF, and the allowable pressure for each screen depends on its size, configuration and approved installation conditions.* See the Fenetex® Wind Statement for details.

What is the difference between tested and approved?

Tested means a laboratory measured performance against a standard. Approved means a jurisdiction accepted those results as meeting its building code. FL8637-R15 is an approval.

How does Quiet Spring Technology™ work?

Springs inside the side track press outward on the screen edge, keeping it at even tension with nearly an inch of self-adjustment. A gust compresses the springs; they return the track when it passes.

Do I need to replace my existing MaxForce™ system to get Quiet Spring Technology™?

No. The self-adjusting track works with existing MaxForce™ systems. A MaxForce™ dealer can confirm what your openings need.

Is Quiet Spring Technology™ patented?

Fenetex® describes Quiet Spring Technology™ as patented, and the MaxForce™ hurricane track is patent pending.

What is OmegaTex™ fabric made of?

Current OmegaTex™ uses vinyl-coated polyester core yarns in one direction and vinyl-coated Kevlar® core yarns in the other, in a weave that is 91% cover and 9% open.

Does the MaxForce™ warranty cover hurricane damage?

No. The Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage, deterioration or accelerated wear caused by wind, storms, severe weather, or prolonged or repeated exposure to wind. Wind-related wear and damage are not manufacturing defects. Storm damage is a homeowners insurance matter.

Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my home?

No. The Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty belongs to the original owner and does not transfer to later owners.

How do I clean MaxForce™ screens?

At least twice a year, sponge the fabric with one cup of mild detergent and one cup of household bleach in three gallons of water, rinse with clear water and air-dry. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Can MaxForce™ be used every day, not just in storms?

Yes. MaxForce™ can be used year-round for shade, insect control and weather protection, and deployed the same way when a storm approaches. Like any product exposed to the elements, it provides the best long-term performance when used with reasonable care and good judgment. Its strength should not be interpreted as an invitation to leave it deployed unnecessarily during prolonged periods of high winds or severe weather. Repeated or prolonged exposure to wind can accelerate wear on the fabric, retention system, tracks and other components. Wind resistance is a measure of strength and capability, not a guarantee against the effects of continued exposure.

How is MaxForce™ different from magnetic track screens?

MaxForce™ holds tension with springs, whose force rises evenly as they compress. Magnetic tracks rely on magnets, whose pull climbs sharply as they close and which snap back together after a gust.

Who confirms an installation meets code at my address?

The approval is not site-specific. A design professional applies it to your openings, and your local building department permits and inspects the installation.

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

Find an Authorized MaxForce™ Dealer

A dealer measures each opening, specifies the mount and motor, and schedules your installation.

Sources

1. Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15 and FL 8637.1 installation drawings, Engineering Express, rev. April 2026.

2. Fenetex®, "Introducing MaxForce™ Hurricane Screen with Quiet Spring Technology™", June 2026.

3. Fenetex®, "Why Springs Outperform Magnets", December 2025.

4. Fenetex® warranty, revision 03.08.2023.

5. Twitchell Technical Products, OmegaTex™ technical data (January 2025) and warranty (May 2025).

6. Fenetex®, "MaxForce Hurricane Tracks vs. Hurricane Dorian", September 2025.

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens are a Fenetex® product, featuring Quiet Spring Technology™, approved for use in Miami-Dade County and the HVHZ under Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15.

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MaxForce™ hurricane screens: approvals, specifications and warranty

Quick answer

MaxForce™ hurricane screens are motorized retractable screens approved for use in Miami-Dade County and the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) under Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15, where design wind zones can reach 185 MPH.* They are approved for specific configurations, with design pressure ratings of up to ±200 PSF depending on screen size, configuration and approved installation conditions.* Since 2026 they use Quiet Spring Technology™, a spring-tensioned track with nearly an inch of self-adjustment, and OmegaTex™ fabric made with Kevlar® fiber.

*See the Fenetex® Wind Statement for details.

FL8637-R15Florida Product Approval

Up to ±200 PSF*Design pressure, varies by screen size, configuration and installation

Quiet Spring Technology™Self-adjusting spring-tensioned track

Large missile impactTested to Missile Level D, Wind Zone 4

Approval

How is MaxForce™ approved for hurricane zones?

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens hold Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15, demonstrating compliance with applicable Florida Building Code requirements for approved configurations. Florida Product Approvals are issued through the Florida Building Commission's product approval system, and R15 is the approval's current revision.

Under Florida Statute §553.842, a Florida Product Approval carrying HVHZ designation is a valid path to code compliance in the HVHZ. A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance is one route; it is not the only one.

The HVHZ covers Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

View Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15

Download the FL8637-R15 installation instructions (PDF)

Why the drawings say "FL 8637.1". FL8637 is the approval; ".1" identifies the product listing within it. If you search BCIS for MaxForce™ installation drawings, that is the number you will see on each sheet.

Term	What it means
Tested	A laboratory measured how the product performed against a named standard. A test result alone is not code compliance.
Approved	A jurisdiction has accepted the test results as meeting its building code. FL8637-R15 is an approval.
Certified	A general marketing term, not an instrument Florida issues for opening protection. MaxForce™'s instrument is Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15.

Testing

What tests does a hurricane screen have to pass?

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens undergo independent laboratory testing designed to evaluate their ability to withstand the forces and impacts associated with hurricane conditions. Testing includes Florida/Miami-Dade protocols (TAS 201, 202 and 203) and applicable ASTM standards (E1886, E1996 and E330). It evaluates three performance characteristics: large-missile impact resistance, uniform static air pressure resistance, and cyclic wind pressure resistance. Successful completion of the applicable testing demonstrates the system’s ability to provide hurricane protection under the specified test conditions.

Standard	What it is	In plain terms
TAS 201	Miami-Dade impact test protocol	A large wooden missile is fired at the product to simulate windborne debris.
TAS 202	Uniform static air pressure test	Steady pressure pushes on, then pulls on, the product, the way wind loads the front and back of a building.
TAS 203	Cyclic wind pressure loading	Subjects the screen system to repeated positive and negative pressure cycles to evaluate its ability to maintain performance under fluctuating wind loads associated with hurricane conditions.
ASTM E1886	National test method for impact and cyclic pressure	The national procedure for running the missile and cycling tests.
ASTM E1996	National specification for missile levels and wind zones	Sets which missile and how much cycling a product must survive for a given location.
ASTM E330	Structural performance under static air pressure	Measures how the product holds up under a uniform load.

Source: FL 8637.1 installation drawings, general notes. Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023).

Missile Level D, Wind Zone 4. These are ASTM E1996 classifications for the test missile and the pressure cycling used. They describe how MaxForce™ was tested. They are not a wind speed the screen withstands.

Design pressure

What design pressure is MaxForce™ rated for?

While hurricane strength is commonly described in terms of wind speed, building codes and structural engineers evaluate the wind resistance of building products using design pressure, measured in pounds per square foot (PSF).

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens have design pressure ratings of up to ±200 PSF, covering both positive pressure (wind pushing against the screen) and negative pressure (wind suction pulling away from the screen). The allowable design pressure depends on the specific screen size, configuration and approved installation conditions.*

*See the Fenetex® Wind Statement for details.

Wind loads vary with the building and the location of the opening. Before a hurricane screen is specified, the required design pressure must be calculated from:

geographic location and applicable design wind speed
building height, dimensions and roof configuration
exposure category, including surrounding terrain and proximity to open water
location of the opening on the building, including proximity to corners and roof edges
applicable building code requirements

These calculations set the positive and negative design pressures the system must resist.

Fenetex® provides engineering tables identifying allowable design pressures for different screen dimensions, together with approved mounting configurations and anchoring requirements. Architects, engineers, contractors and building officials use them to verify that the selected system meets the structural requirements for each opening.

The FL8637-R15 schedules cover screens up to 252 inches (21 feet) tall and spans up to 300 inches (25 feet). Those are the limits of the approval, not what every opening can take.

Wide openings are divided with end and interior mullions, each sized from its own schedule.

Your site, your engineer. The approval is a non-site-specific evaluation. A design professional is responsible for applying it to each actual installation, an authorized MaxForce™ dealer installs to the approval, and your local building department permits and inspects the work.

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

Contact an Authorized MaxForce™ Dealer Today

Every opening gets its own span, mount and design pressure. A dealer measures yours and specifies the screen to the approval.

Get started with an authorized dealer

Quiet Spring Technology™

How does Quiet Spring Technology™ work?

In 2026 MaxForce™ moved from a fixed track to a self-adjusting one. Springs inside the side track press outward on the screen edge, holding it at even tension with nearly an inch of total self-adjustment. When a gust pushes the screen, the inner track compresses against the springs; when the gust passes, the springs return it.

It is the same spring tensioning One-Track™ screens have used since 2020, now built into the hurricane track.

Why springs, not magnets

Spring force rises in proportion to how far the spring is compressed (Hooke's Law), so tension is predictable across the full range of travel. Magnet force climbs sharply as the gap closes: magnets pulled apart by wind snap back together with nothing to slow them.

"The closer they get together, the stronger they pull."
Michael Murray, Fenetex® Co-Founder and President, on magnetic tensioning

Already own MaxForce™? The self-adjusting track works with existing MaxForce™ systems, so an upgrade does not mean replacing the whole installation. Your dealer can confirm for your openings. Building updates that work with earlier installations is one of the seven principles of Fenetex® Blue™, the design philosophy behind every Fenetex® product.

Quiet Spring track profile

Behaviour	Springs	Magnets
Force	Rises evenly with compression	Climbs sharply as the gap closes
Under a gust	Compresses and returns smoothly	Separates, then snaps back together
Adjusting tension	Add or remove springs, no special tools	Reposition magnet arrays along the track
Corrosion exposure	No magnets in the track	Iron-based magnets rely on a protective coating

Keder edge

What is a keder, and why does it keep the screen in its track?

A keder is a PVC cord wrapped in low-friction, PVC-coated fabric, welded along the screen's edge. Fenetex® has used welded keder edges since its first screens in 2007. With approximately 20 years of experience manufacturing hurricane screens, Fenetex® has refined MaxForce™ for demanding coastal environments.

Cut and insert

A precisely cut screen edge is inserted into the keder.

Clamp

Welding bars above and below close on the materials at a set pressure.

Weld

10 kW of radio-frequency energy is pulsed through the PVC, heating it from within so keder and screen fuse.

Set

A cooling phase under pressure sets the weld into a single piece.

Why it stays in the track

The keder bead rides inside a channel whose opening is narrower than the bead. Under wind load, the screen pulls against the inner channel, but the bead cannot pass through the slot. With Quiet Spring Technology™, the spring tension in the track allows the inner track to move forward and absorb external pressure on the fabric.

Because the edge is welded, there is no zipper to break, no stitching to wear and no adhesive to fail.

Cross-section of the MaxForce™ Quiet Spring side track, traced from a cut sample. Movement is simplified.

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

Already Own MaxForce™? Ask About Quiet Spring

The self-adjusting track works with existing MaxForce™ systems. A dealer can tell you what your openings need.

Talk to an authorized dealer

Comparison

How do motorized screen tensioning systems compare?

How each type of track holds a screen under load. Use these criteria to evaluate any system you are considering.

System	How tension is held	Self-adjustment	Under a gust	Field adjustment	Corrosion exposure	Hurricane approval	Patent status	Works with earlier systems
MaxForce™ with Quiet Spring (2026)	Springs inside the track press outward on the screen edge	Nearly 1 inch	Compresses and returns; no snap	Add or remove springs	No magnets in the track	FL8637-R15, HVHZ	Track patent pending	Yes, existing MaxForce™ systems
MaxForce™ fixed track (legacy)	Fixed track holds the edge rigidly	None	Track holds; no travel	Not applicable	No magnets in the track	FL8637-R14 (superseded by R15), HVHZ	See Fenetex® patents	Upgradable to the self-adjusting track
Magnetic self-tensioning tracks	Neodymium magnets pull the edge into position	Varies by product	Magnets separate, then snap back together	Reposition magnet arrays	Iron-based magnets protected by a coating	Check that product’s approval	Varies	Check the manufacturer
Non-adjusting tracks (zipper or fixed)	Zipper or fixed retention	None	Fabric carries the load directly	Not applicable	Varies	Check that product’s approval	Varies	Check the manufacturer

Mechanism descriptions from Fenetex® engineering publications, as of October 2026. Other products vary; check each manufacturer’s documents.

Standard features

What features come standard on MaxForce™ hurricane screens?

Feature	What it means
Florida Product Approval	FL8637-R15 with HVHZ designation, for approved configurations.
Self-adjusting track	Quiet Spring Technology™ keeps the screen flat with nearly an inch of travel
Welded keder edge	No zipper; the screen edge is RF-welded to the keder
No hurricane clips	No extra clips or retainers needed for storm deployment
Motorized	Three motor brands, specified for each order
Obstacle detection	Every motor brand stops on contact
Home automation	Handheld remote with every motor; phone app via Bond Bridge Pro hub; Alexa, Google Assistant, Control4, Crestron, Savant
Built to order	Made to fit each opening exactly
Works with existing systems	The self-adjusting track fits existing MaxForce™ installations
Heavy weight bar	Two cavities for steel weights, for windy locations
Screen pre-feeder	Guides the screen from the reel into the side track; a Fenetex® Smart Motor™ stops descent before the screen can leave the tracks
Contour cut	Bottom edge cut to match sloped floors
Reinforced corners	Toughened nylon guide ties the weight bar and screen together
Automatic wind deployment	Deploys from a wind sensor, so screens are down before a storm arrives

OmegaTex™ fabric

What is MaxForce™ hurricane fabric made of?

MaxForce™ uses OmegaTex™ hurricane screen fabric, woven in Dothan, Alabama by Twitchell Technical Products. Current OmegaTex™ combines vinyl-coated 1500-denier polyester core yarns in one direction with vinyl-coated 2000-denier Kevlar® core yarns in the other. Screens made before 2025 may use an earlier yarn.

The weave is 91% cover and 9% open: solid enough to stop debris, open enough to see through and let air move. It blocks up to 91% of UV rays.

The fabric meets NFPA 701 and NFPA 101 Class A fire standards, carries GREENGUARD Gold for low emissions, and passes ASTM E2180 and G21 for bacteria and fungal resistance. These are standards for the fabric itself.

Colors

White

White/Tan

Black/Tan

Black

Granite

Bronze

Manufacturer-reported results from single test samples, not specifications. Source: Twitchell OmegaTex™ technical data, January 2025.
Property	Typical value
Weight	19.5 oz/yd²
Grab tensile strength	711.3 lbf warp, 748.9 lbf fill
Puncture resistance	364 lbf
Bursting strength	1,250+ psi
Openness	9% open, 91% cover
Weave	22 × 13.5

Kevlar® is a trademark of affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. OmegaTex™ is a trademark of Twitchell Technical Products, LLC.

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

See OmegaTex™ Colors in Person

Six fabric colors, built to order for each opening. Ask a dealer for samples and a quote.

Request a quote from a dealer

Construction

How is a MaxForce™ hurricane screen built and mounted?

Each screen is built to order for its opening in Jacksonville, Florida, from a storage hood, roll-up assembly, Quiet Spring side tracks, welded screen and weight bar.

MaxForce hurricane screen edge held in the self-adjusting side track

Welded keder edge

The screen edge is welded to a keder that rides in the side track. No zipper and no stitching.

MaxForce™ Keder Edge Zipperless Hurricane Screen Track Closeup

Screen pre-feeder

A guide at the top of each track feeds the descending screen smoothly from the reel into the side track. With a Fenetex® Smart Motor™, the motor stops downward travel before the screen can leave the tracks.

Cross section of the MaxForce hurricane screen weight bar

Heavy weight bar

A heavy bottom bar with two cavities for steel weights, for screens installed in windy locations.

Reinforced corner where the MaxForce weight bar meets the side track

Reinforced corners

A flexible guide of toughened nylon ties the weight bar and screen together, reinforcing the corner where wear concentrates.

Mounting options

Because hurricane protection systems must withstand extreme forces, proper product selection and installation are essential to achieving their approved performance ratings. All MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens must be installed in accordance with the applicable Florida Product Approval, approved installation drawings, anchoring requirements and local building codes. Installation must be performed to the approval by a trained, authorized MaxForce™ dealer.

Wall mount

Track fastened to the face of the wall beside the opening.

Inset mount

Track set inside the opening, on a tube or angle.

Alternate inset

A second inset detail for openings with different jamb conditions.

Build-out mount

Track on an aluminum build-out tube where the wall needs depth.

Approved substrates

Concrete
Grout-filled block
Hollow block
Wood
Steel

Wide openings and second screens

Openings wider than one screen use end and interior mullions. A separate everyday insect or shade screen track can attach to the hurricane track; its anchors sit outside the hurricane calculations.

Motors and controls

What motors and controls run MaxForce™ screens?

Three motor brands

The motor is specified for each screen when it is ordered, matched to its size and use.

Stops on contact

Every motor brand used on MaxForce™ has obstacle detection: the screen stops if it meets an obstruction.

App and home automation

A handheld remote comes with every motor. Add the phone app through a Bond Bridge Pro hub, voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant, or run screens through Control4, Crestron or Savant. Each screen operates independently.

Warranty

What does the MaxForce™ warranty cover?

MaxForce™ is covered by the Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Each part has its own term.

Source: Fenetex® warranty, revision 03.08.2023.
Part	Term	Fine print
Aluminum (extruded, fabricated, cast), proprietary components, welded screen seams	Lifetime	Lifetime means while the system or a compatible system is in production and parts are available.
Fenetex® Smart Motors™ and operators	5 years	Somfy motors carry Somfy’s own 5-year warranty.
Non-electronic, non-proprietary components	5 years	Against manufacturing defects.
Standard paint finishes	5 years, or 3 years within 1 mile of a coastline	Custom finishes excluded. A claim applies when more than 20% of the painted area is affected.
Hurricane fabric	10 years, UV stability	Covers significant loss of strength, discoloration, or the screen becoming unserviceable from UV exposure.

Storm damage is an insurance matter, not a warranty claimThe Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage, deterioration or accelerated wear caused by wind, storms, severe weather, or prolonged or repeated exposure to wind and other environmental conditions. It also excludes damage from water, fire, corrosion, mold or mildew, wear and tear, and acts of God. Published wind-performance information does not constitute a warranty against wind or weather-related damage or expand the coverage provided by the warranty. Talk to your homeowners insurer about storm coverage.

Two fabric warranties, one for you

Twitchell warrants OmegaTex™ for 15 years to the company that buys the fabric, which is Fenetex®. Your coverage on the fabric comes from Fenetex®.

Twitchell15-year limited warranty, to the material buyer
Fenetex®Builds the screen; holds the fabric warranty
You10-year fabric coverage from Fenetex®

Keeping coverage valid

Clean the fabric at least twice a year. Sponge with one cup of mild detergent and one cup of household bleach in three gallons of water, rinse with clear water and air-dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Failure to install in accordance with the applicable Florida Product Approval, approved installation drawings, anchoring requirements and local building codes may compromise the screen system’s performance and may affect warranty coverage under the Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Making a claim

Coverage belongs to the original owner and does not transfer when the home is sold. Claims are made in writing to Fenetex®; the claimant covers shipping and installation, and Fenetex® decides whether to repair or replace.

Register your warranty Download the warranty (PDF)

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

Know Exactly What Your Warranty Covers

A dealer walks you through the warranty, the installation and how to register your system.

Get started with an authorized dealer

Field record

How have MaxForce™ screens performed in real storms?

Hurricane Dorian, 2019. Legacy fixed-track MaxForce™

A beachfront home on Great Abaco

Fenetex® customer Shawn Fay’s home sits on the beach on Great Abaco in the Bahamas. After Hurricane Dorian, he reported that his MaxForce™ screens were still in place while metal roll shutters on neighbouring homes had torn away. Several neighbours later installed MaxForce™ on their own homes.

Owner-reported outcome on the fixed-track system that preceded Quiet Spring Technology™. No wind speed was measured at the home.

"We were able to combine both our sun and shade as well as the hurricane protection all with one product."
Jennifer R., Naples, Florida

For specifiers

Where can I find MaxForce™ approval documents and specifications?

View Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15Florida Building Commission product approval listing.floridabuilding.org Fenetex® Technical LibraryProduct information and design documents from the manufacturer.fenetex.com Fenetex® Wind StatementThe manufacturer's statement on wind performance.fenetex.com OmegaTex™ technical dataConstruction, test values and colors, January 2025.twitchellcorp.com, PDF OmegaTex™ fabric warrantyTwitchell's 15-year limited warranty, May 2025.twitchellcorp.com, PDF Fenetex® intellectual propertyGranted patents US 9,458,666 and US 12,018,527.fenetex.com

Frequently Asked Questions

MaxForce™ hurricane screen FAQs

Is MaxForce™ approved for use in Miami-Dade County?

Yes. MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens are approved for use in Miami-Dade County and the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) under Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15, demonstrating compliance with applicable Florida Building Code requirements for approved configurations. Each installation must follow the approval, approved installation drawings, anchoring requirements and local building codes.

What does "rated for the 185 MPH wind zone" mean?

It describes the wind zone covered by the FL8637-R15 approval. It is not a wind speed the screen is guaranteed to withstand. Building codes evaluate wind resistance by design pressure, not wind speed. MaxForce™ is rated for design pressures of up to ±200 PSF, and the allowable pressure for each screen depends on its size, configuration and approved installation conditions.* See the Fenetex® Wind Statement for details.

What is the difference between tested and approved?

Tested means a laboratory measured performance against a standard. Approved means a jurisdiction accepted those results as meeting its building code. FL8637-R15 is an approval.

How does Quiet Spring Technology™ work?

Springs inside the side track press outward on the screen edge, keeping it at even tension with nearly an inch of self-adjustment. A gust compresses the springs; they return the track when it passes.

Do I need to replace my existing MaxForce™ system to get Quiet Spring Technology™?

No. The self-adjusting track works with existing MaxForce™ systems. A MaxForce™ dealer can confirm what your openings need.

Is Quiet Spring Technology™ patented?

Fenetex® describes Quiet Spring Technology™ as patented, and the MaxForce™ hurricane track is patent pending.

What is OmegaTex™ fabric made of?

Current OmegaTex™ uses vinyl-coated polyester core yarns in one direction and vinyl-coated Kevlar® core yarns in the other, in a weave that is 91% cover and 9% open.

Does the MaxForce™ warranty cover hurricane damage?

No. The Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage, deterioration or accelerated wear caused by wind, storms, severe weather, or prolonged or repeated exposure to wind. Wind-related wear and damage are not manufacturing defects. Storm damage is a homeowners insurance matter.

Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my home?

No. The Fenetex® Limited Lifetime Warranty belongs to the original owner and does not transfer to later owners.

How do I clean MaxForce™ screens?

At least twice a year, sponge the fabric with one cup of mild detergent and one cup of household bleach in three gallons of water, rinse with clear water and air-dry. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Can MaxForce™ be used every day, not just in storms?

Yes. MaxForce™ can be used year-round for shade, insect control and weather protection, and deployed the same way when a storm approaches. Like any product exposed to the elements, it provides the best long-term performance when used with reasonable care and good judgment. Its strength should not be interpreted as an invitation to leave it deployed unnecessarily during prolonged periods of high winds or severe weather. Repeated or prolonged exposure to wind can accelerate wear on the fabric, retention system, tracks and other components. Wind resistance is a measure of strength and capability, not a guarantee against the effects of continued exposure.

How is MaxForce™ different from magnetic track screens?

MaxForce™ holds tension with springs, whose force rises evenly as they compress. Magnetic tracks rely on magnets, whose pull climbs sharply as they close and which snap back together after a gust.

Who confirms an installation meets code at my address?

The approval is not site-specific. A design professional applies it to your openings, and your local building department permits and inspects the installation.

MAXFORCE™ MOTORIZED HURRICANE SCREEN

Find an Authorized MaxForce™ Dealer

A dealer measures each opening, specifies the mount and motor, and schedules your installation.

Find an authorized dealer near you

Sources

Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15 and FL 8637.1 installation drawings, Engineering Express, rev. April 2026.
Fenetex®, "Introducing MaxForce™ Hurricane Screen with Quiet Spring Technology™", June 2026.
Fenetex®, "Why Springs Outperform Magnets", December 2025.
Fenetex® warranty, revision 03.08.2023.
Twitchell Technical Products, OmegaTex™ technical data (January 2025) and warranty (May 2025).
Fenetex®, "MaxForce Hurricane Tracks vs. Hurricane Dorian", September 2025.

MaxForce™ Hurricane Screens are a Fenetex® product, featuring Quiet Spring Technology™, approved for use in Miami-Dade County and the HVHZ under Florida Product Approval FL8637-R15.