If you’ve wondered why aluminum rules in Florida—or how to keep your carports, lanais, fences, and railings safe and storm-ready—this episode is a masterclass. I’m joined by Smoot Hull, owner of State Aluminum Solutions (also a licensed GC & roofing contractor), who splits time between Fort Myers and Sarasota serving condos/HOAs and large communities across the Gulf Coast.

We cover:

• Why Florida moved from steel/iron to aluminum (salt air, corrosion, safety)
• Big code upgrades: larger posts/beams, deeper footers, engineered systems
• What’s inside a modern carport build (structural aluminum, rebar, concrete footers)
• Storm lessons from Ian, Helene & Milton and proactive risk mitigation
• Real numbers: multi-phase carport replacements and why they’re expensive now
• Maintenance & restoration that actually works: pull-tests, new fasteners/washers, silicone sealing, seam treatment, gutter cleaning, coatings
• Fences & railings near pools and coastlines (landscaper weed-eater wear is real!)
• How boards can plan: reserve study inputs, annual/biannual inspections, and free assessments

Key takeaways for boards & managers

• Don’t wait—inspect (pull-test fasteners, check seams, look for rusted hardware).
• Prioritize life-safety: secure panels/edges now; phase coatings and cosmetics later.
• Document storm damage, then mitigate (remove loose panels/carports to prevent secondary loss).
• Put aluminum assets (carports, fences, railings, lanais) into your reserve schedule.
• Expect engineering and bigger structural members under today’s code—budgets must reflect it.