Living in Florida means preparing for hurricane season is part of homeownership. While stocking up on water and batteries is important, don't forget about the outside of your home. Your roof, windows, doors, and other exterior features are your first line of defense when severe weather rolls in.
A little preparation now can help prevent expensive damage later. Before the next storm is in the forecast, take a few minutes to inspect these five areas of your home.
Your roof takes the biggest hit during high winds and heavy rain, so it's one of the most important places to check.
Look for:
Even small roofing issues can quickly become major leaks during a storm. If you notice anything that looks questionable, it's worth having it inspected before hurricane season is in full swing.
Strong winds can turn loose debris into dangerous projectiles. Well-maintained windows help protect your home from water intrusion and wind damage.
Check for:
If your windows are older, this may also be a good time to consider impact-resistant replacement windows for added protection and energy efficiency.
Your front door, patio doors, and garage entry doors should all close tightly and latch securely.
Inspect:
Replacing worn weatherstripping is an inexpensive project that can help keep wind-driven rain outside where it belongs.
Heavy Florida rain can overwhelm clogged gutters in a matter of minutes.
Before storm season:
Proper drainage helps reduce the risk of roof leaks, siding damage, and foundation issues.
Many homeowners focus on the house itself but overlook attached exterior structures.
Walk around your property and inspect:
Look for loose fasteners, damaged panels, rust, or anything that may need repair before high winds arrive.
The best time to prepare your home is before a hurricane watch is issued. Contractors often book up quickly once a storm is approaching, making it much harder to schedule repairs.
Taking care of small maintenance items now can help reduce the risk of bigger problems later and give you greater peace of mind throughout hurricane season.
Want an easy way to make sure you've covered everything?
We've created a free Home Storm Prep Checklist that walks you through the key areas to inspect before severe weather arrives. It's a simple guide you can print or save on your phone and use year after year.
Download your free checklist today and make sure your home is ready before the next storm!