Hurricane Season Home Maintenance Checklist for Florida Homeowners
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and for Florida homeowners, preparation isn't optional. A lot of what determines how well your home holds up in a storm comes down to maintenance you can handle before the season gets underway. Here's where to start.
Roof
Your roof is your first line of defense. Walk the perimeter and look for missing, curling, or cracked shingles, lifted flashing around chimneys and vents, and granule loss in your gutters. If your roof is more than 15 years old or hasn't been inspected recently, have a professional look at it before you need to file a claim.
Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters during a storm mean water has nowhere to go. Clear debris, confirm downspouts are directing water away from the foundation, and check for any sections that have pulled away from the roofline.
Windows and Doors
Check weatherstripping, window caulking, and door thresholds for gaps or wear. If you have hurricane shutters, test them now. Knowing how long installation takes before a storm is bearing down matters more than you'd think.
Garage Door
Garage door failure is one of the leading causes of structural damage in hurricanes. If your door isn't hurricane rated, brace kits are available and relatively inexpensive. If it is rated, check hinges, rollers, and tracks for wear or loose fasteners.
Trees and Landscaping
Dead limbs and overhanging branches become projectiles in high winds. Walk your property and identify anything over the roofline or near windows that needs to come down before the season starts.
Drainage
Check that grading around your foundation slopes away from the home and that any drainage swales are clear. Poor drainage creates the moisture conditions that lead to mold and foundation problems over time.
Documentation
Before the season starts, photograph every room, every major system, and the exterior from all four sides. Store the photos somewhere outside the home. If you ever need to file a claim, pre-storm documentation is invaluable.
A pre-season home inspection is one of the most practical things a Florida homeowner can do. It identifies the issues most likely to cause problems in a storm while there's still time to address them.