Seasonal tips for maintaining your home during hurricane season

06 July 2022

When hurricane season rolls around, the homes that fare best are the ones that were prepared months in advance—not the night before a storm appears on the radar. A little seasonal upkeep can mean the difference between minor cleanup and major structural damage. Here's how to keep your home ready throughout the entire season.

Start with a Roof-to-Foundation Inspection

Your roof takes the brunt of every storm, so make it your first stop. Walk your property with a critical eye, looking for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys and vents, and clogged gutters that could send water pooling where it doesn't belong. Down on the ground, check that the grading around your foundation slopes away from the house so heavy rain drains properly rather than seeping in.

If you're not comfortable climbing a ladder, a professional roof inspection before the season peaks is money well spent. Small repairs handled early are almost always cheaper than emergency fixes after water has found its way inside.

Don't Forget the Garage Door

Garage doors are one of the most vulnerable points on many homes. A door that isn't wind-rated can buckle under pressure, and once it fails, wind can push into the house and stress walls and the roof from within. Check the manufacturer's rating, tighten hardware, and consider retrofitting braces if yours is an older model.

Trim Trees and Secure the Yard

Loose branches and outdoor items become projectiles in high winds. Well before a storm threatens, do a full sweep of your yard.

Trim branches that hang over the roof, power lines, or windows.
Remove dead or diseased trees, which are far more likely to fall.
Store patio furniture, grills, planters, and trash cans in a garage or shed when a storm approaches.
Anchor anything too heavy to move, like playsets or large planters.

Doing this maintenance regularly—not just when a storm is named—keeps the work manageable and your property safer all season long.

Protect Windows and Openings

openings are where wind and water do the most damage. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, permanent shutters are a solid long-term investment, but there are options at every budget level:

Install impact-resistant windows or storm shutters for the best protection.
Use plywood (at least 5/8 inch thick), pre-cut and labeled for each window, with proper anchors ready to go.
Reinforce entry doors with three hinges and a deadbolt that extends at least one inch into the frame.

Whatever route you choose, prepare the materials early. Waiting until a watch is issued almost guarantees empty store shelves and long lines.

Check Drainage, Sump Pumps, and Utilities

Flooding often causes more damage than wind. Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the basin—it should activate immediately. Clean French drains and downspout extensions, and make sure water has somewhere to go besides your basement. Know how to shut off your gas, water, and electricity, and label the valves clearly so any family member can do it quickly if needed.

Build Your Preparedness Routine into the Season

Treat hurricane season like a recurring calendar item, not a crisis. Early in the season, review your insurance policy and document your home's contents with photos or video—this makes claims far smoother later. Mid-season, restock emergency supplies: water, batteries, medications, and important documents in a waterproof container. Late in the season, note what worked and what didn't, and add those fixes to next year's list.

Storms are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn't have to be. A home maintained season by season stands a far better chance of weathering whatever the Atlantic sends your way—and you'll gain real peace of mind along the way.