Preparing Your Home's Exterior for Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season Is Coming

Every year from June 1st through November 30th, South Florida residents face the reality of hurricane season. While you can't control the weather, you can control how prepared your property is when storms approach.

Most hurricane prep focuses on windows, shutters, and supplies—and those are critically important. But your home's exterior maintenance plays a role too. Here's how professional cleaning and maintenance helps protect your property.

Clean Gutters Save Roofs

Clogged gutters are more than an eyesore—during heavy rain, they become a serious liability.

What Happens with Clogged Gutters

• Water backs up under shingles and fascia
• Pooling water adds weight stress to gutter brackets
• Debris can blow onto your roof or yard during high winds
• Overflow causes foundation erosion and flooding

Pre-Hurricane Gutter Care

We recommend professional gutter cleaning in late spring (May) before hurricane season begins. This ensures:

• All debris is removed
• Downspouts are flowing freely
• Minor repairs are identified early
• Gutters are secure and stable

If a storm is approaching, visually check that gutters are clear. Remove any obvious debris you can reach safely.

Pressure Washing Prevents Projectiles

This might seem counterintuitive—what does a clean driveway have to do with hurricanes?

Loose Debris Becomes Dangerous

During hurricane-force winds, anything not secured becomes a projectile. This includes:

• Loose paver joint sand
• Unstable pavers
• Mold and algae buildup (slippery when wet)
• Accumulated debris in corners and edges

How Cleaning Helps

Professional pressure washing removes loose material before it becomes a problem. More importantly, the cleaning process often reveals:

• Pavers that need resetting
• Cracks in concrete that should be sealed
• Areas where debris accumulates (drainage issues)
• Unstable decorative elements

Addressing these issues before hurricane season prevents bigger problems during storms.

Window Cleaning for Clear Assessment

Clean windows aren't just about appearance—during and after storms, visibility matters.

Why Clean Windows Matter

• Easier to see approaching weather conditions
• Simpler post-storm damage assessment
• Better visibility when securing shutters
• Cleaner seal when applying storm protection

Hard Water Stains and Storms

South Florida's irrigation systems leave mineral deposits on windows. These deposits actually become harder to remove after exposure to hurricane conditions (salt air, debris abrasion).

Getting windows professionally cleaned before hurricane season makes post-storm cleanup much easier.

Roof Cleaning Extends Storm Resistance

A clean roof isn't just about curb appeal—it's about structural integrity.

Algae Weakens Shingles

Those black streaks (Gloeocapsa Magma algae) aren't just ugly. They're actively breaking down your shingles' protective granules. Weakened shingles are more vulnerable to:

• Wind uplift
• Impact damage from debris
• Water infiltration

Moss and Lifting

Moss growth actually lifts shingle edges, creating entry points for wind-driven rain. Professional soft washing kills moss and allows shingles to reseat properly.

Optimal Timing

We recommend roof cleaning in late winter or early spring (February-April) before hurricane season. This provides:

• Time for any repairs before storms
• Months of protection before peak season
• Easier scheduling (our busy season is summer)

Creating a Maintenance Calendar

Here's our recommended exterior maintenance timeline for Palm Beach homeowners:

January - February

• Roof soft washing (if needed)
• Exterior house washing
• Annual inspection of all surfaces

March - April

• Paver cleaning and sealing
• Fence and deck cleaning/staining
• Pool deck maintenance

May

• Gutter cleaning (pre-hurricane season)
• Window cleaning
• Final exterior inspection

June - November

• Hurricane season: focus on securing, not major cleaning
• Post-storm cleanup as needed

December

• Light maintenance and touch-ups
• Planning for next year's projects

Post-Storm Cleanup

After a hurricane passes, your exterior will likely need attention. Professional cleaning helps with:

Debris Removal

We can clear accumulated organic debris from:

• Driveways and walkways
• Pool decks and patios
• Building exteriors

Salt and Sand Removal

Storm surge and wind-driven saltwater leave corrosive deposits. Quick cleaning prevents:

• Concrete etching
• Metal corrosion
• Plant damage

Mold Prevention

Florida's post-storm humidity creates perfect conditions for mold growth. Pressure washing removes spores before they establish.

The Peace of Mind Factor

There's something to be said for going into hurricane season with one less thing to worry about.

When your exterior is professionally maintained:

• You've already identified potential problems
• Gutters are clear and secure
• Surfaces are clean and stable
• Windows are easily visible

This won't stop a Category 5 hurricane—nothing does. But it means fewer secondary problems and faster recovery when storms pass.

Get Ready Before the Rush

As hurricane season approaches, exterior cleaning companies get busy with storm prep and post-storm cleanup. The best time to schedule maintenance is now—before you're competing with everyone else.

At Crouching Tiger Exterior Cleaning, we help Palm Beach homeowners prepare their properties for whatever the season brings. Get your instant quote and cross exterior maintenance off your hurricane prep list.