Florida is in the thick of hurricane season right now, and that means the clock is ticking. Each passing day brings the possibility of a new storm brewing off the coast, and while no one ever wants to imagine the worst, preparation is the only way to reduce the risk of disaster. Your home is your safe space, your investment, and your responsibility and during hurricane season, it’s also your first line of defense.
At MBC Capital General Contractors, we’ve seen the damage storms can leave behind, but we’ve also seen how homes that are properly storm-proofed fare better, both structurally and financially. If you live in Florida, storm-proofing isn’t optional. It’s urgent. These five tips are essential steps you can take now to protect your home, your family, and your future.
1. Strengthen Your Roof Before the Winds Rip Through
Your roof isn’t just a top layer, it’s the shield that takes the brunt of the storm. High winds, flying debris, and hours of pounding rain will test every inch of it. If your roof isn’t properly reinforced, water and wind can find a way in, leading to extensive damage to the interior of your home and the structure itself.
Start by checking for loose or missing shingles, and replace any that are worn or broken. Secure the edges and look for signs of rot or weakness along the roofline. If you have an older roof or one that’s already seen some Florida weather, you may want to invest in hurricane straps or clips, which add an extra level of reinforcement between the roof and the walls of your home. These small components can significantly increase wind resistance and help your roof stay put during high-intensity storms.
2. Secure Windows and Doors Before They Become Vulnerabilities
When glass gives out, the results are immediate and severe. Broken windows allow wind to enter your home, potentially increasing internal pressure and causing the roof to lift or walls to collapse. Standard windows and doors just aren’t designed to hold up against hurricane-force winds.
Installing impact-resistant windows and doors is one of the best investments you can make. These are built to withstand flying debris and intense pressure changes. If replacing your current windows isn’t feasible right now, storm shutters are the next best option. At a minimum, stock up on plywood and pre-cut it to fit your windows and doors, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute when a storm is announced. Don’t forget about garage doors, they’re often overlooked, but if they fail, the damage can be catastrophic. Reinforcement kits are available and easy to install to add stability where it matters most.
3. Clear Your Yard to Minimize Flying Debris
What looks like a harmless lawn chair or loose tree branch today can become a dangerous projectile during a storm. One of the simplest but most important storm-proofing steps is to regularly inspect and clean up your yard. Trim trees and shrubs to remove dead or loose branches, and make sure nothing is hanging close to your roof or windows. Anchor large outdoor items like grills, patio furniture, and garbage bins. If something isn’t bolted down or stored inside, it’s a risk. Keep your gutters clean and free of debris, too, clogged gutters can cause water to back up and spill into your home, especially during long periods of torrential rain.
4. Protect Your Foundation from Flooding
Water is relentless. If it finds even the smallest way into your home, it will take it. One of the biggest risks during hurricane season isn’t just wind damage, it’s flooding. And that starts at the ground level. Inspect the grading around your home and make sure it slopes away from the foundation. If water is pooling near your house, it may be time to regrade or install a French drain system. Consider placing sandbags at entry points and around vulnerable areas when a storm is imminent. Sealing foundation cracks and checking for weaknesses in your crawlspace or basement (if applicable) is also key. If you don’t already have a sump pump, it might be time to install one. Even one inch of floodwater can lead to thousands of dollars in damage.
5. Create a Home Emergency Plan and Supply Kit
Preparation goes beyond nails and caulking. Storm-proofing also means having a solid plan in place for what to do when the storm hits. Your home should be stocked with emergency supplies, and every family member should know the plan. Put together a kit that includes flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, first-aid supplies, medications, a battery-powered radio, and important documents in a waterproof container. If you have pets, make sure their needs are covered too. Have a designated safe space in your home, such as an interior room without windows, and know your evacuation zone in case leaving becomes necessary. Communication plans are essential, cell service can go down quickly, so having a backup method for staying in touch is smart.
When the Storm Hits, We’re Ready to Help You Rebuild
Even with the best preparation, storms can still do damage. If your home is affected by wind, rain, or debris this hurricane season, MBC Capital General Contractors is ready to respond quickly and professionally. We offer:
- Disaster Recovery Services
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Storm and Hurricane Remediation
- Wind Damage Repair
- Roof Damage Repair
We’ve spent years helping Florida homeowners recover from the worst, and we know how to restore your property with care, urgency, and attention to detail. You don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late, Contact Us Today
Storm season isn’t just approaching, it’s already here. Every day that passes without preparation increases your risk. At MBC Capital General Contractors, we urge every Florida homeowner to take storm-proofing seriously. These five steps are practical, effective, and proven to reduce the impact of hurricanes on homes just like yours.
If you need help assessing your home, upgrading vulnerable areas, or recovering after a storm, we’re just a call away. Contact us today to get prepared or to get back on your feet.
