After Hurricane Season: How to Inspect Your Windows and Doors

Hurricane season officially ends November 30th, but the effects of a season of storms, salt air, and high humidity don't disappear on December 1st. A post-season inspection of your windows and doors takes less than an hour and can catch small issues before they become expensive ones.

Exterior Inspection

• Caulking — Look for cracking, shrinkage, or gaps in the caulk bead around every window and door frame. Failing caulk is the #1 cause of water intrusion around windows.
• Frame condition — Check for any visible damage to vinyl or aluminum frames — cracks, dents, or sections that appear to have shifted.
• Weep holes — These small openings in the bottom of window frames allow water to drain. Make sure they're clear of debris.
• Glass — Look for chips or cracks, particularly at the corners. Small impacts from debris during storms can create stress fractures that worsen over time.

Interior Inspection

• Condensation — Check for moisture between panes (fogging), which indicates seal failure.
• Water staining — Look at window sills and the drywall directly below windows for any water staining that might indicate infiltration during heavy rain.
• Hardware — Test every lock and operator. They should work smoothly with no binding or looseness.
• Weather stripping — Check door sweeps and weather stripping for compression loss or damage.

When to Call a Professional

If you find water staining, cracked caulk along more than one or two windows, failed seals, or any damaged frames, it's worth having a professional look at them before the issues compound over winter and next year's storm season. We're happy to do a free walk-through and give you an honest assessment.