Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Sliding glass doors are one of the most exposed parts of a Florida home, so a little preparation goes a long way.
Before the season
Check the locks. The door should lock firmly without lifting or pushing. If you have to fight it, the door may have dropped on worn rollers. That's a quick fix, and a door that latches properly holds better in wind.
Inspect the weatherstripping. Look for flattened, torn or missing pile strips along the edges. Worn seals let wind-driven rain in. Here's how to replace them.
Clear the weep holes. The small slots at the outside bottom of the frame let water drain. If they're clogged, water backs up and comes inside. Clear them with a wire or pipe cleaner.
Clean the track. Debris in the track stops the door from sealing fully when closed.
Know your glass. If you don't have impact glass, plan your shutters or panels now. Don't wait for a watch to be issued.
When a storm is coming
- Lock every sliding door, including the screen
- Put up shutters or panels if your doors aren't impact-rated
- Roll towels along the inside of the sill as a backup for water
- Move furniture and rugs away from the doors
After the storm
- Look for cracks in the glass and damage to the frame
- Check that the door still slides and locks normally
- Clean sand and debris out of the track before using the door a lot
- Watch for water stains that suggest a seal failed
If something isn't right, book a free estimate. Leak repairs start at $99 and glass replacement starts at $299, with a 6-month warranty.
