Hurricane Season Door Checklist for Central Florida Homes

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Your doors are among the most important parts of your home’s defense against wind and water — and a few minutes of inspection each spring can prevent a lot of trouble.

Before the season starts

Entry doors

• Weatherstripping: Look for gaps, tears and flattened sections. Close the door on a sheet of paper — it should grip.
• Sill and sweep: Check for gaps under the door and damaged sweeps.
• Frame: Probe the bottom of wood jambs for soft spots.
• Locks: Make sure the deadbolt throws fully and multipoint locks engage at every point.

Double doors

• Confirm the fixed leaf’s bolts extend fully into the head and sill. Weak or short flush bolts are a common failure point in wind.
• Check the astragal seal between the leaves.

Sliding glass doors

• Clean the track of sand, leaves and debris.
• Clear the weep holes so water can drain out of the sill.
• Check that the lock engages and the panel cannot be lifted out of the track.

French doors

• Test the head and sill bolts on the inactive leaf.
• Check hinges and hinge screws for looseness.

Garage door

• Look for the rating label — older doors may not have one.
• Inspect tracks, rollers and hinges for damage.
• Test the door’s balance and bottom weatherseal.
• Leave springs and cables to professionals.

Shutters for non-impact openings

If any openings rely on shutters, confirm you have all the panels and hardware, and practice installing them before a storm is on the way.

Paperwork

• Keep product approvals and invoices for impact-rated doors.
• Take photos of your doors and openings for insurance records.

Openings that need extra attention

• Double and French doors: the inactive leaf’s bolts are a common failure point.
• Sliding doors: make sure anti-lift features and locks work; worn sliders can be pushed off their tracks.
• Garage doors: the largest opening on most homes — and a key weak point if not rated.
• Pet doors: a pet door insert in a door or slider is usually not rated like the door around it. Have a cover or plan for it.

Power outages and your doors

• Learn how to use your garage door opener’s manual release so you can open the door by hand when the power is out.
• Replace smart lock batteries before the season, and keep a physical key where you can reach it.
• Know how to unlock sliders and French doors manually in the dark.

When a storm is on the way

• Close and lock every exterior door; engage all bolts on double and French doors.
• Install shutters on any unprotected openings.
• Bring in patio furniture, planters and anything that could become debris.
• Keep the garage door closed throughout the storm.
• Stage towels near sliders and doors on the windward side in case of wind-driven rain.

After the storm

• Look for water intrusion at thresholds and around frames.
• Check doors for new sticking or gaps, which can signal movement or damage.
• Inspect garage door tracks and panels.
• Photograph any damage before cleanup, and contact your insurer.

Upgrade before next season

If your inspection turns up rotted frames, unrated garage doors, weak double-door bolts or sliders that barely lock, schedule replacements early — lead times on impact-rated doors often stretch as the season approaches.