Getting your windows ready for hurricane season

Before the season

Check that shutters or panels fit and that the hardware isn't corroded, especially near the coast. Clear slider and window tracks so water drains instead of pooling against the seal. Inspect caulk around frames for gaps. Trim trees and palms that could throw debris at the glass.

A cleaning in late spring is useful mostly because it lets you see the glass and frames clearly and spot cracked panes or failed seals before a storm tests them.

After a storm

Storms leave a film of salt, dirt and debris residue on every window, and afternoon sun bakes it in fast. Post-storm is the single best time for a professional exterior clean. It also lets us flag chipped glass, bent tracks or damaged enclosure panels while you're still inside the window to file a claim.

Impact windows still need cleaning

Impact glass is laminated, not coated, and it collects the same film as any other window. Clean it the same way. Never use razor blades on it, and watch for delamination at the edges, which looks like a cloudy strip and is not something cleaning fixes.

Lanai and pool enclosures

Enclosure panels catch wind. After a storm, check for torn or loose panels. Glass lanai panels should be cleaned and the frame rinsed of salt.