Hurricane season on the Gulf Coast doesn’t wait for you to be ready. Every year, homeowners scramble at the last minute to protect their property and every year, many of them pay the price for waiting too long. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way, and the team at Bluewater Exteriors is here to help you get ahead of the storm.
Here’s what you need to know about protecting three of the most vulnerable parts of your home: your windows, gutters, and screen enclosures.
Windows: Your Home’s First Line of Defense
Your windows are one of the most critical areas to address before a hurricane. A broken window during a storm doesn’t just let in rain, it can allow wind pressure to build inside your home, leading to catastrophic structural damage.
What you can do:
Inspect your window frames and seals. Cracks, gaps, or deteriorating caulk around your windows can allow water intrusion even in a moderate storm. Walk the perimeter of your home and look for any signs of wear.
Consider impact-resistant windows. If your home still has standard windows, now is the time to think about upgrading. Impact windows are designed to withstand flying debris and high winds without shattering.
Don’t rely solely on tape. Taping an X across your windows is a common myth — it does very little to strengthen glass and gives a false sense of security.
Have storm shutters ready. Whether accordion-style, panel, or roll-down, storm shutters add a critical layer of protection when installed properly.
How Bluewater Exteriors can help: Our team inspects and installs impact-resistant windows built for the Alabama Gulf Coast’s strict wind codes. We’ll assess your current windows and recommend the right solution for your home and budget, before hurricane season is in full swing!
Gutters: The Unsung Hero of Storm Protection
Most homeowners don’t think about their gutters until water is pouring over the sides or pooling around the foundation. During a hurricane, a clogged or damaged gutter system can cause serious water damage to your roof, siding, and home’s foundation.
What you can do:
Clean your gutters now. Remove leaves, debris, and buildup before storm season. Clogged gutters can’t channel the heavy rainfall that comes with a hurricane, leading to overflow and potential roof damage. Make this even easier by signing up for the brand new Bluewater Care Club. We’ll come out and do it for you!
Check for sagging or loose sections. High winds can tear away gutters that aren’t properly secured. Walk around your home and look for sections pulling away from the fascia.
Inspect downspouts. Make sure downspouts are clear and directing water at least 3–4 feet away from your foundation. Consider adding extensions if needed.
Look for rust, cracks, or holes. Even small damage can worsen dramatically under storm conditions.
How Bluewater Exteriors can help: We offer professional gutter cleaning and full replacement services. We’ll make sure your system is secure, clear, and ready to handle whatever the season throws at it. Seamless gutters are a great investment for long-term storm protection, just ask us about our options!
Screen Enclosures: Protect Your Investment
If you have a screened lanai or pool enclosure, you know how much value it adds to your home. You also know how vulnerable it can be in a storm. Screen enclosures are one of the most commonly damaged features of Baldwin County homes during hurricanes.
What you can do:
Inspect the frame for rust and corrosion. Alabama’s humidity is tough on aluminum frames year-round. Weakened framing is much more likely to fail in high winds.
Check the screen panels. Torn or loose screens create resistance against wind – ironically, intact screens can catch wind like a sail and cause more structural damage.
Clear the area inside the enclosure. Furniture, grills, and décor can become projectiles. Move everything inside or secure it well before a storm arrives.
Know when to let it go. As counterintuitive as it sounds, intentionally opening or removing screen panels before a major hurricane can actually protect the frame by reducing wind load.
How Bluewater Exteriors can help: Our team specializes in screen enclosure repair and re-screening, as well as storm damage assessment and restoration. We can evaluate the integrity of your enclosure before the season starts and make repairs that could save you a much more costly full replacement after the storm.
Don’t Wait Until a Storm is in the Forecast!
Once a hurricane watch is issued, contractors are booked solid, supply chains tighten, and you’re left with very few options. The smartest thing you can do is schedule a home exterior inspection now while there’s still time to make meaningful improvements.
At Bluewater Exteriors, we take pride in helping homeowners throughout our local community protect what matters most. From impact windows to exterior maintenance to gutter systems and screen enclosures, we’re your one-stop shop for exterior storm preparedness. Peace of mind is worth every minute.
Check out our new membership options for gutters, windows, and garage doors to help you stay up to date on your home’s maintenance!
