How to Prep Your Home for Hurricane Season: Contractor-Approved Tips
Living in Puerto Rico comes with many benefits: beautiful weather, coastal views, and vibrant communities. But it also means facing one major seasonal threat: hurricane season.
As a general contractor serving the island, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that high winds, heavy rains, and flying debris can cause to homes that weren’t properly prepared. That’s why we’ve created this contractor-approved guide to help you get your home storm-ready, protect your family, and reduce costly damage before it happens. Whether you own a single-family house or a multi-unit property, here’s what you need to know.
1. Inspect Your Roof and Reinforce It If Needed
Your roof is your first line of defense and one of the most common points of failure during a storm.
Contractor Tip:
Look for loose or missing shingles, cracked seals, or signs of water damage.
Secure any flashing and make sure gutters are clean and properly attached.
If your roof is older than 15-20 years, consider a professional inspection or reinforcement system like roof straps or clips.
Bonus Protection:
Consider installing a secondary water barrier beneath the roof deck or investing in hurricane-rated roofing materials.
2. Secure Windows and Doors
High winds can turn unprotected windows and doors into dangerous entry points.
Contractor Tip:
Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows. These can withstand debris and wind pressures much better than standard glass.
Reinforce garage doors with braces or upgrade to a wind-rated model.
Add heavy-duty bolts and weather stripping to entry doors.
Don’t Wait:
Supplies like plywood and shutters often sell out fast once a storm warning is issued. Secure these items ahead of time.
3. Trim Trees and Clear Outdoor Areas
Flying debris is one of the leading causes of home damage in hurricanes.
Contractor Tip:
Trim trees so branches are at least 10 feet away from your home or roof.
Secure or store loose outdoor furniture, grills, and potted plants.
Consider removing any trees that lean toward the house or show signs of rot.
4. Protect Your Home’s Foundation and Drainage Systems
Heavy rain and flooding can lead to foundation cracks or mold issues if your drainage isn’t prepared.
Contractor Tip:
Make sure gutters and downspouts are directing water at least 3–6 feet away from your home.
Check for grading issues where water pools near the foundation.
Install or service sump pumps in flood-prone areas.
Waterproofing Measures:
If your home is in a low-lying area, consider flood vents or a drainage trench system.
5. Backup Power & Electrical Safety
Hurricanes frequently lead to long power outages and electrical hazards.
Contractor Tip:
Install a whole-house generator or portable backup generator with a transfer switch.
Protect electrical panels and appliances with surge protectors.
Elevate outdoor HVAC units to avoid flood damage.
6. Inventory Your Home and Know Your Insurance Coverage
Preparation isn’t just about the physical structure; it’s also about what happens after the storm.
Contractor Tip:
Take detailed photos or videos of your home and belongings before hurricane season.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it includes wind and flood coverage.
Store important documents (insurance, ID, deeds) in a waterproof container or digital vault.
7. Hire Professionals for Structural Reinforcements
If your home is older or wasn’t built to modern code, now is the time to make upgrades.
Contractor Tip:
Hire a general contractor to inspect and reinforce structural elements like roof-to-wall connections, masonry walls, and anchoring systems.
Don’t wait until a storm is announced by then; many contractors will already be fully booked.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for hurricane season isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about protecting everything you’ve worked hard to build. By investing in smart upgrades and proactive maintenance, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly repairs and ensure your home is safe and storm-ready.
At Element Home Design, we offer professional inspections, reinforcement services, and hurricane preparedness packages to help homeowners across Puerto Rico weather the season with confidence.
Schedule a Hurricane Prep Inspection Today
Call us at (787)432-4865
📍 Serving All of Puerto Rico
