Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30. While most storm prep checklists focus on shutters and generators, one step consistently overlooked is the condition of your home’s exterior.
Clogged gutters, debris-laden roofs, cracked driveways, and blocked drains can dramatically worsen storm damage. Getting a professional exterior cleaning before storm season is one of the highest-value investments a Central Florida homeowner can make.
Why Clean Before a Storm?
- Clean gutters drain water faster. During a hurricane, rainfall can exceed several inches per hour. Clogged gutters overflow immediately, directing water against your fascia, foundation, and interior walls.
- Algae and moss on roofs trap water. Biological growth retains moisture and can compromise the seal between shingles or tiles, creating entry points for water during high winds.
- Cracks in driveways worsen under storm water pressure. Existing cracks allow storm water to penetrate and undermine the base material.
- A documented clean exterior helps your insurance claim. Photographed proof of pre-storm condition establishes a clear baseline for damage claims.
Pre-Hurricane Checklist
Roof and Gutters First
Have your roof professionally soft-washed and gutters completely cleared six to eight weeks before peak hurricane season. Our roof soft washing service safely removes biological growth, and our gutter cleaning service verifies full flow capacity.
Clear All Drains
Walk your entire property and identify every drain, French drain inlet, and area drain. Flush each one to verify flow. If any drain is slow or blocked, address it before storm season.
Inspect Driveway Cracks
Have the surface professionally cleaned to clearly see the extent of cracking. Seal any cracks wider than a quarter-inch before storm season to prevent water intrusion and base layer failure.
Wash and Document Exterior Walls
Have your full exterior cleaned, then photograph every side of your home in detail. These photos combined with a dated cleaning receipt create a solid pre-storm documentation package invaluable for insurance claims.
Post-Hurricane Cleanup
Document first, clean second. Before removing any debris, photograph and video everything. Then schedule a post-storm exterior cleaning to remove debris, contaminants, and biological matter stirred up by the storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance of hurricane season should I schedule exterior cleaning?
A: Aim for April or May. This gives you time to address issues found during cleaning before storm season peaks in August and September.
Q: Does pressure washing before a storm actually reduce storm damage?
A: Yes, indirectly. Clearing gutters prevents water overflow. Removing moss and algae eliminates moisture-trapping material. Identifying cracks prevents water intrusion.
Q: Do you serve areas outside Orlando for pre-hurricane cleaning?
A: Yes — JBC serves all of Central Florida, including Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Sanford, Deltona, Clermont, Apopka, Oviedo, Lake Mary, and surrounding communities.
Ready for a Spotless Property in Orlando?
JBC Pressure Washings serves all of Central Florida. Licensed, insured, and backed by our 5-year warranty.