🌪 Hurricane Season in Savannah: How to Protect Your Windows and Home

Hurricane season in Savannah runs from June through November, and while we’re no strangers to coastal storms, every year brings its own risks. Preparing your home before the wind and rain arrive can make all the difference — not just for safety, but for your property’s long-term health.

Your windows, siding, and exterior surfaces are the first line of defense against storm damage. Keeping them maintained now means fewer headaches later.

Why Hurricane Prep Matters for Windows & Siding

Strong winds drive rain, salt, and debris directly into your home’s exterior. Over time, that buildup:

• Weakens siding and window frames

• Causes leaks through damaged seals

• Leaves behind mold, mildew, and salt deposits

Even small cracks or neglected buildup can turn into major repair bills after a storm.

Pre-Storm Maintenance Checklist

✅ Clean siding and windows. Savannah’s warm, humid climate encourages algae, mildew, and pollen buildup on siding and glass. These growths trap moisture, which weakens surfaces during heavy rains. A clean exterior doesn’t just look better — it resists water intrusion more effectively. Professional soft washing removes biological growth gently, protecting paint, wood trim, and historic finishes while leaving your home’s exterior more resilient against driving rain.

✅ Inspect window seals. Windows are only as strong as their seals. Even tiny cracks or gaps around the frame can let wind-driven rain enter, leading to leaks, wood rot, and mold inside the home. Before hurricane season, check for brittle caulking, soft wood, or gaps in the trim. Resealing vulnerable spots is an inexpensive step that can prevent thousands of dollars in storm damage later.

✅ Clear gutters and downspouts. Gutters clogged with leaves, twigs, or debris can’t channel stormwater away from your home. During a hurricane, backed-up water often overflows, seeping into fascia boards, siding, or even foundations. Cleaning gutters and downspouts before storm season ensures proper drainage, reduces weight strain on gutter brackets, and prevents overflow that can damage both the roofline and windows.

✅ Surface clean walkways and driveways. It’s easy to overlook ground-level surfaces, but pressure cleaning walkways and driveways before hurricane season removes slippery algae, moss, and debris that become even more dangerous after heavy rain. Clean surfaces improve traction, reduce post-storm hazards for family and neighbors, and prevent debris from being carried into your home. Surface cleaning also clears stormwater pathways, helping water drain instead of pooling.

How to Protect Your Windows During a Hurricane

Cleaning and sealing your windows is only the first step. When storms are forecast, physical protection helps prevent breakage and water intrusion. Here are a few proven options:

• Board up windows with plywood. The most affordable and widely used method is to cut plywood panels to fit each window and anchor them securely with bolts or hurricane clips. Properly installed boards can shield glass from flying debris.

• Install storm shutters. Permanent or removable hurricane shutters are stronger and faster to deploy than plywood. Options include accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, and Bahama-style shutters, which also add shade when not in use.

• Use impact-resistant windows. For long-term protection, many homeowners invest in impact-rated glass designed to withstand high winds and flying debris. While more expensive upfront, these add value to your home and reduce the need for temporary boarding.

• Reconsider “taping windows”. Taping glass in an “X” pattern is a common myth — it does not prevent breakage and may actually create larger, more dangerous shards if glass shatters. Focus instead on proper boarding or shutters.

Post-Storm Cleanup Tips

Once the storm passes, many homeowners rush to grab a bottle of bleach and a garden hose — but that quick fix can do more harm than good. Harsh DIY bleach solutions often strip paint, discolor stained wood, and corrode metal fixtures. They also leave streaks on glass and can seep into surrounding landscaping, damaging plants and soil.

Instead, here are smarter, safer steps to restore your home after a hurricane:

• Safely rinse away salt and debris with a pure water system Salt spray carried inland by storm winds is one of the most corrosive threats to your home’s exterior. A professional pure water system uses deionized, mineral-free water to flush salt, grit, and fine debris off windows and siding without leaving streaks or chemical residue. This not only restores clarity but also helps prevent long-term etching or hazing on glass.

• Use soft washing to gently remove mildew without harming wood or paint After heavy rain and flooding, it’s common for mildew and algae to spread quickly across siding and trim. Traditional high-pressure washing can drive water deeper into cracks or peel paint from delicate surfaces, especially on Savannah’s historic homes. Soft washing combines low pressure with carefully diluted cleaning solutions to lift away organic growth safely, preserving woodwork, paint, and historic finishes.

• Consider a professional inspection to catch hidden issues before they become costly repairs Not all storm damage is visible right away. Water can seep behind siding, under window seals, or into masonry joints, setting the stage for mold or rot weeks later. A trained eye can identify subtle signs — like warping frames, hairline cracks, or early mildew blooms — before they turn into expensive repairs. Post-storm inspections paired with exterior cleaning give you peace of mind and protect your investment.

🌟 Savannah Fun Fact

Savannah is often called “the city that dodges hurricanes.” Thanks to our barrier islands and coastal geography, major storms often veer just offshore. But history reminds us we’re never completely in the clear — the 1893 Sea Islands Hurricane struck just south of Tybee Island with winds near 120 mph. Today, locals still joke that our geography is a blessing, but smart homeowners know preparation is the real shield.

How Pane Mgmt Helps Savannah Homeowners

Pane Mgmt specializes in pre- and post-storm care for Savannah homes:

• Soft washing & pure water cleaning protect delicate historic exteriors.

• Thorough exterior rinses help remove salt, pollen, and storm residue.

• Attention to detail keeps both modern and historic homes looking their best.

Whether you’re preparing for hurricane season or recovering after a storm, Pane Mgmt helps you safeguard your investment.

See Savannah More Clearly

Protecting your home in Savannah starts before the storm clouds roll in. Don’t wait until a hurricane is on the horizon — proactive care today means fewer repairs tomorrow.

Pane Mgmt is proud to serve Savannah homeowners with trusted soft washing, pure water window cleaning, and storm-season maintenance designed for our unique coastal climate.

📞 Call 912.999.3898 or visit www.panemgmt.com to schedule your pre-storm inspection or post-storm cleaning today — and see Savannah more clearly, rain or shine.

❓ Hurricane Season FAQ for Savannah Homeowners

Q: When is hurricane season in Savannah, GA?A: The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity between August and October. Preparing your home early in the season ensures your windows, siding, and exterior are storm-ready.

Q: Should I pressure wash my home after a hurricane?A: High-pressure washing is not recommended immediately after a storm — it can drive water deeper into cracks or damage historic finishes. Soft washing and pure water rinses are safer methods for removing salt, debris, and mildew.

Q: Why is it important to clean windows and siding before a storm?A: Dirt, algae, and mildew trap moisture and weaken surfaces. A clean, sealed exterior is more resistant to driving rain and wind, helping protect your home during severe weather.

Q: What’s the best way to protect historic homes in Savannah from storm damage?A: Gentle, preventative care is key. Inspect seals, clear gutters, and use soft washing techniques to preserve delicate wood trim and original glass while strengthening your home’s defenses.

Q: How soon after a hurricane should I schedule cleaning or inspection?A: It’s best to schedule a post-storm cleaning and inspection within a week, before salt, debris, or hidden leaks cause long-term damage. Professional services can spot and fix problems early.