Hurricanes bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris to New Orleans. Your doors and windows are some of the most exposed parts of your home. If they are loose, cracked, or poorly sealed, wind and water may get inside. A few early repairs can make them stronger and help reduce storm damage during hurricane season.
Check Every Door and Window
Walk around your home and inspect each exterior door and window. Look for cracked glass, damaged locks, loose hinges, rotted wood, and missing caulk. Open and close each one to make sure it works well. A window that sticks or a door that will not close fully may have a damaged frame. These problems should be repaired before a hurricane enters the forecast. A handyman in New Orleans can find weak spots that may be easy to miss.
Repair Loose or Damaged Frames
A strong door or window still needs a solid frame. New Orleans rain and humidity can cause wooden frames to swell, crack, or rot. Soft wood around the edges is a sign that moisture has entered the frame. Loose screws and damaged trim can also weaken the opening. Small sections of wood rot may be replaced before the damage spreads. If the whole frame moves when you press against it, it may need more work.
Replace Worn Caulk and Weather Stripping
Old caulk often cracks or pulls away after years of heat and rain. These small gaps can allow water to enter around a closed window or door. Remove worn material and seal the area with products made for exterior use. Damaged weather stripping should also be replaced. A good seal helps block rain and can keep cooled air inside your home during hot summer days. Pay close attention to the lower corners, since water often collects there.
Install Storm Shutters Correctly
Storm shutters protect window glass from wind and flying objects. Permanent shutters are easy to close when a storm approaches, but they still need regular checks. Make sure the tracks are clean and the locks work. Removable panels should fit each window and have the correct bolts or fasteners. Labeling the panels can help you match them to the right windows. Do not wait until hurricane warnings begin to find missing parts or damaged hardware.
Strengthen Exterior Doors
Check the hinges, handles, locks, and screws on every exterior door. Loose hardware should be tightened or replaced. Long screws may give some hinges and strike plates a better hold, but they must be installed in the right place. Double doors often need added support because wind can push against the center where the doors meet. Sliding patio doors should have working locks and strong frames. Repairs should follow local building rules and the maker’s instructions.
Do Not Rely on Tape for Window Protection
Putting tape across window glass does not provide real protection from hurricane debris. It will not stop the window from breaking. Approved shutters or impact-rated products provide better protection. Keep beds, chairs, and other places where people sit away from windows during the storm. Close curtains and blinds as an added barrier, but remember that they do not replace hurricane shutters.
Clear the Yard Around Your Home
Many windows are damaged by objects picked up by strong winds. Bring patio chairs, planters, tools, toys, and decorations indoors before the weather gets bad. Trim weak branches that hang near the house, but hire a trained professional for large trees or branches near power lines. Close and secure fence gates, trash containers, and storage boxes. Reducing loose items around the yard helps protect both your home and nearby properties.
Make Repairs Before a Storm Is Near
Repair companies become busy when a hurricane enters the Gulf. Materials may also become harder to find. Schedule door and window repairs early so there is time to replace damaged wood, install hardware, and test storm shutters. Early work also gives you time to deal with larger problems instead of rushing through them just before the storm arrives.
Get Your Home Ready for Hurricane Season
Strong doors and windows help keep wind and rain outside your home. Checking frames, replacing worn seals, repairing hardware, and preparing shutters can lower the risk of preventable damage. These small steps are easier to handle before a hurricane warning is issued.
If your home needs door repair, window repair, or other storm preparation, contact One Man & A Tool Box today. Schedule service with a trusted handyman in New Orleans and get your home ready before the next hurricane.
