Hurricane Window Checklist Florida Homeowners Should Complete Before Hurricane Season

By Tim Harwood, Owner of AGT Builders

If you own a home in Cape Coral, Florida, May is the right time to start preparing your home for hurricane season. Waiting until a storm is approaching can leave you scrambling to inspect windows, locate shutters, schedule repairs or find a contractor who has availability.

A better approach is to evaluate your home’s windows and doors before hurricane season officially begins.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through November 30. The National Hurricane Center recommends that residents understand hurricane hazards and prepare before a storm threatens their area.

For homeowners in Cape Coral, that preparation should include a close look at every exterior window and glass door.

Your windows are an important part of your home’s building envelope. If an opening is damaged during a severe storm, wind and wind-driven rain can enter the home, potentially increasing the risk of damage to the interior and other building components.

That is why we recommend using a hurricane window checklist for Florida homeowners every year, even if your windows have performed well in previous storms.

At AGT Builders, we have been working with windows and doors throughout Southwest Florida since 2006. Our work includes residential projects, commercial buildings, new construction, specialty openings and larger construction projects throughout Florida. We understand that hurricane protection is not simply about buying a product. The window, frame, installation and surrounding structure all have to work together.

Here is the checklist we recommend Cape Coral homeowners use before the 2026 hurricane season.

Your Hurricane Window Checklist for Florida

1. Inspect Every Window in Your Home

Start with a simple visual inspection.

Walk around your home and look at every window, including windows that may not be used frequently. Open and close operable windows if it is safe to do so. Look for visible signs of damage, deterioration or problems with operation.

Check for:

• Cracked or broken glass
• Damaged frames
• Loose or missing hardware
• Gaps around the frame
• Deteriorated caulking
• Water stains around the opening
• Signs of moisture intrusion
• Difficulty opening or closing the window
• Fogging between panes
• Damaged screens
• Corrosion or deterioration of components
• Evidence that the window is loose within the opening

Do not assume a window is in good condition simply because it looks fine from inside the house.

Exterior components can deteriorate over time due to Florida’s intense sun, humidity, rain and coastal conditions.

If you see a problem, have it evaluated before hurricane season rather than waiting for a storm to reveal it.

2. Check Your Sliding Glass Doors

Windows are not the only openings that need attention.

Cape Coral homes frequently feature large sliding glass doors connecting interior living areas with lanais, patios, pools and waterfront spaces. These large openings can be an important part of a home’s overall hurricane protection strategy.

Inspect sliding glass doors for:

• Cracked or damaged glass
• Difficulty opening or closing
• Loose rollers
• Damaged locks
• Damaged frames
• Gaps around the door
• Deteriorated weatherstripping
• Problems with the track
• Corrosion
• Damaged screens
• Signs of water intrusion

Pay particular attention to locking mechanisms.

A sliding glass door that does not close or lock properly should not be ignored.

If your home has older sliding glass doors that require temporary storm panels or shutters, check those protection systems as well. Make sure you know where the components are stored and that you have all of the necessary hardware.

3. Determine How Your Windows Are Currently Protected

The next question on your hurricane window checklist is simple:

How are your windows protected if a hurricane threatens Cape Coral?

There are several possibilities.

Your home may have:

• Impact-resistant windows
• Storm shutters
• Accordion shutters
• Roll-down shutters
• Removable storm panels
• Approved panels or other opening protection
• A combination of systems

Some homeowners may have a mixture of older and newer windows, meaning that different openings may have different protection requirements.

FEMA explains that impact-resistant glazing and properly designed opening protection can help protect windows from windborne debris. FEMA also emphasizes the importance of keeping the building envelope intact during severe wind events.

If you are unsure what type of protection your home has, now is the time to find out.

Do not wait until a hurricane watch is issued.

4. If You Use Shutters, Inspect Them Before Hurricane Season

Storm shutters can be an effective way to protect vulnerable openings, but they only work if they are properly installed.

Cape Coral homeowners who use removable shutters or storm panels should take them out of storage before hurricane season and inspect them.

Check:

• Panels
• Tracks
• Bolts
• Anchors
• Fasteners
• Brackets
• Hardware
• Storage containers
• Installation instructions

Look for corrosion, missing hardware, bent panels or other signs of deterioration.

If your shutters require tools for installation, make sure you know where those tools are.

It is also a good idea to make sure household members know how the system works.

One of the biggest problems with active hurricane protection is that it depends on people having enough time and ability to install the protection before the storm arrives.

If you are away from your home frequently, own a seasonal property or simply do not want the responsibility of installing shutters before every storm, permanently installed impact-resistant windows may be worth considering.

5. Check the Caulking Around Your Windows

Florida’s weather can be tough on exterior sealants.

Look closely at the areas where your window frames meet the surrounding wall.

You are looking for:

• Cracked caulk
• Gaps
• Shrinking sealant
• Separation
• Missing sections
• Areas where water may be able to enter

Caulking is not a substitute for proper hurricane protection, but maintaining the perimeter of your windows is an important part of protecting your home from moisture intrusion.

Cape Coral’s inspection guidance specifically addresses proper caulking around windows and doors to help eliminate moisture penetration.

If you notice a significant gap or deterioration, have the condition evaluated.

Do not simply apply a new layer of caulk over a problem without determining why the existing sealant failed.

6. Look for Signs of Water Intrusion

Water stains around windows deserve attention.

Look around:

• Window sills
• Interior trim
• Drywall
• Flooring near exterior doors
• Baseboards
• Ceiling areas below windows
• Wall surfaces surrounding large openings

Signs of previous water intrusion can indicate a problem with the window, flashing, sealant, surrounding wall or another component of the building envelope.

A small stain may not seem urgent during a sunny May afternoon.

During a tropical storm with driving rain and high winds, however, a vulnerable opening can become a much bigger concern.

If you see evidence of recurring water intrusion, have the opening evaluated before hurricane season.

7. Find Out Whether Your Windows Are Impact Rated

If you recently purchased a home in Cape Coral, you may not know exactly what type of windows are installed.

That is worth finding out.

Look for documentation from the builder, previous homeowner or window manufacturer. Depending on the product, documentation may identify the manufacturer, product series, approval information, design pressure and impact performance.

If you cannot find the documentation, a qualified window professional may be able to help determine what is installed.

Do not assume that a window is impact rated simply because it is newer.

Likewise, do not assume that every window in your house has the same performance characteristics.

Homes can contain windows installed during different renovation projects or at different stages of construction.

8. Understand Design Pressure

One of the most important terms homeowners should understand when evaluating hurricane windows is design pressure, often abbreviated as DP.

Design pressure relates to the wind pressure that a window or door assembly is designed to withstand.

The appropriate design pressure is not necessarily the same for every home or every opening.

The City of Cape Coral’s Window/Door/Shutter Worksheet explains that required design pressures are based in part on the exposure category of the opening. The city’s guidance notes that riverfront property in Cape Coral is generally categorized as Exposure D because of its exposure to large bodies of water.

This is especially relevant for Cape Coral because the city has extensive waterfront and canal-front properties.

Your home’s location, height, surrounding exposure and specific construction characteristics can all matter.

If you are replacing windows, ask the contractor how the required design pressure was determined.

A good contractor should be able to explain the basis for the product specification rather than simply quoting a generic wind rating.

9. Check the Product Approval

If you are considering replacing existing windows with hurricane impact windows, ask for the documentation for the exact product being proposed.

Florida has a statewide product approval system for building products.

The important point for homeowners is that “impact,” “hurricane rated” and similar marketing terminology should not be treated as a substitute for verifying the actual product specifications.

Ask for:

• Manufacturer name
• Product series
• Product approval information
• Impact testing information
• Design pressure rating
• Approved installation details

The exact requirements can vary depending on the project and location.

If you are receiving multiple estimates, having this information allows you to compare actual products and specifications rather than comparing estimates based only on price.

10. Inspect the Window Frames

Do not focus exclusively on the glass.

The frame is an important part of the window assembly.

Look for:

• Cracks
• Corrosion
• Loose components
• Deterioration
• Gaps
• Movement
• Damaged fasteners
• Signs of water intrusion

If you have older aluminum windows, pay particular attention to corrosion and the condition of the surrounding installation.

A window is a complete assembly.

The glass, frame, hardware, anchoring and installation all contribute to how the opening performs.

11. Check How the Windows Are Anchored

Homeowners may not be able to inspect every component of a window installation themselves, particularly when fasteners are concealed.

That is where professional evaluation can be helpful.

FEMA guidance emphasizes the importance of connections between window framing and the surrounding structure when improving resistance to hurricane forces.

If you are replacing windows, ask the contractor how the new units will be anchored to the structure.

This is one of the reasons choosing a qualified installer matters.

Buying a high-performance window is only part of the project.

The window needs to be installed according to the product’s approved requirements and the conditions of the building.

12. Do Not Forget Garage Door Windows

When homeowners think about hurricane windows, they often focus on the windows in bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens.

Do not overlook the garage.

If your garage door contains windows, those openings may also need to be considered as part of your home’s overall storm protection strategy.

The City of Cape Coral’s current permit resources specifically include garage door replacement and window, door and shutter requirements among its permitting documents.

If you are evaluating your home’s hurricane protection, look at the entire exterior envelope rather than focusing on one room.

13. Check Your Entry and Exterior Doors

Your front door, rear door and other exterior doors are also part of the building envelope.

Inspect them for:

• Loose hardware
• Damaged frames
• Deteriorated weatherstripping
• Cracked glass
• Poor locking
• Gaps
• Water intrusion
• Corrosion
• Difficulty opening or closing

Large glass doors deserve particular attention.

A home may have impact windows but still have older, vulnerable exterior doors or sliding glass doors.

A comprehensive hurricane preparedness review should account for all of these openings.

14. Review Older Windows With a Critical Eye

How old are your windows?

If you have lived in your Cape Coral home for many years, you may have become accustomed to your existing windows.

That does not necessarily mean they are still the best option for your home.

Consider replacement if you are seeing:

• Persistent drafts
• Damaged frames
• Failed seals
• Recurring leaks
• Corrosion
• Poor operation
• Deteriorated components
• Outdated storm protection
• Single-pane glass
• Windows that require significant preparation before every storm

AGT Builders works with both standard and specialty windows and doors and has installed more than one million windows since 2006. The company’s installation teams are extensively trained in window and door installation.

For homeowners considering replacement, the goal should be to select a product appropriate for the home and have it installed correctly.

15. Consider Whether Permanent Impact Windows Make Sense

One of the most important decisions on a hurricane window checklist is determining whether your existing protection system still makes sense for your lifestyle.

Storm shutters can provide protection, but they require preparation.

Impact-resistant windows provide a permanently installed form of opening protection.

For some Cape Coral homeowners, that convenience is a major benefit.

You do not have to store large panels.

You do not have to remember which panel belongs to which opening.

You do not have to wait until a storm is approaching to begin installation.

And you do not have to depend entirely on someone being at the property when a storm is approaching.

Impact-resistant glazing can also provide everyday benefits, depending on the product selected, including potential improvements in security, noise control and energy performance.

However, impact windows should not be viewed as making a home “hurricane proof.”

No single product eliminates every risk associated with hurricanes, storm surge, flooding, wind, tornadoes or flying debris.

Impact-resistant windows are one component of a broader home protection strategy.

16. Look at the Whole Home, Not Just the Windows

A hurricane window checklist is useful, but hurricane preparation should go beyond the windows.

The City of Cape Coral’s 2026 hurricane preparedness guidance encourages residents to prepare before severe weather arrives and includes recommendations such as securing loose gutters and downspouts, bringing in outdoor furniture and trash containers, trimming trees and protecting windows.

Your checklist should also include:

• Roof condition
• Gutters and downspouts
• Landscaping
• Outdoor furniture
• Pool equipment
• Generator planning
• Garage doors
• Exterior doors
• Patio and lanai areas
• Boats and watercraft
• Loose exterior objects
• Emergency supplies
• Evacuation planning
• Flood insurance

Windows are important, but they are one part of the overall structure.

17. Do Not Wait Until a Storm Is Forecast to Call a Contractor

This may be the most practical recommendation on the entire list.

If your windows need repair or replacement, May is a much better time to address the project than the week a hurricane is approaching.

Once a storm enters the forecast, demand for storm preparation can increase rapidly.

Contractors, suppliers and installers may become extremely busy.

If you already know that your home needs new windows, start the process early.

An evaluation may reveal that your existing windows are fine and only need routine maintenance.

Or it may reveal that replacement is the better long-term solution.

Either way, knowing where you stand before hurricane season gives you more options.

Hurricane Window Checklist: A Quick Review

Before June 1, Cape Coral homeowners should be able to answer “yes” or “I know the answer” to the following questions:

Windows

☐ Have I inspected every window for damage?

☐ Are the frames in good condition?

☐ Are the windows operating properly?

☐ Are the locks and hardware functioning?

☐ Is the caulking around the windows intact?

☐ Are there signs of water intrusion?

☐ Do I know whether my windows are impact rated?

☐ Do I have documentation for my window products?

Storm Protection

☐ Do I know how each window is protected?

☐ If I use shutters or panels, have I inspected them?

☐ Do I have all required hardware?

☐ Can I install the protection correctly?

☐ Does someone know how to install it if I am away?

Doors

☐ Have I inspected my exterior doors?

☐ Have I checked my sliding glass doors?

☐ Are the locks functioning?

☐ Are the frames and tracks in good condition?

☐ Are glass doors adequately protected?

Replacement Considerations

☐ Are my existing windows old or deteriorated?

☐ Do I understand the design pressure requirements for my property?

☐ Have I verified the product approval of any replacement windows?

☐ Have I received a project-specific estimate?

☐ Do I understand how the windows will be installed?

If you answered “no” to several of these questions, it may be time to have your windows and doors professionally evaluated.

Hurricane Impact Windows vs. Storm Shutters

Cape Coral homeowners often ask whether they should install hurricane impact windows or continue using storm shutters.

There is no universal answer.

The right choice depends on your existing windows, home, budget, project goals and personal preferences.

Storm shutters can be an effective form of active hurricane protection when properly selected, installed and deployed.

Impact-resistant windows offer a permanently installed alternative.

For homeowners who travel, have second homes, own waterfront properties or simply prefer not to spend time installing storm panels before a storm, impact windows can offer significant convenience.

For homeowners who already have an effective shutter system and are satisfied with it, replacement may not be necessary simply because impact windows are available.

The important thing is to understand what your home currently has and whether it provides the level of protection appropriate for your property.

Why Cape Coral Homeowners Should Pay Attention to Waterfront Exposure

Cape Coral’s unique geography makes the question of exposure particularly important.

The city has an extensive network of canals and waterfront properties.

The City of Cape Coral specifically notes that riverfront property is generally categorized as Exposure D, which relates to terrain that is flat and unobstructed and faces large bodies of water.

That does not mean every waterfront home needs the same window.

It means homeowners should not assume that a generic specification applies to every property.

If you are replacing windows on a canal-front or waterfront home, talk with a qualified professional about the appropriate product and design requirements for your specific property.

This is particularly important when dealing with large architectural windows, oversized sliding doors or other specialty openings.

What Makes AGT Builders Different?

At AGT Builders, we have been working with windows and doors since our company was founded in 2006.

Our experience extends beyond residential replacement projects. We have completed medium to large projects throughout Florida for general contractors, developers, colleges, assisted living facilities, homeowner associations, school systems, governmental agencies, businesses and residential clients.

That experience has taught us that successful window installation requires more than simply delivering a product to a jobsite.

It requires attention to:

• Product selection
• Measurements
• Opening conditions
• Design requirements
• Product approvals
• Installation
• Anchoring
• Scheduling
• Coordination with other trades
• Final appearance
• Long-term serviceability

AGT Builders is based in Cape Coral and provides window and door installation throughout Southwest Florida. Our work includes residential windows and doors, commercial windows and doors, new construction, specialty openings and design-build services.

We also work with established manufacturers and suppliers that we consider best in class. AGT uses American-made products exclusively, with a focus on reliable delivery and access to parts and service.

Our focus has always been on quality products and superior execution.

Start Your Hurricane Window Checklist Before June 1

Hurricane preparation should not begin when a storm is already on the way.

May is the time to walk around your Cape Coral home, inspect your windows and doors, review your existing storm protection and identify anything that needs attention.

If your windows are in good condition and your existing protection system is appropriate, you may simply need routine maintenance and preparation.

If your windows are aging, damaged or difficult to protect, it may be worth discussing replacement options.

And if you are considering hurricane impact windows, the best time to evaluate your options is before the next storm is in the forecast.

At AGT Builders, we can help you evaluate your window and door needs and determine the appropriate next steps for your project.

Our team has been serving Southwest Florida since 2006, with experience ranging from residential window and door projects to large-scale construction throughout Florida.

If you are a Cape Coral homeowner preparing for the 2026 hurricane season, contact AGT Builders to discuss your windows, doors and storm protection options.

A hurricane window checklist is a simple place to start.

The goal is to know what you have, understand how it is supposed to perform and address problems before severe weather puts those systems to the test.

About the Author

Tim Harwood is the Owner of AGT Builders, a Southwest Florida glass and glazing company founded in 2006. AGT Builders provides residential and commercial window and door installation, specialty glazing and design-build services throughout Southwest Florida and other areas of Florida.

The company has completed projects for general contractors, developers, colleges, assisted living facilities, homeowner associations, school systems, governmental agencies, small businesses and residential clients.

Sources

National Hurricane Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Hurricane Season Dates” and hurricane preparedness resources.

City of Cape Coral, “Window/Door/Shutter Worksheet” and 2026 hurricane preparedness guidance.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, guidance on protecting windows and other wall openings from windborne debris and hurricane-related damage.