The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. For a high-rise in South Florida, the building envelope takes the brunt of every storm: wind-driven rain tests every window joint, and debris and salt spray hit the facade and glass.
This checklist focuses on the outside of the building. It is meant to sit alongside your association's full emergency plan, not replace it.
Before the season starts
- Inspect window perimeter sealant and expansion joints, and repair any that are cracked or pulling away. See Commercial Caulking & Joint Sealing.
- Fix known window leaks now, not after the first storm. See Window Leak Repair.
- Clean weep holes and window drainage tracks so water can escape.
- Check balcony and walkway coatings for cracks. See Commercial Waterproofing.
- Confirm shutters, storm panels and their hardware are complete and working.
- Review your association's hurricane protection specifications. Florida law requires condominium boards to adopt them for each building.
- Photograph the facade, windows and balconies. Dated photos make insurance claims much easier.
When a storm is coming
- Send residents and tenants clear instructions on clearing balconies, closing shutters and securing loose items.
- Remove furniture, plants and decorations from balconies, terraces and the roof.
- Make sure any contractors on the building have secured or removed their equipment, including swing stages and rigging.
- Follow local emergency management instructions. They take priority over any checklist.
After the storm
- Walk the building and ask residents to report any water inside units, especially near windows and sliding doors.
- Photograph damage before anything is cleaned up or repaired.
- Inspect sealant, frames and balcony coatings for new damage.
- Rinse salt and debris off the glass and facade. Salt left on glass and frames causes etching and corrosion. See High-Rise Window Cleaning and Pressure Washing & Facade Cleaning.
- Have structural damage, such as cracked concrete or loose cladding, assessed by your engineer before other repairs.
How Beeline helps
Beeline Building Services handles pre-season sealant and leak repairs, balcony waterproofing, and post-storm window and facade cleaning for buildings across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Request a quote and we'll schedule a walk-through before the next storm.
This checklist is general information. Follow your engineer, your association's attorney and local emergency officials for requirements that apply to your building.