The cheapest storm damage to fix is the kind that never happens. In South Florida, that comes down to closing the gaps where wind-driven rain gets in, before the first system spins up. Work through this homeowner checklist early in the season.

Windows and doors. Inspect the caulk and weatherstripping around every window and exterior door. Cracked, shrunken, or missing sealant is the most common intrusion point in a South Florida home. Re-caulk anything that has failed.

Roof and flashing. Look for lifted shingles or tiles, cracked or rusted flashing around vents and chimneys, and any daylight or staining in the attic. These are where roofs leak under storm pressure.

Stucco and exterior walls. Hairline cracks in stucco take on water during driven rain and then trap it. Seal them before the season, not after.

Balconies, decks, and walkways. Check that control joints and surface coatings are intact. Standing water and open joints are how slabs and the structure below them get wet. This ties into our concrete restoration work.

Grading and drainage. Make sure water runs away from the foundation, not toward it, and that gutters and scuppers are clear.

Many homeowners also put this on a schedule with bi-annual inspections, so the sealing gets checked every year rather than remembered after a leak.

The best time for this work is June and July, before peak season in August through October. Deluxe handles waterproofing and caulking across the tri-county area. Call (888) 553-3589 to schedule an inspection.

For the full picture, read our South Florida hurricane water damage and mold guide.