The best time to clean a house exterior for hurricane season is in the spring, before June 1, and the best time to inspect it is after cleaning, when problems are visible. Washing does not storm-proof anything. What it does is clear drains, gutters and tracks, expose hidden damage, and remove growth that holds moisture against walls and roofs. After a storm, the priority reverses: safety, drying and damage assessment come first, and cleaning comes later.
Know the calendar
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Hurricane Center puts the statistical peak on September 10, with most activity falling between mid-August and mid-October. For Miami-Dade households, that overlaps with the wettest part of the year, a stretch when frequent rain makes it harder to find dry days for roof work, painting or sealing. Anything that needs a dry surface is best done early. The National Hurricane Center's climatology page has the season's background.
A pre-season exterior checklist
| Item | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Gutters, downspouts, scuppers | Clogged drains cause overflow into walls and under roofs | Clear leaves and debris; check that water exits away from the foundation |
| Roof surface | Algae holds moisture; loose tiles or lifted shingles are hazards | Soft wash if needed, then inspect; repair loose items before the season |
| Hurricane shutter tracks and hardware | Dirt and corrosion make shutters hard to close | Brush and rinse, lubricate per manufacturer, test operation |
| Windows and door seals | Dirt hides worn caulk and failing gaskets | Rinse gently; look for gaps while surfaces are clean |
| Driveway, walkways, yard drains | Debris blocks drainage and becomes projectiles | Sweep and rinse; clear inlets on your property |
| Screen enclosures and fences | Weakened screens and posts fail first | Gentle wash, then inspect fasteners and mesh |
| Generator pad and fuel storage | Oil and debris create hazards | Clean, and keep fuel stored per safety guidance |
Cleaning a roof is best handled by someone experienced in low-pressure methods. The roof cleaning guide explains why high pressure is a poor choice for both tile and shingle.
Cleaning versus inspection
A pressure washer is not a substitute for an inspection. If you notice cracked tiles, lifted shingles, soft fascia, loose flashing or stains that suggest leaks, call a licensed roofing contractor before washing. In Miami-Dade and Broward, which fall under the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone provisions of the Florida Building Code, repairs and re-roofing follow strict product approval and permit rules. Cleaning loose or damaged components can make a problem worse, and water forced into compromised areas can cause interior damage.
After a storm
- Wait for the all-clear. Do not climb on roofs or ladders in wet, windy conditions, and watch for downed power lines.
- Document first. Photograph damage before cleaning so insurance records are accurate.
- Check for structural and water damage. Look for leaks, soaked insulation and damaged flashing before washing exteriors.
- Remove silt and debris. Mud and organic matter on patios and driveways breed mildew quickly in humid weather. Rinse early.
- Rinse salt. After coastal flooding or heavy surge, salt on walls, metal and plants should be flushed with fresh water.
- Treat growth later. Mildew often blooms within weeks after a storm. See the mold and mildew guide for how to deal with it and reduce moisture.
If floodwater entered the home, it may be contaminated, and remediation is a separate job from exterior washing. Guidance from local emergency management and your insurer should come first.
Hiring after a storm
Demand surges and unfamiliar crews arrive. Two Florida laws are worth knowing about:
- Price gouging. Under section 501.160, charging an unconscionable price for commodities, services or equipment needed because of an emergency is prohibited in the declared area after the governor declares a state of emergency, generally for up to 60 days unless extended. A price is presumed unconscionable if it grossly exceeds the average from the previous 30 days or the average in the trade area, unless added costs explain it. The statute is enforced by state attorneys and the Department of Legal Affairs, not by private lawsuits. Read it on the Florida Legislature website.
- Door-to-door sales. Florida's home solicitation sale law gives buyers three business days to cancel certain deals over $25 made away from the seller's place of business, with exceptions such as sales you initiated by asking for the service. Written cancellation notice must be delivered or postmarked by midnight on the third business day.
Be careful with anyone who asks for a large deposit before starting, pushes you to sign on the spot, or offers to "do roof work" along with cleaning. The checklist in how to choose a pressure washing company is useful here. Compare at least two written quotes, and be wary of anything far above or below the rest.
Community and condo timing
Homeowners' associations in Florida cannot deny conforming hurricane protection such as shutters or impact windows under section 720.3035, but cleaning and coating schedules can be set by the board. If you live in a managed community, coordinate with the board before work begins, and read the association rules guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pressure wash my roof before hurricane season?
Soft washing can remove algae and make inspection easier, but it does not strengthen the roof. Avoid high pressure, and have any repairs done by a licensed roofing contractor.
Is it safe to wash my house right after a storm?
Wait until conditions are safe and any water intrusion has been assessed. Document damage with photographs first. Rinse silt and salt early, and save deeper cleaning for after repairs.
Can a contractor raise prices after a hurricane?
Demand-driven increases can happen, but after a declared state of emergency Florida law prohibits unconscionable prices for needed commodities and services in the affected area. Get written quotes and compare.
Do I have to say yes to a door-to-door offer?
No. For qualifying door-to-door sales, you generally have three business days to cancel in writing. Take time to verify who you are dealing with.
Does cleaning help with insurance?
Cleaning does not repair damage or change a roof's condition, but photos of a clean, well-maintained exterior can be useful records. Ask your insurer what they require.