Florida Hurricane Gutter and Drainage Prep Checklist

A complete checklist for protecting your gutter and drainage system through hurricane season. Pre-season inspection, storm-day prep, post-storm recovery. Use the interactive list or download the PDF.

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Florida hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The peak window is mid-August through mid-October. Most gutter damage that shows up in October started in May, with the first heavy summer rains. Hangers loosen, end caps separate, downspouts clog with leaf cones, and the system that worked through the dry months is no longer ready for a real storm.

This checklist is the same one we run on every Gutter Pro pre-season inspection. Pre-season starts in April or May. Storm-day prep starts when a named system enters the basin. Post-storm response starts the minute the wind drops below 35 mph and the property is safe to walk.

Book a pre-season inspection in April or May. Once a system is in the cone, schedules fill in 48 hours and price goes up. The cheapest hurricane prep is the one you do six weeks before the first storm.

Pre-Season Inspection Checklist (April through May)

Do this once, in the spring, before the first tropical wave shows up on the model runs. Every item below is something we check on a paid pre-season inspection.

Pre-Season Items

Clean every gutter run completely Pull leaves, pine straw, oak debris, and shingle grit out of every run. A clogged gutter overflows in light rain, much less in a hurricane. Hand cleaning, not flushing only. Inspect every hanger and re-secure as needed Pull on each hanger lightly. Loose hangers indicate failed fasteners, rotted fascia, or pulled rafter tails. Re-anchor with stainless or corrosion-rated fasteners. Replace any spike-and-ferrule hangers with Alu-Rex T-Rex hidden hangers. Inspect every downspout and clear leaf cones A leaf cone at the top of a downspout backs water up the entire gutter run. Pull each downspout from its outlet, look up the pipe, and clear any debris before reseating. Verify drainage outlets and underground extensions Schedule 40 PVC extensions should daylight or terminate at a pop-up emitter that opens under pressure. Flush each line with a hose. If the line backs up, it is collapsed, blocked, or undersized. Check fascia and soffit for hidden damage Press fascia behind the gutter with a screwdriver. Soft wood means rot. Look for soffit staining, sagging panels, or pest intrusion. Repair before storm season, not after. Test sump pumps and battery backups If you have a sump pump for foundation drainage or a crawl space, pour a five-gallon bucket into the pit and confirm the pump fires. Test the battery backup separately. Replace batteries older than three years. Trim limbs back from gutter lines and downspouts Anything overhanging within six feet of the gutter is a debris source and a damage risk in high wind. Oak limbs are the most common cause of gutter destruction in Northeast Florida. Document the system with photos for insurance Walk the full perimeter and photograph every gutter run, every downspout, fascia, soffit, drainage outlet, and any pre-existing damage. Timestamped photos before the storm protect you when filing claims after. Inspect gutter guards if installed LeafBlaster Pro micromesh should look uniformly clean. Standing debris on top means a flushing or brushing is overdue. Alu-Rex Double-Pro covers should be unbent and seated tight on the gutter lip. Re-seal end caps and corners Look for staining or rust streaks at end caps and inside or outside corners. Old sealant cracks in Florida UV. Re-bead with high-grade gutter sealant before the first hurricane wave. Confirm gutter sizing matches roof area If you are still on builder-spec 5-inch gutters in Northeast Florida, hurricane season is the wrong time to find out. 6, 7, or 8-inch is the right call for most homes here. Upgrade in spring, not after the first overflow event. Verify homeowners insurance coverage Call your carrier and confirm wind damage, falling object, and water intrusion coverage for the gutter and drainage system. Some Florida policies exclude gutters from named-storm coverage. Find out now.

Storm-Day Prep Checklist (Named System in the Basin)

Run this list when a tropical storm or hurricane is in the forecast cone for Northeast Florida. Typical lead time is 48 to 72 hours.

Storm-Day Items

Final debris removal from gutters and downspouts Anything that has fallen since your last cleaning, especially after the first pre-storm wind bands, needs to come out. A clogged gutter under a Cat 1 sheet of rain is a guaranteed failure. Test sump pump and battery backup one more time Confirm pump fires on water and that the battery backup activates when you pull the plug. Power loss during the storm is when the backup earns its place. Document existing conditions with timestamped photos and video Walk the property the day before landfall. Photo every gutter, downspout, fascia, soffit, drainage outlet, and any pre-existing damage. Insurance claims after a hurricane succeed or fail on the strength of pre-storm documentation. Secure or remove loose yard items near the home Patio furniture, planters, trash cans, and tools become projectiles in 60 mph wind. Anything within 30 feet of a gutter run can take it out on impact. Move to the garage or strap down. Clear drainage swales and surface outlets of debris Pop-up emitters, channel drain grates, and yard swales should be clear of leaves and yard waste so water can move during peak rainfall. Five minutes with a rake saves you a flooded foundation. Confirm contractor contact information is saved Save Gutter Pro Florida (904-304-3199), your insurance carrier claim line, and your tree removal contractor in your phone before the storm. Cell networks degrade in the first 24 hours after landfall. Charge phones, cameras, and power banks You will need cameras and communication for damage documentation, insurance calls, and contractor coordination after landfall. Power loss is the rule, not the exception. Move or cover vehicles away from gutter and tree lines A loose gutter run or a falling oak limb totals a parked car. Move vehicles to the garage or to open ground away from the house and tree canopy.

Post-Storm Response Checklist (First 48 Hours)

Wind has dropped below 35 mph. Power may be out. Trees may be down. Work this list in order. Safety first, documentation second, claims third, repair fourth.

Post-Storm Items

Safety first: do not walk under damaged structures Loose gutters, partially detached fascia, and broken limbs are the most common post-storm injury sources. Stay 15 feet back from anything hanging. Do not climb on a wet roof. Check for live wires, gas leaks, and structural damage Downed power lines, gas smell, or visible structural compromise (cracked walls, collapsed soffit) means you call utilities and your insurance carrier before anyone else, before any contractor. Document damage immediately with photos and video Walk the perimeter (safely) and photograph every damaged gutter, downspout, fascia, soffit, and drainage outlet. Take wide shots, then close-ups. Timestamps are automatic on modern phones. The pre-storm photos plus these post-storm photos are your claim file. Contact your homeowners insurance carrier and open a claim Open the claim within 48 hours of the storm. Get a claim number in writing. Note the adjuster's name, direct number, and email. Florida statutory deadlines for hurricane claims have tightened in recent years, so do not wait. Photograph everything before any cleanup or repair Do not move debris, cut limbs, or repair anything until the photos are taken. Anything you fix before documenting may be denied by the adjuster as pre-existing or unverifiable. Contact a licensed contractor for emergency stabilization For Gutter Pro work, call 904-304-3199. We prioritize emergency stabilization (re-securing partial gutter runs to prevent water intrusion) over full repair work in the first week after a major storm. Check for hidden water intrusion at fascia, soffit, and interior ceilings Overflowing or detached gutters drive water behind fascia, into soffit cavities, and onto interior drywall. Look for fresh staining on ceiling corners, near exterior walls, and around soffit vents. Inspect drainage outlets and underground extensions Pop-up emitters can be crushed by tree debris. Schedule 40 PVC extensions can be cut by falling branches. Walk every outlet and confirm water still flows where it is supposed to. Save all receipts for emergency materials and temporary repairs Tarps, sandbags, dehumidifiers, fans, temporary patches. Receipts are reimbursable on most policies as mitigation expense. Keep originals and photos. Schedule the full repair walk-through within one week Once emergency stabilization is in place, get a full written contractor estimate for permanent repair. Gutter Pro provides itemized estimates that insurance adjusters accept. Book at 904-304-3199.

Download the Full PDF Checklist

One-page printable PDF of all three checklists above. Stick it on the fridge in April. Cross items off through hurricane season.

We do not sell your information. Low-volume Gutter Pro newsletter, unsubscribe any time. Or use the interactive checklists above without an email.

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Hurricane Season Gutter Prep

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Florida Hurricane Prep FAQ

When does hurricane season start in Florida?

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 every year. The peak window for Northeast Florida is mid-August through mid-October, when sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions are most favorable for major storm development.

What is the most important thing to do before hurricane season?

Clean the gutters and confirm the drainage outlets work. A clogged gutter under hurricane rainfall overflows onto fascia, soffit, and foundation, creating tens of thousands of dollars of damage that a 30-minute cleaning would have prevented. Everything else on the checklist matters, but cleaning is the single highest-leverage item.

How often should gutters be cleaned during hurricane season?

In Northeast Florida, twice during hurricane season at a minimum. Once in early June before the season opens and once in early September before peak. Properties under heavy oak canopy or with significant pine debris should add a third cleaning in mid-October.

Should I install gutters before or after hurricane season?

Before. Install in spring (March, April, May) so the system is in place and tested by the first heavy summer rain. Installing in October during peak season is possible but creates scheduling pressure and means the system has not been weathered before its first real storm.

What gutter size handles hurricane rainfall?

For Northeast Florida hurricane exposure, 6-inch is the minimum and 7-inch is preferred for larger or steep-pitched homes. 8-inch is appropriate for estate-sized roofs and commercial. We do not install 5-inch on any Florida property because it cannot handle hurricane-level rainfall intensity.

Do I need a sump pump backup for hurricane prep?

If you have a sump pump for foundation drainage or a crawl space, yes. Battery backup or a water-powered backup is essential because power outages are the rule during major storms. A primary pump that cannot run is the same as no pump at all.

What should I document for insurance before a storm?

Walk the full perimeter and photograph every gutter run, downspout, fascia, soffit, drainage outlet, sump pump, and any pre-existing damage. Timestamped photos before the storm prove what was there beforehand, which is the foundation of a successful claim after.

What is the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm for gutter purposes?

Tropical storms (39 to 73 mph sustained winds) primarily damage gutters through rainfall intensity, leaf cone clogs, and overflow. Hurricanes (74 mph plus) add structural damage: hangers pulled, runs detached, fascia ripped. The same checklist applies, but post-storm damage scope is larger after a hurricane.

How do I prep my drainage system?

Flush every underground Schedule 40 PVC extension with a hose. Confirm pop-up emitters open under pressure. Clear leaves and debris from French drain inlets, channel drain grates, and yard swales. Test sump pumps and battery backups. Photograph everything for the insurance file.

What are the early signs of gutter failure during storms?

Water sheeting over the front of the gutter is the first sign and usually means the gutter is clogged or undersized. Drip lines down the fascia are sign two. A visible sag or pull-away from the fascia is sign three and means the hangers are about to release. Sign four is a section detached on the ground.

Should I cover my downspouts during a storm?

No. Covering or blocking a downspout backs water up the gutter run and overflows the system. Keep downspouts and underground extensions clear. If you are worried about debris entering the downspout, install a permanent leaf strainer or upgrade to gutter guards before the season starts.

What should I do if my gutter is leaking during a storm?

Nothing during the storm. Do not climb a ladder in high wind or active rain. Document the leak from the ground with photos. After the storm drops below 35 mph and the property is safe, call a licensed contractor for emergency stabilization. Gutter Pro emergency line is 904-304-3199.

What is the post-storm priority list?

Safety first, no walking under hanging structures or near downed wires. Document damage second with photos and video. Open the insurance claim third within 48 hours. Contact a licensed contractor for emergency stabilization fourth. Schedule the full repair walk-through fifth.

When should I call a contractor after the storm?

As soon as the property is safe to walk and the damage is documented. For Gutter Pro Florida, call 904-304-3199. We prioritize emergency stabilization (re-securing partial runs to prevent further water intrusion) in the first week and schedule full repairs after.

How do I document storm damage for insurance?

Wide shots and close-ups of every damaged gutter run, downspout, fascia, soffit, and drainage outlet. Date and timestamp are automatic on modern phones. Save receipts for tarps, sandbags, dehumidifiers, and any emergency materials. Get a written itemized contractor estimate for permanent repair.

What is the deadline to file an insurance claim in Florida?

Florida statutory deadlines for hurricane and windstorm claims have tightened in recent years. Most carriers and the state require initial notice within one year of the storm for the supplemental claim window, with the first notice ideally inside 48 to 72 hours. Check your specific policy and current Florida statutes for the current deadline that applies to your claim.

Do I need permits for emergency repairs?

Emergency stabilization (tarps, temporary patches, re-securing detached runs to prevent further damage) generally does not require a permit in most Northeast Florida jurisdictions. Permanent gutter replacement, drainage modification, and fascia or soffit reconstruction may require a permit depending on the municipality. Gutter Pro pulls permits where required.

Can I do repairs myself?

Emergency tarps and ground-level work, yes. Re-hanging a detached gutter run, climbing a wet ladder, repairing fascia, or modifying drainage, no. The risk of injury and the risk of an insurance claim denial (for improper repair) are both real. Call a licensed contractor.

Does Gutter Pro respond after major hurricanes?

Yes. We prioritize Gutter Pro customers under warranty first, then existing customers, then new requests. Call or text 904-304-3199. Response time depends on the scale of the storm, with stabilization typically within the first week and full repair scheduling within two to four weeks.

What is hurricane-grade gutter installation?

Hurricane-grade is not a code term, it is a spec. For us it means 6-inch minimum (7-inch on larger homes), Alu-Rex T-Rex hidden hangers at 18-inch spacing, stainless or corrosion-rated fasteners, oversized 3x4 or 4x5 downspouts, and Schedule 40 PVC underground extensions to daylight or pop-up emitters. The system holds together in 100-plus mph wind.

Should I upgrade to 7-inch before hurricane season?

If your home is over 2,800 square feet, has steep roof pitch, has tile or metal roofing, or sits under heavy oak canopy, yes. 7-inch holds roughly 40 percent more water than 6-inch and handles hurricane rainfall intensity without overflowing onto fascia. Upgrade in spring before the first heavy rain.

What is the difference between a Category 1 and Category 3 hurricane for gutters?

A Category 1 (74 to 95 mph) typically causes selective gutter failures: leaf cone clogs, overflowing runs, occasional detached sections. A Category 3 (111 to 129 mph) causes systemic failures: hangers pulled across multiple runs, downspouts torn off, drainage outlets destroyed by debris. Hurricane-grade installation is the difference between localized damage and total replacement.

What insurance covers gutter damage?

Standard Florida homeowners policies typically cover gutter damage caused by named storms, wind, and falling objects (like tree limbs). Wear-and-tear, age-related failure, and improper installation are generally excluded. Some carriers offer named-storm endorsements that change the deductible structure. Read your declarations page and call your agent.

Do you provide insurance documentation?

Yes. We provide itemized written estimates, photo documentation of damage, and a sworn statement of work where the adjuster requires one. Our estimates are formatted for direct submission to Florida homeowners carriers. Call 904-304-3199 to schedule the damage walk.

What is a wind-driven rain failure?

Wind-driven rain is rainfall pushed horizontally by storm winds into places gravity-fed rain never reaches: under shingles, into soffit vents, behind fascia, through wall cladding. Gutters cannot stop wind-driven rain, but a properly sized and drained gutter system reduces the secondary saturation that makes wind-driven damage worse.

Do shutters protect my gutters?

No. Hurricane shutters protect windows and doors from impact, not gutters from wind load or rainfall. Gutter protection comes from proper sizing, hanger spec, and drainage design before the storm, plus pre-season cleaning.

Can I download the checklist as a PDF?

Yes. The PDF download form is on this page above the FAQ section. The PDF includes all three checklists (pre-season, storm-day, post-storm) formatted for one-page print. You can also use the interactive on-page checklists without downloading anything.

Do you offer pre-season inspection plans?

Yes. The Gutter Pro pre-season inspection covers everything on the pre-season checklist plus an interior crawl space and fascia probe. We deliver a written report with photos and recommended repairs. Book at 904-304-3199 or through the booking link at the top of this page.

How do I schedule a pre-season inspection?

Call or text 904-304-3199 or use the Jobber booking link at the top of this page. We book pre-season inspections through April and May, with most appointments scheduled within 48 hours of the request.

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Hurricane season gutter prep
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French drains
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How we install

Book Your Pre-Season Inspection

The cheapest hurricane prep is the one you do six weeks before the first storm. Owner Albert walks every property personally and delivers a written inspection report with photos, usually within 48 hours of your call.

Book My Pre-Season Inspection Call or Text 904-304-3199

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Florida Hurricane Gutter and Drainage Prep Checklist

Pre-Season Inspection Checklist (April through May)

Pre-Season Items

Storm-Day Prep Checklist (Named System in the Basin)

Storm-Day Items

Post-Storm Response Checklist (First 48 Hours)

Post-Storm Items

Download the Full PDF Checklist

Related Hurricane Guides

Hurricane Recovery Guide

Hurricane Claim Helper

Hurricane Defense Installation

Storm Damage Gutter Repair

Hurricane Season Gutter Prep

Florida Hurricane Prep FAQ

More hurricane and storm coverage

Book Your Pre-Season Inspection

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Florida Hurricane Gutter and Drainage Prep Checklist

Pre-Season Inspection Checklist (April through May)

Pre-Season Items

Storm-Day Prep Checklist (Named System in the Basin)

Storm-Day Items

Post-Storm Response Checklist (First 48 Hours)

Post-Storm Items

Download the Full PDF Checklist

Related Hurricane Guides

Hurricane Recovery Guide

Hurricane Claim Helper

Hurricane Defense Installation

Storm Damage Gutter Repair

Hurricane Season Gutter Prep

Florida Hurricane Prep FAQ

More hurricane and storm coverage

Book Your Pre-Season Inspection

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