Blog · Coastal
Preparing sliding doors for hurricane season.
In Northeast Florida, your sliding doors are a big part of the storm envelope. A little prep before the season matters.
Published Aug 25, 2026 · Updated Aug 25, 2026 · ~6 min read
Short answer: Before hurricane season, make sure sliding doors lock securely, the panels sit properly on sound rollers, the track and weep holes are clear for drainage, weatherstripping seals well, and any cracked glass is replaced. For storm-prone exposure, consider impact glass or approved coverings.
Pre-season checklist
- Confirm the lock engages firmly — a door that won't lock won't hold in wind.
- Check the panel sits square on sound rollers so it seals against the frame.
- Clear the track and weep holes so wind-driven rain drains instead of flooding in.
- Inspect weatherstripping and reseal gaps that let water and wind through.
- Replace cracked glass before the season — a compromised pane is a weak point.
Glass and coverings
Standard tempered glass is vulnerable to wind-borne debris. Impact/hurricane glass, storm shutters, or approved panels add real protection for exposed doors. It's a bigger investment, so plan ahead of the season.
Don't overlook drainage
A lot of storm 'leaks' are really blocked weep holes: water pools in the track and pushes inside. Clearing drainage is one of the cheapest, highest-value prep steps.
After the storm
Wind, debris, and pressure can knock panels off-track or damage tracks and locks. If your door is off-track or won't lock after a storm, don't force it — we handle that, and we answer 24/7.
FAQs
Questions homeowners ask first.
No — standard tempered glass is vulnerable to debris. Impact glass or shutters/panels are needed for real storm protection.
Making sure the lock engages, the panel seals, and the track drains — clearing weep holes prevents a lot of water intrusion.
Don't force it back; the panel is heavy. Call — we handle off-track storm damage and answer 24/7.