Sliding Door Checklist for Hurricane Season

Before the season starts

Early summer is the time to clean the track, clear the weep holes and look over the seals. A door that closes tight and drains well is your first defense against wind-driven rain.

• Clean and dry the bottom track
• Clear every weep hole and test it with a cup of water
• Replace flat or torn weatherstrip
• Make sure the lock catches firmly
• Check that shutters or panels for the door fit and you have the hardware

When a storm is coming

Close and lock every sliding panel, including the screen. Lock engagement helps the panel seat against its seals. Put up shutters if you have them. Move outdoor furniture away from the glass.

After the storm

Rinse salt and debris out of the track before it dries, check for new leaks, and slide the door a few times. A door that suddenly grinds may have sand in the rollers. A cracked pane needs glass replacement before the next storm.

Impact-rated doors are heavier and use stronger hardware. If yours is hard to move after a storm, do not force it; have the rollers checked.