By Todd Morris
I’ve lived and worked along Florida’s Gulf Coast long enough to know how quickly things can change. One minute, the sun’s out and the beach is calling—and the next, you’re pulling out storm prep checklists and securing the shutters. The good news? A little maintenance ahead of time can save you a whole lot of trouble later.
As someone who’s been part of this community for years—living here, working here and walking through plenty of job sites—I’ve seen how a little planning goes a long way. Folks who keep up with maintenance usually come through storms and long summers with fewer problems and a lot less stress. So, if you’re like me—someone who’d rather be fixing things before they break—here’s what you should know.
The Quiet Culprit: Heat and Salt Air
Living and working this close to the coast has its perks, but the salt air and summer heat can quietly wear things down. Salt particles in the air settle on your windows and frames, especially anything metal. Over time, they eat away at the finish and start corroding anything they touch—including your window seals. Once those seals go, you’re looking at foggy glass, less insulation and more strain on your air conditioning.
The heat doesn’t help either. Hot days followed by cooler nights cause your windows to expand and contract constantly. That stress makes seals crack and eventually fail. Once moisture starts getting between the panes, you’ve got a problem that’s only going to get worse.
Cleaning your windows regularly gets rid of the salt before it can do any real damage. And when your windows are clean and working like they should, your home stays cooler, your energy bills stay lower and you avoid costly replacements down the line.
Recognizing Warning Signs: Protecting Against Damage
Take a slow walk around your home or business and really look at each window. Run your hand along the edges. If anything feels soft, warped or drafty—make a note of it. A little attention now could save you a big repair bill later.
Foggy windows, sticky frames or signs of water leaks? Don’t ignore them. Are you seeing cloudiness between the panes? That’s not dirt—it’s usually a broken seal. These are early signs your window seals might be compromised. Rust on hinges or latches? That means salt and moisture are doing damage. Mildew or mold around the corners? Water might already be getting in.
Even small things—like a rise in your energy bill—can point to problems with your seals or insulation. If you don’t address them, these issues can let water seep into your walls and framing, leading to rot, mold and major structural problems.
The sooner you catch these issues, the better. Keith Window Company is a great go-to for that kind of work.
Storm Readiness: Windows, Doors and Shutters
Once you’ve checked for warning signs, a solid storm plan starts with a hands-on look at your windows and shutters. Check your window seals by looking for cracks in the caulking or feeling for any air leaks around the edges—especially on windy days.
When it comes to shutters, don’t wait for a storm to see if they work. Open and close them a couple times each season to make sure the tracks are clear and everything locks in place like it should. Spray a little lubricant if they’re sticking.
And don’t overlook your yard. Make sure large tree limbs are trimmed back away from your home. Branches that hang near windows or doors can snap off in high winds and do serious damage.
Hurricane season’s no joke. If windows are dirty, trapped grit and salt can scratch the glass when shutters go up—like sandpaper in high winds. A proper cleaning before storm prep helps avoid that.
While you’re at it, give your doors, screens and storm shutters a once-over. I recommend calling Higgins Home Repair or Seaview Glass & Mirror if you need screen or patio door work. For new windows, City Glass or G&S Glass are solid choices.
Also—don’t leave outdoor furniture or signs unsecured. It doesn’t take much wind to turn something small into a big problem. And check the weather-stripping and caulking on your windows and doors. If it’s peeling or cracked, water’s going to find a way in.
And here’s the bigger picture: fixing these issues now doesn’t just save you money—it strengthens your home or business before the next big storm. Solid seals, dry walls and windows that work like they should all add up to a structure that’s ready to handle whatever weather rolls in.
Community Strength: Your Local Experts
We’ve got a strong community here on the Gulf Coast. At Fish Window Cleaning, we take pride in teaming up with other local pros to help you stay ready, safe and in control—no matter what the season brings.
If window care is on your list this season, we’re always here to help. Fish Window Cleaning works across the Gulf Coast and can take one more task off your plate—so you can focus on enjoying all the good parts of coastal living, with fewer surprises.
Views: 0
