Protecting your floors during hurricane season

By Lauren Taylor

As another Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, here in Southwest Florida we hope that it’s as calm as it was in 2025. Despite five total hurricanes, Florida was spared, with none of the storms making landfall in our area.

However, we should make sure we’re prepared in case we’re not as lucky as last year. One area that is often overlooked when getting ready for a storm is the floors in our home. The combination of high wind speeds, torrential rain, potential flooding and extreme humidity creates multiple threats to our floors. Flooring is one of our home’s biggest investments, so it’s important to protect it from potential threats.

Flooring threats

Although many homes won’t experience flooding during a hurricane or severe storm, floors are still susceptible to water damage due to other factors:

• Roof leaks caused by missing shingles, tree debris impact or compromised roofing materials
• Seals on windows and garage doors may fail under extreme pressure and wind conditions.
• Overwhelmed gutters, drainage systems and sump pump failures
• Rising groundwater in low-lying areas and compromised foundation waterproofing
• Plumbing system failures, including burst pipes, dishwasher leaks, washing machine overflow and toilet backups
• Air conditioning system condensation issues during power outages

Besides water damage, other factors may play a part in compromising flooring in a home, including:

• Debris and wind damage: Hurricane-force wind can cause objects to break through windows or doors, damaging floors.
• Moisture and humidity extremes: Florida’s already high humidity becomes extreme during storms, potentially causing wood flooring to experience buckling and warping and creating the perfect conditions for mold, mildew and bacteria growth in carpet and other porous materials.
• Power outages and ventilation issues: Extended power loss prevents dehumidifiers, air conditioning systems and ventilation fans from keeping moisture levels and water content in the air controlled.
• Contamination risks: Storm water often contains dirt, debris, bacteria and other contaminants that pose health risks and require specialized cleaning and disinfectant treatments.

Protecting your floors

Ensuring your floors are protected from damage during and immediately following a storm requires proactive work. However, it will save some headaches and money down the road.

Immediately prior to the storm, make sure openings to the home are sealed. Use sandbags, silicone sealant or temporary flood barriers to block water from entering through doors. Place heavy plastic sheeting over flooring, especially in rooms with entry points, to act as a barrier against water getting into the room. Move area rugs, furniture and valuables to higher levels to prevent damage from water seeping into the home. Install storm shutters or plywood to protect windows and doors, which reduces the risk of water getting into the home.

Preparing your home for the storm doesn’t just happen hours or days ahead of it; there’s also work to be done weeks and months ahead as well:

• In flood-prone areas, consider choosing flooring materials that handle moisture better during storm surge, wind driven rain or prolonged humidity. Options you may want to consider include porcelain or ceramic tile, sealed concrete, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or stone.
• Apply professional grade sealants to create moisture barriers. Seal grout lines, tile edges and concrete floors. Use a waterproof sealant around doorways, sliders and garage doors. Ensure subfloors are sealed, especially in older homes.
• Make sure the ground outside slopes away from the foundation of the home. Extend downspouts far from the slab or crawlspace areas.

• Keep storm drains, gutters and yard drains clear year-round.

Thoughtful planning, smart material choices and proactive maintenance can dramatically reduce storm-related flooring damage. By preparing early and responding quickly after a hurricane, Southwest Florida homeowners can protect their investment, preserve indoor air quality and recover faster when weather threatens.

About the Author

Lauren Taylor is the Regional Manager at Taylor Carpet One. The company was started in Southwest Florida over 60 years ago by her great-grandfather. Taylor Carpet One currently has three showrooms, located in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples. To learn more about Taylor Carpet One, visit TaylorCarpetOne.com.