Hurricane Season Is Here. Are Your Sliding Glass Doors Ready?

Hurricane season officially started June 1st. Whether the first storm arrives this month or in October, there's one home vulnerability most Floridians still don't know about — and it's responsible for the majority of condo storm damage claims.

Day One of Hurricane Season — and the Gulf Is Already Being Watched

June 1st marks the official start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season — and AccuWeather meteorologists are already monitoring early signs of tropical moisture and low-pressure activity building in the Gulf. AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva noted that warm Gulf waters provide exactly the kind of energy early-season systems need to develop quickly.

Forecasters project up to 16 named storms and 7 hurricanes for the season. While the overall outlook is slightly below average, experts are quick to point out that statistics offer little comfort when a storm is heading for your coast.

The broader 2026 season forecast? Below average. But as DaSilva put it: "There is no reason to let your guard down this year. It only takes one storm to cause major damage, disruption and heartache."

The Vulnerability Most Homeowners Never Think About

People rush to board up windows. They stock up on water and batteries. They check their roofs. But there's one weak point in nearly every Florida home that rarely makes the preparation checklist: the tracks of sliding glass doors.

Last hurricane season, the leading cause of storm damage in Florida condominiums wasn't wind-damaged roofs or flooded lobbies. It was water forcing its way through sliding glass door tracks — a vulnerability responsible for over 80% of condo storm-related insurance claims.

Here's what makes it worse: this damage is excluded from all major Florida insurance policies — including Citizens Insurance Corp. — and is not covered under any window or door manufacturer warranty. When water comes through those tracks, you're paying for it yourself.

— Mark A. Bonn, Ph.D., CEO of Bonn Marketing Research

FEMA Says 6 Inches of Water Causes $35,000 in Damage

It doesn't take a catastrophic flood to devastate a home. FEMA estimates that just 6 inches of water in a 1,710 sq. ft. home causes approximately $35,000 in damage. And Florida homeowners already pay the highest insurance premiums in the country — 4x the national average according to the Insurance Information Institute.

When a storm rolls up the Gulf Coast — whether it's the system forecasters are watching right now, or one that forms in August at the peak of season — water doesn't wait for you to be ready.

What StormArmour® Does (and Why Nothing Else Does It)

StormArmour® is the only tested and proven device designed specifically to block water at the track level — where standard storm protection fails. It fits most sliding glass door panels under 49" in width, protects two panels per kit, and eliminates up to 99% of water intrusion through sliding door tracks during severe weather.

What makes it different from everything else:

✔ Reusable across multiple storms

This isn't a one-and-done solution. StormArmour® is engineered to last season after season, saving homeowners an estimated $25,000+ over time compared to repeated water damage repairs.

✔ Easy to install — no tools, no contractor

Lightweight and intuitive, you can set it up yourself in minutes before a storm hits. No specialized skills required.

✔ Your doors still work

StormArmour® protects your sliding glass doors without blocking access. You can still enter and exit normally while it's in place.

✔ Compact storage

When storm season passes, StormArmour® stores flat and out of the way until you need it again.

✔ Recognized statewide

StormArmour® was named in Florida's statewide emergency preparedness plan under Governor DeSantis — recognized as a top solution for residential storm protection.

The Best Time to Prepare Is Before You Need To

Every hurricane season, the same scene plays out: a storm gets a name, and suddenly everyone is scrambling. Store shelves empty overnight. Online orders can't arrive in time. Installation slots fill up. The homeowners who are protected are the ones who acted before the season got busy — not after.

The time to protect your home is now — before a storm has a name.