After a storm on the Gulf Coast, what you do first matters. Photograph damage before cleaning, rinse the salt off, and don't pressure wash what's broken.
After a storm, photograph any damage before you clean anything — an insurance claim needs the 'before', and a wash can erase it in 5 minutes. Once that is done, here is the order that gets a coastal home back to normal without making anything worse.
What should I do first?
- Stay safe. Watch for downed lines and do not climb onto the roof.
- Take photos and video of every side of the house, the roof, fences and the pool area.
- Call your insurer if you see damage, before any cleaning or repair.
What usually needs cleaning after a storm?
- Salt and sand blown onto siding, windows, screens and railings
- Leaf and pine stains splattered on walls and walkways
- Debris in gutters and on the roof
- Mud and silt on driveways, entries and pool decks
- The pool area and outdoor furniture
Should I pressure wash right away?
Not until the damage has been checked. Washing a wall with cracked stucco, lifted siding or a damaged roof can push water straight into the house. Once everything is confirmed sound, the cleaning can start — soft wash on walls and roofs, pressure on concrete and pavers.
Why rinse the salt off soon?
Storms throw far more salt onto a house than an ordinary breeze. Left on metal railings, light fixtures and outdoor equipment, it speeds up corrosion. A gentle rinse within the first 1 to 2 weeks limits that. Air-conditioning units need a gentle rinse only — never high pressure on the fins.
What about screened pool enclosures?
Screen enclosures catch everything a storm throws: sand, leaves, pine needles and salt. Check for torn or popped-out screens first, because water sprayed at a damaged panel can tear it further. Once the screens are sound, the frame and the screens are washed at low pressure from the inside out, so the mesh is pushed back against its frame instead of away from it. The pool deck underneath is cleaned last, after everything above it has dripped dry.
What if guests are arriving?
Start with what guests see and touch first: the entry, the walkways, the pool deck and the outdoor shower. A focused post-storm clean of those areas can often be done in 2 to 4 hours, with the full house wash booked once any repairs are finished.
Can you document the work for the insurer or HOA?
Yes. We take before-and-after photos on every job and can send them to you, your property manager or your association.
Photos first, safety second, washing third. In that order.
Need help after a storm? Find your area or request an estimate. For the method on walls and roofs, see soft washing.
