The 7 Hidden Weak Points in Most Florida Homes And How to Fix Them Fast
- Jansen Shutters & Specialties
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
You can have the strongest shutters on the block, but if the rest of your home has hidden vulnerabilities, you’re still at risk when the next storm hits. We’ve spent decades protecting homes across Sarasota, Venice, and the greater Gulf Coast, and we’ve seen the same overlooked issues lead to damage time and again. It’s not always the storm you see coming that causes the most harm. It’s the small gaps, old systems, and forgotten entry points that make a home truly vulnerable.
Here are the seven most common weak points in Florida homes, and what you can do to secure them before storm season ramps up again.
Smart Home Protection Solutions for Florida Homeowners
1. Garage Doors Without Bracing
Garage doors are often the largest opening in your home, and one of the least protected. When hurricane winds hit, a weak or unbraced garage can buckle under pressure and allow wind to enter the structure, compromising your roof.
JSS Solution: Our Accordion Shutters can be custom-fit to garage openings, delivering sleek, motorized storm protection that meets or exceeds Florida Building Code. They're not only strong, they're nearly invisible when retracted.
2. Unprotected Lanais and Outdoor Spaces
Florida lanais are beautiful but wide open to risk. Wind-borne debris, water intrusion, and even theft can damage these spaces, especially during storm season or when you're away.
JSS Solution: Elite 2000 Impact Screens and Armor Screen Systems create hurricane-rated, retractable enclosures that preserve your views while keeping your outdoor living areas safe, dry, and secure. These are some of our top picks for Gulf-front properties.
3. Exposed Front Doors and Entryways
The main entry is more than just a welcome point, it's a critical security and storm barrier. Standard doors, even if attractive, often fail under high winds or pressure changes.
JSS Solution: Nautilus Rolling Shutters are a customer favorite for front and side doors. They deploy quickly, look refined, and offer both weather protection and peace of mind, especially for seasonal homeowners.
4. Aging or Non-Compliant Windows
Many Florida homes still rely on outdated windows or panels that no longer meet current code. Cracked seals, corroded frames, or basic glass panes offer little resistance during a major storm.
JSS Solution: Add Bahama Louvres for a dual-purpose solution that brings style and strength. These shutters allow airflow and shade when open, then lock down tight when the wind picks up.
5. Roof Edges, Soffits, and Fascia
The edges of your roofline often go unnoticed, but strong winds can tear at these weak points, pulling up shingles or creating leaks that lead to costly damage.
JSS Recommendation: During our full-home assessments, we inspect roof fasteners and fascia, identifying areas where reinforced anchoring or protection can prevent uplift. While
JSS doesn’t sell roofing, we regularly partner with trusted roofers as part of a holistic property envelope review.
6. Large Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors offer big views, but they’re also one of the most exposed features of a home. A single impact can shatter the glass or compromise your interior space.
JSS Solution: Install Accordion Shutters for fast, full-coverage protection. These permanently mounted shutters are simple to use, easy to maintain, and ideal for wide openings.
7. Outdated Shutters That Look “Hurricane Ready”
Looks can be deceiving. We’ve seen plenty of homes with old shutters that are rusted, warped, or completely out of code, leaving the homeowner with a false sense of security.
JSS Solution: Our team replaces outdated systems with modern, code-compliant solutions like Nautilus Rolling Shutters or Armor Screen, which offer effortless deployment, smart-home compatibility, and lasting strength.
Why These Fixes Matter And Why Homeowners Choose JSS
It’s easy to ignore these weak points until the next big storm appears on the radar. But proactive protection is how you safeguard your home, your family, and your investment.
JSS offers:
Complimentary consultations
Custom-fit solutions tailored to your architecture
Products backed by Florida Product Approval and Miami-Dade certification
Smart tech integration via our partners at Somfy
High-end finishes and hardware influenced by Hunter Douglas design standards
Built-tough components engineered by Croci North America
From storm protection to year-round security, we help Florida homeowners build stronger homes, one upgrade at a time.
Our custom-fit home protection solutions for Florida homeowners are built to meet Florida codes, backed by top-rated partners like Somfy, Croci North America, and Hunter Douglas, and designed to blend seamlessly into your home’s look and lifestyle
Let’s identify vulnerabilities before the next season starts.
Here's how you can join us in making a difference right here in our community:
Volunteer: Sign up for free training and join our volunteer force.
Request Assistance: If your home or business requires storm cleanup support, connect directly with our volunteer crews.
Become a Sponsor: Local businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor and support community resilience.
Together, we are stronger. Be proactive, Be prepared, and Be StormStrong.
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