Florida is a prime location for hurricanes, with its extensive coastline jutting into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Each year from June to November, residents wait with bated breath to see if treacherous storms come their way.

Living in this hurricane danger zone — where the effects of hurricane landfall reach up to 100 miles — you’ve probably weatherproofed your home. However, no amount of preparation can ensure you won’t see any damage from a storm. After weathering a hurricane, you’ll still want to check for these common repairs.

1. Roofs

Roof damage is one of the most frequent household problems needing repair after hurricane season. Strong winds and heavy rain take their toll. You may end up with a few loose shingles, leaks, holes or even part of the structure ripped away.

To check for damage, you’ll want to inspect the roof itself as well as inside your attic or crawl space. Any water residue or mold on the rafters is a sure sign of a leak somewhere. Though it may seem inconsequential at the time, you should also check the health of your gutters. Look for missing or broken pieces and replace them to prevent future water damage to your home.

2. Siding

Damaged siding is also incredibly common, especially if you have vinyl or wood siding. The strong winds can get underneath and rip large sections away. Even lower force hurricanes can loosen up your siding or cause cracking. Wood siding is highly susceptible to water damage and mold growth. It also catches fire easily, which is troublesome considering the number of downed power lines during hurricane season.

If it’s within your budget or your insurance company will pay for a replacement, fiber cement siding is the safest option for Florida weather. It’s water and fireproof and comes in a variety of colors. After this hurricane season, you may want to consider an upgrade.

3. Foundation or Basement

Extreme flooding from hurricanes can cause severe damage to your basement or foundation. Since many people use their basements to protect them during storms, you must ensure yours is as safe and watertight as possible at the end of the season.

Check the exterior for any cracks or loose mortar. Inside, you should look for the same, along with any excess moisture. Repairing these will help prepare you for the next hurricane season. However, if you want to feel even safer, you could consider constructing a shelter on your property.

4. Windows and Doors

As you inspect the exterior of your home, do a quick check of all your windows and doors. You may find broken glass or something missing. These are typically straightforward repairs and are not costly or time-consuming. One important consideration — if you need to replace any exterior doors, look for ones with less glass and a sturdier steel frame. They’ll be more likely to withstand future hurricanes.

5. Mold

Mold is a severe home stability and safety problem, especially in Florida, because of the long hurricane season and hot, humid conditions year-round. If you were hit with heavy flooding and prolonged rains, you need to check for visible signs of mold. A funny smell may also tip you off to a problem.

When in doubt, it's always best to call in a professional. Breathing in mold is detrimental to your health and not something you want to mess with. If it turns out you have mold, call in a remediation company to clear out the problem. You’ll also need to safely dispose of any possessions you can’t get thoroughly clean.

6. Landscaping

While this may seem like an unnecessary cosmetic repair, you must check your landscaping for significant damages. Torn-up flowers and shrubs can wait, but downed or damaged trees should be dealt with immediately. Otherwise, you may end up with further destruction down the road when the tree gives way.

7. Utilities

Power surges, fire, downed lines, fallen debris, high winds and flooding are common during hurricane season and can wreak havoc on your utilities and HVAC system. These aren’t repairs you want to tackle by yourself. Check around for damages once it’s safe and then call the appropriate utility company or repairman.

Prioritize Quality Repairs

If hurricane damage has forced you to relocate, shortcuts in quality to speed up repairs might tempt you. However, cutting corners only leaves you more vulnerable the next time a storm blows in. Take the time now to repair with care — upgrade your materials, wait for a well-reputed contractor and address every important issue. In doing so, you’ll be much better prepared for Florida’s next major hurricane.