Post-Storm Hotel Checklist: 5 Ways to Strengthen Your Property Before the Next Hurricane
When a hurricane passes, hotel owners face the challenge of restoring their properties while preparing for the next storm. The financial impact can be substantial. In fact, following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, Florida’s historic Don CeSar Hotel reported approximately $64 million in property and equipment write-offs and remediation costs. For hotel operators and owners, recovery is an opportunity not only to repair damage but also to identify vulnerabilities that could compromise guest safety, disrupt operations, and lead to costly damage in the future. From upgrading windows and sliding glass doors to improving building systems, proactive investments can help strengthen a hotel’s resilience.
Keep reading to discover five ways to improve your property’s hurricane preparedness, including what to consider when working with impact window manufacturers in Florida on upgrades designed to support long-term protection.
1. Address Building Envelope Weaknesses
A hotel’s building envelope includes its roof, exterior walls, windows, doors, and the connections and seals between these components. Damage to any of these areas can create pathways for water intrusion, leading to interior damage and potentially affecting guest-room availability. Following a hurricane, work with qualified professionals to identify the underlying causes of leaks, damaged exterior finishes, deteriorated sealants, and roofing problems. Pay particular attention to recurring issues that may have been temporarily repaired after previous storms.
Research by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety following Hurricane Ian found damage on more than 50% of the low-slope commercial roofs assessed in southwest Florida. While the findings apply to the roofs examined rather than all commercial properties, they illustrate why evaluating roofing performance should be part of a hotel’s recovery and improvement planning. Addressing underlying weaknesses can help reduce recurring maintenance problems and support better building performance during future storms.
2. Protect Critical Systems and Hotel Operations
A hotel’s ability to reopen safely depends on more than the condition of its exterior. Storms can affect HVAC equipment, elevators, electrical systems, backup generators, communications infrastructure, and other essential services. Review which systems experienced interruptions and work with qualified specialists to identify opportunities for improvement. Depending on the property’s location and risk profile, this may include protecting vulnerable equipment from flooding, reviewing backup power capacity, or improving emergency procedures for essential services.
Addressing these vulnerabilities can help hotel operators plan for a more efficient recovery and reduce the risk of prolonged operational disruptions after future storms.
3. Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
Large glass openings are common in hotels, from guest-room windows and balcony doors to lobby entrances and ocean-view suites. During a hurricane, windborne debris and intense wind pressure can place these components under significant stress. Damaged glazing or doors can expose interior spaces to the elements and create additional safety concerns.
After a storm, evaluate the condition and performance of existing window and door systems. If your property has aging products or systems that do not meet current project requirements, consider upgrading to impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors. These systems are designed and tested to withstand specified impacts from windborne debris. When appropriately selected and installed, they can help protect vulnerable openings and contribute to the building envelope’s performance during severe weather.
For hotel owners planning renovations, working with experienced impact window manufacturers in Florida can help you identify solutions suited to your property’s location, exposure, and applicable building codes. Prioritize products that meet the relevant performance requirements and are appropriate for your project’s specific needs.
4. Reassess Outdoor Amenities and Shared Spaces
Pools, terraces, balconies, and outdoor dining areas contribute to the guest experience, but they can also be vulnerable during hurricanes. Strong winds can turn unsecured furniture into flying debris, while heavy rainfall and flooding can damage pool equipment, outdoor fixtures, and surrounding structures. Use the post-storm period to identify which amenities were damaged and determine what improvements could help protect them during future storms.
For outdoor furniture, consider commercial-grade aluminum frames and weather-resistant materials designed for prolonged outdoor exposure. However, material durability alone does not guarantee wind resistance. Select furniture that can be securely anchored where appropriate, and establish procedures for moving lightweight chairs, tables, umbrellas, and cushions into protected storage before severe weather arrives.
Pool areas also require specific attention. Inspect pumps, filters, electrical equipment, pool enclosures, and surrounding drainage systems for storm-related damage. Where flooding is a concern, evaluate whether critical equipment needs better protection or relocation in accordance with applicable codes and manufacturer requirements. Review procedures for securing removable pool furniture and equipment, and ensure that damaged enclosures, railings, or barriers are professionally assessed before the area reopens. By incorporating these measures into your property’s maintenance and hurricane-preparedness plans, you can help protect outdoor amenities, reduce avoidable replacement costs, and make recovery more manageable after future storms.
5. Turn Recovery Findings Into a Capital Improvement Plan
Once immediate repairs and safety concerns have been addressed, use the findings to develop a prioritized improvement plan. Separate urgent repairs from preventive upgrades and longer-term renovation projects. Hotel owners and operators should consider each improvement’s expected cost, potential effect on operations, maintenance requirements, and contribution to the property’s resilience. Documenting recurring damage can also help identify where investing in better-performing building components may be more practical than repeatedly repairing the same issues.
For hotels planning renovations, upgrading to impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors can be an important part of this broader strategy, particularly when existing systems are aging or no longer meet the property’s needs.
Recovering from a hurricane is an opportunity to look beyond immediate repairs and make informed decisions about your property’s future. By evaluating vulnerable openings, addressing building-envelope weaknesses, protecting critical systems, and prioritizing strategic upgrades, hotel owners can take meaningful steps toward better storm preparedness. At EGS International we provide window and sliding glass door solutions for projects that demand performance, durability, and compliance with applicable building requirements. When evaluating impact window manufacturers in Florida, consider solutions that meet your property’s specific needs and applicable building codes. Explore our impact-resistant glass systems to find options for your hotel’s next renovation or property improvement project.
