Hurricane season in South Florida runs June 1 through November 30, and most of the storm prep advice you’ll find is about shutters, generators, and flood insurance. Pressure washing doesn’t usually make that list, but after 12 years of working on roofs and exteriors across Broward County before and after storms, we’d argue it belongs there.
What Storm Season Does to a Dirty Roof
A roof covered in algae and moss isn’t just an eyesore heading into storm season, it’s a roof that’s already holding extra moisture before the first named storm even forms. That buildup keeps shingles and tile damp longer after every summer downpour, and when wind-driven rain from a tropical system hits, water finds the path of least resistance faster on a roof where the protective granule layer has already been compromised by algae growth.
There’s also a practical inspection reason to clean before storm season starts. It’s genuinely hard to spot a cracked tile, a lifted shingle edge, or a soft spot when the whole roof is covered in the same dark streaking. We’re not roofers and we don’t do repairs, but we walk every roof we clean, and a clean surface makes it much easier for you, or an actual roofing contractor, to catch a problem while it’s still small.
Driveways, Walkways & Debris After a Storm
Even a storm that misses Broward County directly usually leaves behind days of rain, downed leaves, and standing water on driveways and walkways. That combination is exactly what algae needs to get a running start, so a lot of homeowners who had their driveway cleaned in the spring find it needs attention again by late summer. If you’re cleaning up after a storm, we usually recommend giving surfaces a proper wash once debris is cleared rather than just hosing off the obvious mess, since organic matter left to sit in the cracks and joints is what causes staining weeks later.
The Best Time to Schedule
April and May are, in our experience, the ideal window. You get a roof and exterior that are clean and easy to inspect before the season gets going, and you beat the rush that hits every pressure washing company in Broward County the moment a storm is forecast. Waiting until a hurricane watch is issued to call around for exterior cleaning almost never works out. At that point, every legitimate, licensed crew in the area is already booked solid, and the calls we get in that window are usually from people who’ve been turned down by three other companies already.
What We Check While We’re There
Roof cleaning gives us a closer look at your roof than you’d normally get from the ground. While we’re up there or working the soft-wash system across the surface, we’ll flag anything that looks obviously off, lifted tile edges, exposed nail heads, soft or spongy spots, so you have time to get a licensed roofer out before storm season rather than after. We’re clear about the limits of that: it’s a visual heads-up from people who look at a lot of roofs, not a substitute for a professional roof inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pressure wash before or after a hurricane?
Both, ideally. Before, so your roof and exterior are in the best shape possible heading into the storm and any damage is easier to spot. After, once debris is cleared, since storm conditions accelerate algae and mildew growth.
Will insurance care about a clean roof?
A clean roof itself isn’t an insurance requirement, but clear before-and-after documentation of your roof’s condition can be useful if you ever need to file a wind or water damage claim.
How far in advance should I schedule?
We recommend booking by April or May at the latest. By June, scheduling gets tight, and once a storm is actually approaching, most companies, us included, are fully booked with essential prep work.
Is pressure washing safe on a roof that already has storm damage?
No. If you suspect wind or water damage, get a roofing contractor out first. Cleaning a compromised roof can push water into places it shouldn’t be.
Do you work on commercial properties before storm season too?
Yes, we clean storefronts, parking areas, and commercial roofs throughout Broward County, and a lot of property managers schedule us on the same April-May timeline as homeowners.
Get Ahead of the Season
The calendar doesn’t wait, and neither does our schedule once storm season is close. Call (954) 395-7572 or request a free quote for roof cleaning or soft washing across Fort Lauderdale and Broward County before the rush starts.