When hurricane season rolls around, the conversations start. Neighbors swap tips, relatives share “old wisdom,” and social media fills up with advice that sounds confident — but isn’t always right. The problem? Some of these so-called hurricane “hacks” don’t just fail to protect your home. They can actually put you and your property in more danger.
As a restoration company that has seen the aftermath of countless storms, we know firsthand how damaging misinformation can be. Believing the wrong myth can lead to roof leaks, water-soaked walls, hidden mold, or costly repairs you never expected. Let’s break down some of the most common hurricane myths that people still believe — and reveal the real truth behind them.
Myth #1: “Taping Your Windows Will Keep Them from Breaking”
It’s one of the oldest hurricane tricks in the book: cross strips of tape on your windows and supposedly, they’ll hold. Unfortunately, tape does nothing to strengthen glass. When high winds throw debris, glass shatters — tape simply makes the pieces bigger and more dangerous.
Here’s what really happens:
- Wind pressure creates stress points on untreated glass.
- When a window breaks, taped sections form larger, sharper shards.
- Flying glass becomes a serious injury risk.
- Water and debris rush in, causing interior damage.
- Roof leaks and ceiling stains often follow because water spreads once it has an entry point.
The truth: the only effective way to protect windows is with hurricane shutters or impact-rated glass. If your windows fail, water intrusion quickly spreads to walls and flooring. That’s where professional restoration becomes critical — fast extraction and drying prevent long-term structural damage.
Myth #2: “If the Storm Isn’t a Category 5, My Roof Is Safe”
Many homeowners relax when they hear a storm is “only” Category 1 or 2. But roofs are vulnerable long before winds reach catastrophic levels.
Why?
- Wind lifts shingles and exposes nail holes.
- Rain gets pushed under roofing materials and into the attic.
- Saturated roof decking leads to ceiling leaks.
- Insulation and drywall wick water, spreading damage.
- Mold can develop in as little as 48 hours in damp attic spaces.
Even moderate storms can trigger a chain reaction that starts small — a few shingles gone — and ends with an expensive repair bill. Professional roof leak repair prevents hidden moisture from spreading into walls, ceilings, and flooring. ServiceMaster’s restoration crews often find secondary water damage that homeowners don’t notice until weeks later.
Myth #3: “Sandbags Alone Will Keep Water Out”
Sandbags are a common sight before a hurricane, but they’re not a waterproof solution. In fact, sandbags are only designed to redirect or slow water, not stop it completely.
Here’s why they’re limited:
- Water seeps through small gaps and wicks into foundations.
- Sewer systems can back up, flooding basements regardless of sandbags.
- Hydrostatic pressure forces water through cracks in foundations and slab flooring.
- Once inside, porous materials like drywall, particle board, and carpet pad soak it up.
- Without professional drying, water damage continues even after the storm has passed.
IICRC S500 standards stress that all absorbed materials must be inspected and dried thoroughly to prevent mold. ServiceMaster uses commercial extraction, air movers, and dehumidifiers to get ahead of this hidden damage. Sandbags might slow the flood — but they won’t save your property on their own.
Myth #4: “Hurricanes Only Cause Wind Damage, Not Flooding”
The word “hurricane” makes people think of high winds ripping off roofs. But water is just as destructive — and often more so. Storm surge, heavy rainfall, and overwhelmed drainage systems all create serious flooding risks.
Floodwater brings its own set of dangers:
- Electrical system corrosion and short-circuiting.
- Subfloor and foundation saturation.
- Warped hardwood floors and ruined laminate.
- Bacteria and contaminants carried by rising water.
- Mold growth that begins within 24–48 hours (EPA guidelines).
Even homes that don’t sit in obvious flood zones can face flooding from drainage backups. When water seeps into basements or crawl spaces, it lingers and creates ongoing structural issues. Storm damage cleanup from a professional team prevents these hidden risks from spiraling into permanent damage.
Myth #5: “Opening Windows Relieves Pressure and Protects the House”
This is one of the most dangerous myths. The idea is that cracking windows during a hurricane will balance pressure and prevent your roof from blowing off. In reality, it does the opposite.
Why it’s risky:
- Wind entering the home increases internal pressure.
- Added pressure lifts roof decking and shingles.
- Rain drives directly into your living space.
- Flying debris has a clear entry point.
- Structural failure is more likely, not less.
Modern building science shows that homes perform best sealed tight. Once water gets in, it saturates drywall, ceilings, and flooring within hours. At ServiceMaster, we’ve seen entire rooms ruined simply because windows were left open. The safer choice is to keep your home sealed and trust professional restoration if leaks do occur.
Myth #6: “Insurance Will Cover Everything After a Hurricane”
It’s a costly misconception. While insurance plays a huge role in recovery, most policies don’t cover every type of hurricane damage.
What homeowners need to know:
- Standard policies usually exclude flood damage.
- Roof leak repair may be denied if the roof wasn’t maintained.
- Storm surge is often classified differently than wind-driven rain.
- Coverage limits may not replace high-end finishes or upgrades.
- Documentation is key — insurers need proof of damage and professional estimates.
ServiceMaster helps property owners by providing detailed assessments, photos, and reports that insurers accept. Having professional restoration on your side not only repairs the damage, it also makes the insurance process smoother and less stressful.
Myth #7: “If I Can’t See Damage, My Home Is Fine”
This one might be the most dangerous of all. After a hurricane, many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief when everything looks intact. But water damage often hides where you can’t see it.
Hidden risks include:
- Water trapped behind drywall and baseboards.
- Insulation saturation that encourages mold.
- Swollen particle board cabinetry that fails weeks later.
- Mold colonies inside HVAC systems.
- Microbial growth that affects indoor air quality.
The IICRC S520 mold remediation standard emphasizes early detection. If moisture isn’t handled within the first 72 hours, restoration becomes more complex and expensive. ServiceMaster technicians use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and proven drying methods to uncover what’s hidden before it spreads.
Myth #8: “Quick DIY Repairs Are Good Enough After the Storm”
It’s tempting to patch things up yourself after a storm — a little roofing tar here, a cut-out drywall patch there. The problem is that surface repairs don’t address what’s happening underneath.
Here’s why DIY often fails:
- Roofing tar covers leaks but doesn’t dry underlying decking.
- Drywall patches hide but don’t remove wet materials.
- Without commercial drying, moisture lingers in framing.
- Electrical systems corrode silently until they fail.
- Mold spores spread in hidden cavities and return later.
ServiceMaster follows IICRC standards for water and storm damage restoration, ensuring every layer of your home — from roofing to subfloor — is addressed properly. Quick fixes may save money today, but they set up expensive repairs tomorrow.
Why These Myths Matter
Hurricane myths might seem harmless, but they shape how people prepare, respond, and recover. Believing tape will hold your windows or assuming a “weaker” storm won’t affect your roof can cost thousands of dollars in damage. Worse, myths delay professional help — and the longer water lingers, the more destruction it causes.
Professional restoration isn’t just about drying out your carpet or patching drywall. It’s about protecting the health of your home, preventing long-term issues like mold, and making sure your insurance claim is supported with clear documentation.
A Final Word of Advice
Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your recovery doesn’t have to be. The truth is, myths can’t protect your home — but professional expertise can. When you need real answers, real restoration, and real results, that’s where ServiceMaster of Charleston comes in.
