Walls built for wind and water
Cape Coral's exterior walls take wind-driven rain, constant humidity and salt air. NOAA lists a 50-year basic wind speed of 140 mph for Fort Myers and a 100-year rainfall rate of 4.5 inches per hour, and the area averages about 3,353 hours a year above a 73°F wet-bulb temperature. Soffits and fascia are often the first parts to fail in a storm, letting wind-driven rain into the attic. This checklist covers siding, stucco, soffit and fascia.
Dry season (November through April): repair window
- Walk around the house and look at every wall, soffit and fascia board. Note cracks in stucco, loose soffit panels, rotted fascia and gaps at windows.
- Replace failed caulk around windows, doors and penetrations.
- Clean mildew with a soft brush and mild cleaner, not high pressure.
- Schedule painting and repairs during the drier months.
Before hurricane season (May)
- Secure loose soffit panels. Ask a contractor whether they are properly fastened at both ends.
- Check shutters and their hardware. Make sure you have all the panels and fasteners, and that you know how to install them.
- Photograph every side of the house for insurance records.
Hurricane season (June through November)
- After a storm, look for missing soffit, peeled fascia, cracked stucco and water stains in the attic or ceilings.
- Dry out wet areas fast; in this humidity, wet framing and insulation do not dry on their own.
- Cover openings quickly to stop more water from getting in.
City fees
The City of Cape Coral's miscellaneous permit fee schedule, effective January 1, 2026, lists residential soffit or fascia at $87, residential awnings or shutters at $107 and residential window and door replacement at $113. Ask your contractor which permits your job needs and whether the fees are in the quote.
Checking the contractor
Florida contractors either hold a state certificate of competency, shown by a license number beginning with C, which lets them work anywhere in the state, or a registration, beginning with R, which lets them work only where they met local competency requirements. Look the number up with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Comparing quotes
Ask for the product and its wind rating, fastening details, the water-resistive barrier, window and door flashing, soffit venting and disposal in writing.
Keep records
Keep product names, colors, install dates and permits with your hurricane paperwork.
Stucco cracks and pool cages
Many Cape Coral homes have stucco over block. Hairline cracks are common, but cracks that let water in should be sealed before the rainy season, and wider or stair-step cracks deserve a professional look. Where a pool cage or lanai roof attaches to the house, check the connection and the sealant at the wall; storm movement can open a gap there that lets water into the wall.