Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Subscribe
Vegemite Villa
Watch 0:31

Vegemite Villa

{headline}

{headline}

How to get on top of your to-do list in 2020

How to get on top of your to-do list in 2020

5 ways to stop deck screws, joists and fasteners from rotting or rusting

5 ways to stop deck screws, joists and fasteners from rotting or rusting

5 things you didn’t know Bunnings could do for you

5 things you didn’t know Bunnings could do for you

11 of the best pergola design ideas

11 of the best pergola design ideas

{headline}

{headline}

 How to make your own plant fertiliser at home

How to make your own plant fertiliser at home

Did you know Bunnings does all these things for you?

Did you know Bunnings does all these things for you?

Create a backyard playtime haven for kids!

Create a backyard playtime haven for kids!

{headline}

{headline}

How to make a compost bin: 3 DIY compost bins

How to make a compost bin: 3 DIY compost bins

How to add potted colour to your home

How to add potted colour to your home

7 common renovation regrets

7 common renovation regrets

DIY greenhouse: How to build a greenhouse

DIY greenhouse: How to build a greenhouse

7 staircase ideas you can DIY in a weekend

7 staircase ideas you can DIY in a weekend

How to create the illusion of a full bathroom upgrade

How to create the illusion of a full bathroom upgrade

4 tips for crate garden success!

4 tips for crate garden success!

  1. Home
  2. Garden

How to storm proof your home in 4 easy steps

Make sure your home can withstand water, wind and hail. - by Laura Barry
  • 27 Mar 2019
How to storm proof your home in 4 easy steps

Australia is known for its harsh weather. Our summers are scorching and our winters are chilly, and the storms can be destructive. With the cold weather upon us, it’s time to start checking that our homes are up to the challenge of withstanding wind, water, rain and hail throughout the colder months.

Sydneysiders have faced an onslaught of severe thunderstorms and heavy rains in recent months, and tradies have been busily coming to the rescue of homeowners to repair damage caused by extreme  weather. Hipages data has shown that roof repair jobs in New South Wales have increased by 445 per cent off the back of storms in early 2019, while  guttering related jobs rose by 400 per cent.

According to Stuart Tucker, Hipages Chief Customer Officer, when storms hit, the most common parts of the home damaged are roofs, garages, doors and windows with things like rotting timber, flying debris, falling trees and gutter failure being the key culprits.

To minimise the damage to your home during storms and extreme weather, and to avoid costly repairs, Stuart recommends the following.

1. Protect windows and doors

“A common issue during storms is damage to glass windows and doors, allowing  strong winds to enter the home and stir wind tunnels which can cause walls and roofs to fail. Strengthen your windows and doors by using shutters, awnings or insect resistant screens. When installing garage doors, ensure that you choose those that are adequately wind and debris rated.”

man standing at window with rain with coffee
Getty

2. Ensure your roof is in good condition

“The roof is one of the weakest points during a storm as it bears the brunt of bad weather, so it is essential to make sure it’s in tip top shape. Make sure you have your roof checked regularly - they can identify whether your roof is securely attached to the structure framing and install wind resistant material. After all, loose tiles in high winds have the potential to be a dangerous hazard.”

3. Secure home additions and furnishings

“While additions like porches, patios, carports and outdoor furniture liven up your home, they can become a liability in a storm, so consider hiring a builder that knows how to adequately attach them to the home securely so that they don’t rip off and cause severe amounts of damage in extreme weather. The same applies for any trees and plants around your property.”

man clearing gutter
Getty

4. Storm-proof your guttering

“Guttering and roofing eaves can take a beating during stormy weather. Make sure that your guttering installer uses screws instead of nails during installation. It is also essential to keep your guttering and downpipes as clear as possible, as blockages from water, debris and leaves will overflow into your roof. Eventually, the water will rot the timber and can cause an electrical fault. Make sure to have a professional gutter repair service clean and check your guttering at least once a year before the storm season.”

If you ever find yourself in need of urgent work done around your home, hipages offers ‘emergency’ jobs for homeowners. Just select ‘emergency’ when you search for a tradie and you will be connected to local available tradies within minutes. 

You might also like:

10 things in your home that you need to clean every year 

DIY jobs that make a big impact 

How to winter-proof your outdoor setting 

  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Gift 6 months for free-Plus a Free $50 voucher*

Subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens.

Subscribe Now
Gift 6 months for free

Gift 6 months for free-Plus a Free $50 voucher*

Subscribe to Better Homes and Gardens.

Subscribe Now
Gift 6 months for free

Recommended to you

Vegemite Villa
Watch 0:31

Vegemite Villa

{headline}

{headline}

How to get on top of your to-do list in 2020

How to get on top of your to-do list in 2020

5 ways to stop deck screws, joists and fasteners from rotting or rusting

5 ways to stop deck screws, joists and fasteners from rotting or rusting

5 things you didn’t know Bunnings could do for you

5 things you didn’t know Bunnings could do for you

11 of the best pergola design ideas

11 of the best pergola design ideas

{headline}

{headline}

 How to make your own plant fertiliser at home

How to make your own plant fertiliser at home

Did you know Bunnings does all these things for you?

Did you know Bunnings does all these things for you?

Create a backyard playtime haven for kids!

Create a backyard playtime haven for kids!

{headline}

{headline}

How to make a compost bin: 3 DIY compost bins

How to make a compost bin: 3 DIY compost bins

How to add potted colour to your home

How to add potted colour to your home

7 common renovation regrets

7 common renovation regrets

DIY greenhouse: How to build a greenhouse

DIY greenhouse: How to build a greenhouse

7 staircase ideas you can DIY in a weekend

7 staircase ideas you can DIY in a weekend

How to create the illusion of a full bathroom upgrade

How to create the illusion of a full bathroom upgrade

4 tips for crate garden success!

4 tips for crate garden success!

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Pacific Magazines
  • Partners
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Pacific Network

  • marie claire
  • Instyle
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Health
  • Men’s Health
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7travel
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
© 2019 Pacific Magazines
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Gift 6 months for free-Plus a Free $50 voucher*

Shop This Offer
Gift 6 months for free