Hand in hand with hot, steamy summer days are epic summer thunder-storms or blazing bush fires. While they may be a dazzling visual display, minor and major damage to your home is a large risk with Australia’s unpredictable weather patterns, so if you’re not insured, here’s how to storm-proof and fire-proof your house as best as you can to save you from ghastly damage bills.
by Anna McDougall, Money Maven
One method of making sure that your property stands the test of time during damaging weather, is by getting regular and periodic building inspections.
Inspections can reveal leaky roofs, plumbing issues, leaky faucets in bathrooms, overflow of gutters, electricity faults, alignment and spaces in doors and windows, some of the common problems you’ll want to get fixed before storm season.
Identify any building defects, such as rising damp, cracks in walls and safety hazards before the storm season to ensure that all repair work gets done and the property is well protected against strong winds.
Trim overhanging branches to make sure no additional damage is caused due to severe winds and storms.
Take a look around your garden and make a note of the things that make become accidental missiles: Lawn furniture, potted plants, yard clutter etc.
Cut down dead trees. These uproot easily after heavy rainfall.
Clean out the gutters. Gutters full of leaves will mean your gutter overflows and water may seep into window or roof edges.
Install storm shutters and storm windows. Plain glass windows do not resist wind breakages as well as double-paned storm windows.
In case of hail, protect your vehicles!
Make sure all garden walls have drainage holes, otherwise water can build up behind them, and they may collapse.
Listen for storm warnings! These are usually broadcast on ABC radio, and if you live in a cyclone, tornado, flash flood or bushfire zone, at least listen to the news bulletins in danger times.
Fireproofing Your Home
Remove fuel. Long grass, dead trees and flammable liquids are a bush fire best friend.
Mow grass and remove all dead trees, leaves and materials that are flammable. This is the biggest step and the first thing you should do
Check windows, vents and crevices. Install stainless steel or bronze fly wire screens to your windows and doors.
Fire resistant metal shutters. Use fine wire mesh to cover all cavities, enclosed areas under decks etc.
Paint or refurbish dried out timber surfaces and repair nooks and crannies where debris like dead leaves and grass can gather.
Walls. Build using non flammable walling materials such as Hebel, Brick or fibre cement. Any gaps in the walls or roof also need to be sealed.
Roofing. A licensed roofing contractor will help you achieve well secured metal roofing with little or no gaps for embers to fly under into the roofing space reduces the wind born dangers. Fire resistant sarking also help.
Always consult a licensed tradesman and stay safe!!
