6 Ways to Protect Your Home During a Perth Winter

6 Ways to Protect Your Home During a Perth Winter

Protecting your home from leaks and unwanted disasters in winter can save a lot of time and money further down the track.

You will be surprised at how obvious these things appear yet so many people put them off until it is too late. Don’t worry if you are one of them because we are, and if the worst happens and your home springs a leak, it doesn’t mean it is going to fall down, it just means that it is time to give it a little love and attention.

Here is what you can do to protect your home during a Perth winter:

1. Clean your gutters. This is so simple but most people don’t do it or at least not enough. High winds can cause excessive leaves and greenery to fall onto your roof. In turn, a full gutter in a big downpour can cause water to overflow into your eaves. Another possibility is it flows over and through your gutters and this can create excess damp where sufficient drainage hasn’t been accounted for, causing moisture issues.

2. Refer to your pre-purchase report. Read your maintenance items and the additional comments that might not have been significant at the time. If your ceilings are over 30 years old, it is advisable to re-lag them. Older homes do require maintenance to maintain their integrity.

3. Be on the lookout for damp spots on your ceiling, or gaps around window frames and doors. With pitched, tiled roofs in particular, unpredictable, strong winds and heavy rain can cause a vortex and suck water into your roof space. The same is true where excess water is running down valleys and again, strong winds can cause the water to run over the valley and especially if they have been damaged by the roof tiles. If you find that this is the case with your property, don’t be alarmed as it is unlikely to cause major problems.

4. Trim branches around your home to prevent them falling on your roof or car. Also check your neighbouring properties because trees don’t normally look before they fall.

5. Store or weigh down heavy objects around your home or work, that could be picked up and thrown by strong wind.

According to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, “Storms are the most common natural hazard in Australia, can cause millions of dollars worth of damage, and pose a threat to people and property”. They recommend having an emergency kit and a plan in case something does happen and you need to relocate your family and pets if your home becomes damaged in a storm.

For more detailed advice on what to do before, during and after a storm, visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website at www.dfes.wa.gov.au/wintersafe

6. Selleys No More Gaps – we are building inspectors and our advice is often structurally related however when it comes to non structural items and especially leaks, this little product can save you thousands. It is flexible and will expand and contract as required. It is a fantastic fix for cracked roof tiles or little gaps that allow cold air or water to seep in where they are not wanted.

Don’t forget that we are a phone call away! Office: (08) 9474 5720 / Ash: 0420 699 848 (24×7) We are happy to give you remedial advice or arrange a revisit to your property if you are have concerns about any structural components of your property. https://bciwa.com.au/get-a-quick-quote-now/

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