Protecting Your Home in a Harsh Climate

Storm Warning

Many Australian cities see severe storms and even the occasional hurricane.

Is Your House Built on Sand?

There may be problems with your house that you don’t even notice day to day. While they’re not an issue now, these problems could become disastrous under the heavy rain and winds of a severe storm. So, make sure you keep up general home maintenance:

• Check your roof regularly to make sure it’s in good condition

• Keep gutters, downpipes, and drains clear

• Remove tree branches that are close to your house

• Fix any corrosion, loose fittings and rotting or termite-affected timber

• If your area is prone to cyclones, get a professional builder to assess your house before storm season begins

• Make sure all home and contents insurance is up to date in the lead up to storm season

• In flood-prone areas, make sure all poisons and chemicals are stored above ground level and relocate any low power points to higher areas

Eye of the Storm

To keep your home, yourself, and your property safe during a storm, follow these precautions:

Walking on the Sun

Australia doesn’t just get a lot of sun; the quality of sunlight here is also very harsh. Australia has a very high UV rating, which leaves us at the ‘extreme’ end of the UV index much of the year.

Houses Get Sunburnt Too

UV damages and fades your carpets, furniture, and artwork and will even discolour hardwood floors.

UV-resistant window films greatly reduce the amount of UV that enters your home. Couple these with good quality window coverings for complete coverage, preferably motorised ones.

Installing electric blinds, awnings, roller shutters, curtains, or some combination of them will give you protection and control. Look for options that allow you to pre-program when they open and close. That way, you can let in and keep out light at the right times, in the right rooms, without having to think about it.

Beds Are Burning

The combination of hot weather and dry conditions makes destructive fires far too common in Australia. If you live in a bushfire prone area, take heed:

• Clear vegetation and rubbish around your home to create a 20-metre circle of safety

• Keep gutters clear of leaves and other debris that could cause your roof to burn

• Install stainless steel mesh or roller shutters over windows and other openings to stop sparks and embers from entering

• If building a home or renovating your yard, use features like fireproof fences, pools, garden beds, and so on to create firebreaks

• Remember, your life is the priority – if a bushfire is imminent and you aren’t prepared or equipped to defend your home, leave. Your preparations will put firefighters in a better position to save your home.

We hope this article leaves you better prepared to tackle every aspect of the Australian weather. To enquire about any of our Somfy solutions to help protect your home, fill out our contact form.