Don't Lose Your Top During Australia's Storm Season

Sydney’s Macquarie University found that natural weather patterns pose a substantial threat to structures in the Land Down Under. Hailstorms, rain and high winds damage cause Australian residents to experience roof leaks, tears and cosmetic dents. Companies specialising in roof maintenance Perth stay busy due to the country’s severe storms. Despite the common occurrence of roof mishaps, there are techniques and products available to help prevent the three most common forms of structural chaos from destroying a property. 

Australian Weather

Australia is a large continent with every type of climate. According to the official government website, Northern residents frequently deal with storms accompanied by significant amounts of wind and rain, otherwise known as cyclones. Storm season runs from November until the end of April and it is not uncommon for some of the worst weather to occur towards the end. In 1999, Sydney suffered over $1 billion United States dollars (USD) worth of damage after hail the size of cricket balls fell during a seasonal storm. 

The country is renowned for extreme weather, and weather experts state this is the start of things to come. A May 2013 piece for National Geographic noted an increase in severe weather conditions throughout Australia, and many scientists believe this is an early side effect of global warming. Flooding, high winds and freakishly large hail are starting to become the norm, and the following advice assists with roof maintenance Perth or anywhere throughout the country.

Proactive Roof Measures

1. Use roof silicone to prevent water seepage. 

Heavy, pounding rain during frequent storms takes its toll on roof tiles. Moisture seeps in through surface cracks and starts to pool, resulting in tile buckling or internal leaks. Take a weekend and apply commercial product using a caulking gun to create a watertight seal between tiles and along the gutters. 

2. Repair previously damaged roof sections. 

Previous damage creates potential vulnerabilities for the next storm. Strong winds can uproot loose roof tiles and remove the entire unit. Use a ladder and the assistance of a partner to climb up and perform a visual inspection. Replace smaller sections using materials from the local home goods store, but call in the professionals for more extensive damage. 

3. Install roof trusses for greater support. 

Talk with roofing experts [airroofing.com/services/building-maintenance] about installing trusses for added protection against high winds. Pre-fabricated wooden pieces go up easily and conform to a variety of roof shapes. Units are relatively inexpensive when compared with the alternative of total roof replacement. 

4. Obtain a quality construction crew. 

Sounds simple, but do a little homework in the beginning to avoid headaches after a storm. Ankush Angarwal, a technical officer for Disaster Risk Management stated the following in regards to roof sheeting:

“This is perhaps the commonest area of failure in cyclones. The causes are usually inadequate fastening devices, inadequate sheet thickness and insufficient frequencies of fasteners in the known areas of greater wind suction.”

Keep this in mind and communicate with licensed roofing contractors. Make sure they are working quickly AND correctly. Sloppy or incorrect jobs quickly emerge during the next major storm system. 

5. Clean the gutters. 

Once again, glaringly simple advice that makes all the difference during massive rainfall. Clogged gutters cause rooftop pooling that manifests itself as internal leaks. Check and ensure the space is clean or have a professional check it out before the next bout of storms.

6. Choose the right roofing material. 

Selecting the right roofing material makes all the difference in minimising or eliminating weather damage. Stick to class three of four grade materials for greater hail protection and make sure units offer maximum wind protection. Home improvements are a massive investment, so choose wisely for future enjoyment. 

Weatherproofing the roof area is a combination of maintenance, planning and careful research. Cleaning the area helps minimise potential damage caused by flying debris. Starting out with a solid foundation is another way to make sure the roof is still standing when storm season subsides. Companies that handle roof maintenance in Perth and other major capitals can offer additional resources on making Aussie homes safer.