Winter Storm Damage: What to Check After a Storm

From May to October is winter storm season here in Perth, and that can mean high winds, heavy rains, flash floods and even hail.  Severe storms can cause damage to your home and your property, and if left unchecked damage can lead to further, more expensive issues with your home or business property.

Let’s look at what you need to check after the storm.

#1 Check your fencing and gates for damage

We wouldn’t be Fencemakers if we didn’t put checking your fencing and gates number one on the list! But it really is very important as strong fencing is what protects your property from intruders.

Winter storms can damage the structural integrity your fences and gates. Make sure to check for:

• Pools of water sitting at the base of your fence posts. This can soften the ground causing instability. Over time if stagnant water isn’t addressed it can also cause timber posts to rot or metal posts to rust. If you notice any rot or rust on your posts it could be time to replace your fencing, and if so it’s best to opt for aluminium or stainless steel fencing as these will be rust-proof and more durable
• Strong winds can make your fencing sway and move the earth at the base of posts, causing instability. Look for bases that have become unstable, and make sure the earth is tightly packed around the post base
• Check for cracks and breaks that can occur during a storm and replace any damaged slats
• Check for damaged or rusting screws and hinges. Misalignments from dropped screws and hinges can affect the integrity of your fence and gates and the functionality. When replacing make sure to find stainless steel screws and hinges to prevent similar problems in the future.

#2 Check to see if your roof is damaged

After the storm is over, do a thorough and careful inspection of your roof looking for slipped or broken roof tiles or areas of the roof or flashing that is lifting or completely missing. The last thing you want is damage inside your home because you missed that your roof was damaged during a winter storm.

Roof leaks can be detrimental to a home causing mould, rot and even damage to ceilings and wall plaster. Once the water enters the house, working backwards in an attempt to find the leak is not as easy so best to identify and roof damage ASAP.

#3 Check old and large trees

Assess the condition of the trees that are on your property. After the storm, check all of your trees, but especially those that are old.

• Check for broken and cracked branches that could fall and damage your roof or other areas of your property, or even pose a risk for injuries
• Look for trees that have been uprooted and could tip over
• Remove leaves so that your drains or gutters don’t clog
• Haul away broken branches and have partially broken branches removed.

#4 Make sure drains, gutters, and downpipes are clear

When a winter storm strikes, leaves and debris are blown around and can clog drains and gutters. Downpipes can also become dislodged from the wall so that they no longer direct water down the drains and instead out onto the property. This can lead to water logging, flooding and water damage both outside and inside the property.

Carefully check all of your drains, gutters and downpipes after a storm, removing leaves, checking for cracks and checking they are stable and properly aligned.

While we are usually blessed with mild weather in WA, winter storms are a reality. These simple checks after a storm will ensure you catch any damage early so it doesn’t lead to more complicated issues and you won’t be left with bigger maintenance bills.