Melbourne weather can be unpredictable. And as winter draws near, there’s never been a better time to prepare and protect your roof gutters from storm damage.
Your home is more than just an asset, it’s where memories are made and where you feel most safe. That’s why it’s imperative that you take the necessary steps to protect your home from storm damage.
Here’s some handy tips on how to protect your home this winter, from your friendly Melbourne plumber, Nathan.
Preparation is key
Keep you and your family safe this winter by preparing a storm emergency kit. I know this may seem a little extreme, but as we well know storms often lead to power outages. So, to keep your family comfortable make sure you have enough supplies for three days.
Here’s what to include in your storm emergency kit:
- A torch with plenty of batteries
- Any medications you may need
- Important documents and cash in waterproof bags
- Fully stocked first aid kit
- A portable radio
- Your phone (fully charged) & portable phone charger
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable foods
- Food for your pets
The quiet before the storm
When it comes to storm protection your roof is by far the most important part of your home and as you know Melbourne storms can be unpredictable and quite ferocious. That’s why it’s vital to take good care of your roof gutters well before the storm hits, To ensure the safety of your family.
Check these three things on your roof:
- Cracked, missing or broken roof shingles
- Rusty or damaged flashings (strips of metal formed to weatherproof the edges of roofs and walls)
- Any openings that may need to be sealed
Remember it’s best to identify and address any minor issues before they turn into a massive problem in the future
Clean out your gutters
Your gutters play a major role in protecting your home during heavy rainfall. Because they help the water from the storm to flow freely off your roof.
Now if your roof gutters are clogged up with leaves and debris, this can result in the water being backed up. Which then soaks into your roof shingles, causing damage that can lead to an even bigger more expensive problem down the line.
Remember, safety first! Don’t climb up huge ladders without a professional there to assist you. And definitely don’t go cleaning your gutters out during a storm
After the storm
Once you know for certain the storm has passed, it’s vital for you to hire an experienced Melbourne plumber to assess your roof gutters for any damage. So you can be sure that even minor damage is detected before it turns into a bigger problem. Which also means your home is protected from any future damage.
Keep the roof above your head
Planning before the storm hits can help prevent damage to your home’s most valuable asset: your roof. Melbourne weather can be unpredictable and the storms can be harsh. So preparing your roof gutters is priority to ensure your home’s safety.
Once the storm has passed, its equally important to have your roof gutters inspected by an experienced Melbourne plumber. No one can control the weather, but you can control how prepared you are, before the storm hits this winter.
If you found this helpful, share this article with your friends and family to keep a roof over their head this winter.
Now, over to you, what’s your biggest concern in keeping your home safe this winter?
Nathan is your friendly Melbourne Plumber with over 10 years experience. He’s happy to help you protect your home from storm damage and keep you safe this winter.