How to Prepare Your Roof, Gutters and Downpipes During a Cyclone

Posted on: 25 March 2015

A cyclone is forecast, and in addition to moving your family to safety, you also want to ensure your home is secure from threats. There are so many things you can do to secure a home during a tropical cyclone, but you want to pay special attention to your roof, gutters and downpipes.

Here are the top five things you need to do to protect these items during a cyclone.

1. Trim overhanging tree branches

Falling tree branches can cause massive damage during a cyclone. To ensure your roof is safe from a potential hit, have a tree specialist come in and trim overhanging branches.

In addition to thinking about your roof, remember to think about your neighbour's home as well. If one of your tree branches falls on your neighbour's house, you may be held liable for the damage.

2. Secure your roof with straps or clips

Roofs can blow off in cyclones, but you can add an extra layer of safety to your roof by strapping or clipping the roof to the frame of your house. Do not attempt this on your own. Instead hire a roofing professional to handle securing your roof in this way.

3. Reattach downpipes and gutters

Even if the cyclonic winds aren't strong enough to blow off your roof, they can blow off downpipes or gutters. If these objects are dislocated from your house, they could easily fly into a window or cause other property damage.

Have a gutter expert look at your gutters and downpipes and ensure they are firmly attached to your roof and home. If applicable, add extra straps or clips to these items as well to make them super attached.

4. Clean your gutters to allow water to flow easily

In addition to being attached, gutters should be prepared to do their job. They need to collect rainwater and divert it from your house. Make sure they are cleaned and prepared. Without them in working order, your home may suffer water damage.   

5. Detach water collection barrels

If you have water collection barrels connected to your downpipes, consider detaching them if a cyclone is projected. Of course, it rains during cyclones, but in some cases, the water hitting your home isn't pure rain. Instead, it is water being blown around, and it may have dirt or debris in it. It may not be safe to collect and drink that water.  

For more information, check out companies such as Guttercraft Melbourne .

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