Protect your home from stormwater damage

Summer flooding is a real threat to southeast Queensland homes each year. Councils spend a lot of time throughout the year getting stormwater drains ready for the deluge which comes with warm weather storms. They make it a priority to ensure the rainwater is washed into waterways effectively, and without obstruction, to protect homes and infrastructure. Heavy rainwater is not just a council issue, as an SEQ resident, you can do your bit to protect your home from small-scale flood damage this year.

Issues which can occur due to bad drainage

Water damage does not only come from rushing torrents of rain, your home can feel the destructive effects of storms from steadily falling rain building up quickly or the slow, steady corruption from repeated episodes of dampness.

• Water backing up into the roof cavity from blocked gutters
• Blocked gutters filled with water can be very heavy, often causing the gutter itself to break away from the roof either partially or altogether.
• Even a slight drop caused by a roof leak can cause extensive damage to ceilings, internal walls and potentially furniture and personal belongings.
• Damage to foundations, paths, driveways and paving from water pooling around the house
• Issues can occur when flooding stormwater carries with it anything it can accumulate.
• Damp walls and roof space due to rainwater not escaping from your home can create the perfect environment for the growth of mould and mildew.

Keeping your home water damage free

Dictating where the water is going to flow through your house and property and allowing it to quickly get away will prevent issues throughout the summer rains. This can be achieved by:

• keeping well-maintained roofs and gutters which are clear of debris and leaf build-up
• freeing downpipes of blockages and repairing breaks or cracks
• keeping drains below downpipes clear of dirt or garden debris
• ensuring if you collect rainwater in a tank the overflow is clear. In tanks where vermin mesh is fitted blockages easily occur which can prevent excess water from getting out, which in turn can lead to the backing up of water around the building.
• clearing an area around drain openings to allow for a substantial amount of water which can accumulate temporarily during heavy rain. Move pot plants, garden equipment, toys and garden furniture to prevent damage and blockages.
• checking for pooling around drain grates when it rains, this could indicate the drain is partially blocked. It is important to unblock drains before the storm season begins.
• trimming overhanging tree branches to prevent them from becoming an issue during a storm. Branches can fall and break roofs and guttering or just block water from escaping the roof easily.
• clearing the garden area of excess loose soil, mulch and garden waste to prevent it from being carried into stormwater drains and causing them to block.

Preparing your property for the heavy rain is the best way to increase your chances of getting through summer storms unscathed. This is especially important if you are going to be away from your home for the holidays. A few hours of storm preparation could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

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