How to prepare your Brisbane home for storm season
Before storm season, clear gutters and downpipes, check the roof and drains, trim branches near the house and secure or store outdoor items. Cleaning gutters and drains is the most useful first step because blocked water causes much of the damage.
Brisbane's storm season runs through the warmer months, and storms can arrive fast. A few hours of preparation before the first big one is usually worth it. This checklist focuses on cleaning and maintenance. For structural or electrical concerns, talk to a qualified tradesperson.
1. Gutters and downpipes
Leaves, flowers and silt block gutters, and a blocked gutter overflows into the fascia, walls and sometimes the ceiling. Clear every run, and flush the downpipes to make sure they flow. See our gutter cleaning guide.
2. The roof
- Look for cracked, slipped or missing tiles, and loose flashing
- Check valleys for debris
- Have heavy moss or lichen treated, because it holds water
3. Drains and stormwater
Clear grates, pits and drains around the yard and driveway so water has somewhere to go.
4. Trees and branches
Trim branches that overhang the roof or lean toward the house. Larger tree work should be done by a qualified arborist.
5. Outdoor items
- Secure or store furniture, pots, umbrellas and trampolines
- Check fences and gates
- Make sure pool covers and equipment are secure
6. Solar panels
Dirty panels perform worse, and storms drop a lot of debris on them. A clean before summer helps. See our solar panel guide.
7. Do it before, not after
Cleaning gutters after a storm means dealing with wet, heavy debris and any damage that has already happened. Doing it before is easier and cheaper.
Questions, answered
When is the best time to clean gutters in Brisbane?
Before storm season, and again after heavy leaf drop. Properties near trees may need more frequent cleaning.
Can blocked gutters really cause damage?
Yes. Overflowing water can damage fascia, walls and ceilings, and standing water in gutters can corrode them.
Should I clean the roof as well?
If the roof has heavy moss or debris, treating it at the same time is worth it, because it holds moisture and sheds debris into the gutters.
Need gutter cleaning?
Get a clear, itemised quote, usually within one business day.
