Keep cyclones from ruining your home
A SIMPLE plastic sheet taped to the inside of your window could save your home in a cyclone, new research shows.
James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, in a report commissioned by Suncorp and IAG, identified an easy to install mitigation initiative to stop major damage to homes caused by winddriven water ingress.
Cyclone Testing Station chief engineer David Henderson said after testing several solutions, they found an easy way for homeowners to stop water coming through windows and sliding doors – a strip of plastic sheet taped on the inside of the window.
“The plastic sheet increased the height of the window sill, caught the water and allowed it to drain via the weep holes,” he said.
Mr Henderson said winddriven rain was likely to enter through gaps around window seals or doors, under missing or damaged flashings and gutters, or through eaves.
“The water damage was largely caused to plasterboard wall linings and ceilings, floor coverings, electricity wiring, cabinetry and personal items,” he said.
The report also found North Queenslanders who took steps to strengthen their property’s resilience before Cyclone Marcia and Cyclone Debbie had far less damage to their properties.
Suncorp spokesman Joshua Cooney said there were simple ways people could increase their home’s resilience.
“All it requires is a little preparation to save heartache and stress,” he said.
“Everyone should be trimming trees, checking gutters, and scanning the property for loose objects that could turn into a missile during a cyclone.
Mr Cooney also said people should put together a cyclone kit.
The report revealed 70 per cent of strata property claims included damage caused by water ingress, despite most properties withstanding severe structural damage.
Cyclone Sunday is on this weekend to help Townsville residents prepare for natural disasters ahead of the wet season. The event is at Strand Park on Sunday from 3- 6pm.
Keep connected this cyclone season with a Ryobi 1200W petrol generator. Simply find the daily code word in the
from November 3- 8 ( total of five) and enter them along with your details for your chance to win one of five generators.