With recent movement and hardening in the strata insurance market, the potential for insurance claims related to water damage is always a shared concern for Owners Corporations in Victoria. While routine maintenance of your property will go far to mitigate preventable water damage, there also things that each owner can do to reduce the risk of water damage due to weather events.

We’ve put together some tips to help you protect your home from weather related water damages:

• ‍‍Regularly check your garden drains, courtyard drains, and balcony drains, ensuring drain points are free from obstruction as well as debris and blockages.
• Caulking of windows, flashings, and external tiled areas should be done approximately every 5 years but it’s always a good idea to check these areas for damage or deterioration once every year. Unfortunately some bird species find caulking materials irresistible!
• Regularly inspect and check the seals and caulking around any skylights.
• Roof gutter systems should be checked and cleaned annually as an absolute minimum. Rain heads and box gutters should be checked seasonally as these can be perfect nesting points for some of our furry and feathered natives in dryer weather.
• Areas of your roof may collect leaf debris which can be pushed down towards gutters during heavy rainfall. When arranging for your gutters to be cleaned, always ask the technician to check other areas and clear any build-up of debris at the same time.
• When arranging for your gutters to be cleaned, always ask the technician to inspect any roof tile systems and roof sheets for signs of wear, damage, and deterioration so that you are aware of any required maintenance.
• Regularly monitor internal plastered walls and ceilings to assist in identifying changes as soon as they appear.
• Localised mould can often be a sign of excessive moisture within/beneath plastered areas. Always consult a specialist when experiencing mould within your home.
• Where high winds are forecast, always secure windows, awnings, and louvres to prevent damage, and ensure any furniture on your balcony or in your courtyard such as tables, chairs, and umbrellas are safely secured.
• Hail events are often unexpected and damage can sometimes appear without warning. Following a significant hail event, always check your home for signs of leaks and ensure drainage points are clear from obstructions.
• We all love our planter boxes and potted plants, but its important to make sure their placement in your courtyard or on your balcony doesn’t interrupt the drainage design of the area, or create excess weight loading on balconies as this can damage the waterproof membrane and construction materials beneath.
• To ensure help can be mobilised quickly in an instance of major water or weather damage, always have a list of emergency trades and contacts stored in a safe space.
• Lastly, always check your gumboots for eight-legged friends before adventuring off puddle jumping!