When considering a new build or renovation project to your existing home, you may consider upgrading and installing screens or shutters to protect your doors and windows against wild weather.
It’s not just your walls that should be weather-proof. It’s also important that the glazed elements of your home, like windows, have the ability to survive damage from external weather conditions. Also consider the water penetration performance of your windows and ensure they have required wind ratings.
In One House, we protected the windows by setting mesh screens away from the glass. These were also supported by a balustrade which increased the strength of the wind resistance.
You can also look at adding an extra layer of protection to windows by installing external shutters that cover your windows. These will help protect your home in the case of a cyclone or storm. Shutters can help to secure your window glass in case of high winds and flying debris.
When considering a new build or renovation, consider strong fixtures that can withstand high winds, debris and heavy rain. It is also recommended to reinforce garage doors to prevent them blowing in.
Doors and windows can fail due to wind pressure or can be broken by flying debris, so you may want to install corrosion-resistant door and window hardware. In addition, impact resistant screens (either permanent or temporary) are recommended for the protection of windows and doors.
Water ingress through weep holes and gaps in windows can lead to considerable damage bills even after a small weather event.
For One House, we installed doors that were fitted using a top hung track system and a flush threshold. This allows water to escape through the building openings and limits the possibility of doors becoming jammed by debris following an inundation event.
Here are some extra things to consider to make your home storm ready if you have to act quickly:
For more information, there are guidelines from the QRA for flood and cyclone resilient building guidance.
The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.
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From the simple to the complex, see which upgrades can help better protect your home.
Natural hazard resilience has long been a focus for Suncorp, with many other initiatives both existing and in progress. Suncorp Insurance’s Cyclone Resilience Benefit was introduced in 2016 and is available for eligible Home Insurance customers in North Queensland. Customers who undertake eligible upgrades to their home’s cyclone readiness may get a reduction on their Suncorp Home Insurance premium4.
An Australian first for Home Insurance. It’s our commitment to help create more resilient homes. It means that if your home is substantially damaged, we’ll rebuild it stronger with recommended resilience options up to $10,000, in addition to your sum insured, all designed to help withstand severe weather5.
Helping build a more resilient Queensland together.
Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 (AAI) trading as Suncorp Insurance. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before buying any insurance products. The Target Market Determination is also available. The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.
4. A premium reduction may be available to eligible Suncorp Home or Landlord Insurance customers, with properties above tropic of Capricorn, within 100km from the coast and with certain risk mitigation measures. Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions apply. Find out more.
5. Cover applies to claims with building damage over $50,000 or 10% of sum insured, whichever is highest. Resilience improvements are tiered according to level of cover up to $10,000. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before you make any decision regarding this product.
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