By Zeke Stankov
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October 8, 2025
Australia is seeing more frequent and intense storms. From damaging hail in Queensland to coastal deluges in NSW—weather extremes are no longer rare. Recent Bureau of Meteorology data show an uptick in storms that cause large property damage. Waiting for damage to happen is costly. Proactive building assessment beats reactive repairs. And catching issues early saves money, protects safety and reduces stress. Key Storm Vulnerabilities in Buildings Storms stress every part of a building. Some weak points take damage first. Knowing where those are, helps you act ahead of time. • Roofing systems Roofs take a beating. Strong winds may lift or break tiles. Gutters can clog or detach. Flashing (the metal strips around joins and chimneys) can be torn or shifted. Any of these allow wind or water in. • Windows and doors Windows and doors must seal tightly. If seals fail, water penetrates. Frames may warp in strong wind, or hinges and locks weaken. In many buildings, windows don’t have storm-rated coverings or shutters. • External walls Walls are more than an aesthetic shell—they keep storms out. Cracks in masonry or render let water seep in. Cladding that’s improperly fixed or deteriorated can peel off or allow water entry. Also, concrete spalling (when concrete surface flakes or chips away) exposes steel reinforcements to water, which worsens the damage. • Drainage systems If water can’t run away fast enough, it builds up. Roof water, run-off from hard surfaces, clogged downpipes, or blocked stormwater drains all cause pooling. This leads to flooding, erosion around foundations, leaks, or undermining of structural soil support. What is magnesite removal – understanding what it is and when you should get it. Essential Pre‑Storm Preparations You want your building to face a storm without surprises. Some things you can do yourself. Others need expert hands. Start now, well before heavy rain and wind hit. Immediate actions include - 1. Clean gutters, downspouts and stormwater drains. Remove leaves, debris and obstructions. 2. Secure or remove loose objects around the property—outside furniture, signs, or loose roofing elements. 3. Check seals around windows, doors and roof penetrations. Replace or repair worn sealing strips, flashing, and weather-strips. DIY inspections work for visible damage and maintenance. But call in concrete repair contractors or remedial building specialists when you notice structural cracks; when concrete spalling or concrete cancer appears; or when complex waterproofing, roofing, or structural reinforcement seems needed. Experts can uncover hidden damage. They have tools to test moisture, strength, reinforcement corrosion, etc. Warning Signs Your Concrete is Spalling Storm damage shows itself early if you know what to look for. Don’t wait for a big crisis. Watch for small failures—they’re often the first sign. • Water stains or dampness Stained ceilings, walls, or patches of mould inside are bad news. They mean water is getting through somewhere. Could be roof, wall, or even ground water. • Visible cracks in walls or foundations Hairline cracks may widen under pressure. Cracks in foundations or load‑bearing walls can signal serious structural issues. Early repair is cheaper and safer. • Loose or missing roof materials Tiles shifted, metal roof sheets loose, broken flashings, missing ridge caps—all invite water and wind damage. • Poor drainage around the building Pooling water near foundations. Guttering overflowing. Soft soil around walls. All raise risk of water ingress, erosion, and foundation movement. Understanding signs that show your building’s concrete needs repair . Professional Storm‑Proofing Services Some work requires specialist tools, knowledge and techniques. Professional help makes a difference. It ensures your building not only weathers one storm but many. • Structural assessments and waterproofing Experts can test structural strength, check reinforcement corrosion, assess moisture absorption. They can apply waterproofing membranes, sealants, coatings, moisture barriers. This includes dealing with concrete spalling or concrete cancer to prevent deterioration of key load‑bearing elements. • Roof repairs and reinforcement Repair or replace damaged roofing tiles, metal sheeting, ridge caps and flashings. Reinforce roof trusses if needed. Ensure gutters and downpipes are securely fixed and correctly sized. • Window and door upgrades Install storm‑rated windows, reinforced frames, proper sealing. Add shutters or storm panels. Replace damaged seals and tracks. • Drainage improvements Ensure gutters, downpipes and stormwater drains are clean, properly pitched, sized. Redirect soil slope away from foundations. Install or maintain surface and subsurface drains where needed. The Cost of Being Unprepared Skipping preparation seems cheaper—until something breaks. The financial, safety, and operational costs of storm damage add up fast. • Emergency repair costs vs preventive maintenance Emergency storm repairs can cost many times more. Fixing a collapsed roof or flooded basement eats into budgets. Regular maintenance and repairs—such as work by concrete repair contractors—cost far less over time. • Insurance complications and claim rejections Insurers expect maintenance. If you can’t prove you regularly looked after your building, claims may be denied. Unreported damage (like ongoing spalling or unseen leaks) will weaken your case. • Business disruption and safety risks Storm damage can shut down operations. Employees or residents may be unsafe. Slip or fall hazards, structural collapse risks, mould illness all come from deferred maintenance. Contact Concrete Repair Contractors Your building can withstand the storms ahead—but only if you act now. By spotting weaknesses in your roof, windows, walls or drainage; by taking preparatory steps; and by hiring the right professionals, you protect your structure, your people, and your wallet. If you want to know whether your building is storm‑ready, Southern Remedial Solutions can help. We offer inspections, concrete spalling and cancer repair, waterproofing, roof and window upgrades, and drainage services to make buildings safer and more resilient. Contact us today at 0431 070 373 for a no‑obligation on‑site assessment. Let’s get ahead of the next storm—before it hits.