Heavy Storms Create Potential Danger Traps In Sydney Homes

The summer storm season has started in Sydney already, and authorities are urging Sydney property to prepare their houses. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher has urged Sydney families to not delay in getting their houses fully prepared for intense summer storms. Mr Gallacher bluntly stated that “undertaking some simple precautions can save lives and properties”.

Sydney has already felt the brunt of some intense wether systems in November, and the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting weather patterns that have the potential to lead to severe storm activity. The official predictions for the coming summer indicate a wetter than normal season for the northeast coast of New South Wales, which will increase the risk of flooding.

On November 8, the Western Suburbs of Sydney felt the full force of an intense storm cell, which lifted the roofs off buildings and flooded roads. Strong winds, heavy rain and hail caused extensive damage throughout Mount Druit, Ingleburn and Penrith. The roof of the Carnes Hill shopping centre collapsed, and cleanup works are still ongoing. Blocked gutters increased the damage in a number of properties, as water leaked down through structural joints as the rain poured down. Property owners are being encouraged to check their houses for plaster water damage. During heavy rainstorms water can leak through the roof cavity and pool up on the ceiling of houses, and leak down the walls. When the water permeates the gypsum, it weakens the structural integrity of the wall and the drywall can crumble and fall.

A Salvation Army bell-ringer recently found out the dangerous consequences of water damaged plasterboard, when she was hit by falling plaster in an entryway to a shopping centre. Fire Fighters discovered that the plaster was water damaged from a ceiling leak.

Homeowners should inspect their ceilings and plaster walls following intense summer rainstorms. Bubbling paint, discoloration, mould, dampness, bulging walls and irregular lines are all signs of plaster water damage. The drywall repair should be undertaken as soon as possible to prevent further damage and the risk of injury. Tavun Atkins the director of Method Plaster and Drywall Repair based in Sydney's Northern Beaches recommends homeowners use a professional drywall tradesman to repair water damage, as poor quality jobs will just be a breeding ground for mould. Mr Atkins states “ensure that the area is completely dry before the job starts, and make sure that the leak is repaired so that further damage does not occur”.

To prepare their homes for the summer storm season, New South Wales residents are also being encouraged to check that their insurance policies are current and adequate. New South Wales State Emergency Commissioner Murray Kear encouraged homeowners to “make sure that your insurance policy provides cover for the types of events specific to your location, and consider what level of cover you are insured for”.

Sydney residents looking for more information on preparing their homes for summer storms can contact the State Emergency Service who have released a number of publications specific for the 2012-13 storm season. Individuals seeking advice on water damaged plaster repair and inspection can contact Tavun Atkins at Method Plaster on 0409 597 587.