Winter Wind Damage? Here’s What to Do and Who to Call

If you’ve ever been woken in the middle of the night by howling winds rattling your windows, you’ll know winter in Australia isn’t always all soft blankets and hot cuppas. In many parts of the country—especially along the coast and in elevated areas—winter brings strong gusts that can wreak havoc on homes and gardens.

Fallen branches, damaged roofs, loose fencing, and scattered debris can quickly turn into costly repairs if left unattended. So what should you do if your place cops a bit of a battering from winter winds? And who should you call to sort it out before it gets worse?

Let’s break it down.

1. Assess the Damage – Safely

First things first: safety. After a windy event, walk around your property (when it’s safe to do so) and check for obvious signs of damage. Look for:

• Loose or missing roof tiles or sheeting

• Broken or hanging branches

• Fences leaning or fallen

• Outdoor furniture or play equipment that’s shifted or blown over

• Water ingress or leaks, especially in the ceiling or near windows

If you suspect electrical damage—like fallen power lines or flickering lights—don’t touch anything. Call an electrician immediately.

2. Take Photos for Insurance

Before you start cleaning up, take clear photos or videos of any damage. These will be handy if you need to make an insurance claim. Even if you’re not sure whether you’ll lodge a claim, it’s better to have the visual evidence just in case.

3. Temporarily Prevent Further Damage

You don’t need to wait for the cavalry before doing some basic damage control. If it’s safe to do so:

• Cover holes in the roof or broken windows with a tarp or heavy plastic

• Tie down any loose items in your yard

• Move valuables away from areas where water could get in

These quick fixes can help prevent small issues from becoming major headaches.

4. Call the Right Tradies

Now’s the time to bring in the pros. Depending on the type of damage, you might need:

• Roofers – for anything related to missing tiles, leaks, or structural issues

• Tree removal experts or arborists – to deal with fallen or dangerous branches

• Fencing contractors – to repair or replace blown-over or unstable fences

• General handymen – for smaller fixes like gutter repairs, reattaching loose items, or sealing leaks

That’s where ServiceSeeking.com.au comes in. Just post a job and local tradies will quote you—often within minutes. Whether it’s an urgent fix or something that can wait until the weekend, you’ll be able to compare reviews, prices, and availability easily.

5. Don’t Delay – Wind Damage Can Snowball

It’s tempting to put off repairs, especially if it’s just “a few loose tiles” or “a bit of a leak.” But winter weather tends to come in waves, and one storm can weaken your home just enough for the next one to cause real damage.

For example:

• A small roof leak can become mould or ceiling to collapse

• A leaning fence can completely fall over, damaging your neighbour’s property

• A cracked tree branch can drop in the next wind, posing a danger to people or pets

The sooner you deal with it, the cheaper and safer it’ll be.

6. Prepare for the Next One

Once everything’s patched up, take it as a wake-up call to prep your home for the rest of the season. A few ideas:

• Trim back trees to avoid future branch damage

• Secure loose outdoor items (think bins, furniture, toys)

• Check your roof and gutters – or better yet, have a tradie do it

• Inspect fences and gates for weak spots

These small steps can make a big difference the next time Mother Nature decides to huff and puff.

7. Why Hiring Through ServiceSeeking Makes Sense

You might be tempted to DIY a few fixes or ask a mate for help—and that’s fair enough for small jobs. But winter wind damage often involves safety concerns, structural integrity, and insurance compliance.

By hiring a licensed tradie through a trusted marketplace like ServiceSeeking.com.au, you get:

• Verified professionals with ratings and reviews

• Competitive quotes from multiple providers

• Peace of mind knowing you’re hiring someone qualified

• The ability to book urgent or scheduled repairs in just a few clicks

It takes the guesswork (and the legwork) out of finding someone reliable.

Don’t Let Winter Blow You Off Course

Winter in Australia can be unpredictable, and strong winds are part of the package. But with a little preparation, a quick response, and the right tradies on speed dial, you can get back to cosy nights and warm brekkies without the stress.

Got a job that needs doing? Jump on ServiceSeeking.com.au, post your task, and let the tradies come to you. Simple as that.